bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into damping ratios in buildings
Authors: Cruz Cristian , Miranda Eduardo
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes how soil–structure interaction affects the overall damping ratio of multistory buildings and compares theoretical results with empirical data inferred from seismic responses of buildings in California. A method is presented for obtaining effective periods and damping ratios of a replacement fixed‐base multiple‐degree‐of‐freedom structure capable of reproducing the response of a structure with a rigid, circular foundation, sitting on an elastic half‐space. Sensitivity analyses are then conducted to assess the parameters influencing the soil–structure interaction. It is shown that for a given shear wave velocity of the soil, the aspect ratio is the parameter that primarily affects the effective damping ratio. For the fundamental mode, the effective damping ratio decreases approximately hyperbolically with increasing building height, causing an increment of effective damping in squatty structures, while for slender structures the effective damping ratio is reduced. These analytical results are compared with damping ratios inferred from seismic responses of buildings in California. It is shown that the variation of effective damping ratio with building height, computed analytically, closely follows the median trend of the empirical data, indicating that the reduction in damping ratios with increasing building height that has been reported in various studies is primarily due to soil–structure interaction. Finally, it is shown that effective damping ratios of higher modes increase with increasing effective modal frequency, matching the trend in empirical data. The results of this investigation are of paramount importance, as they suggest that soil–structure interaction primarily controls the overall damping ratio of buildings subjected to earthquakes.
Blockchain privacy‐preserving smart contract centric multiplemultipartykey agreement over largeWANETs
Authors: Naresh Vankamamidi Srinivasa , Allavarpu V. V. L. Divakar , Reddi Sivaranjani
Published: November 2020

With the rapid increase in the popularity of groupware applications whose security mainly relied on the key being used, which made multi‐party/group secret key agreements significant. However, the brute‐force attacks to interpret the group key made group communication vulnerable. The logical solution to overcome this is changing the group key frequently. In this direction, we propose blockchain‐based multiple shared keys agreement among a group of participants. As with conventional methods, the proposed protocol does not rely on strong random number generation and/or master key. In this technique, the privacy‐preserving smart contract acts as group controller (GC) and forms two parties with each of the other nodes. The GC, while generating these two‐party keys in the first round instead of exchanging one public key, it exchanges “m” public keys with each of the other nodes and generatesm2shared two‐party keys with each of the respective nodes. Now in the second round, GC generatesm2sequential products of two‐party shared keys and stores them securely as private data objects in the privacy‐preserving smart contract. Next GC computesm2sequential public keys to each of the respective nodes by multiplying these products with the inverse of individual members shared keys sequentially of the group nodes in trusted execution environment and shares them with respective group nodes. On receiving respective public keys, each group node computes the multiple multiparty shared keys by multiplying it with their individual shared keys. Furthermore, an upper limit for the number of shared keys obtained in terms of the number of keys exchanged.
How does the strength of selection influence genetic correlations?
Authors: Chantepie Stéphane , Chevin Luis-Miguel
Published: November 2020

Genetic correlations between traits can strongly impact evolutionary responses to selection, and may thus impose constraints on adaptation. Theoretical and empirical work has made it clear that without strong linkage and with random mating, genetic correlations at evolutionary equilibrium result from an interplay of correlated pleiotropic effects of mutations, and correlational selection favoring combinations of trait values. However, it is not entirely clear how change in the overall strength of stabilizing selection across traits (breadth of the fitness peak, given its shape) influences this compromise between mutation and selection effects on genetic correlation. Here, we show that the answer to this question crucially depends on the intensity of genetic drift. In large, effectively infinite populations, genetic correlations are unaffected by the strength of selection, regardless of whether the genetic architecture involves common small-effect mutations (Gaussian regime), or rare large-effect mutations (House-of-Cards regime). In contrast in finite populations, the strength of selection does affect genetic correlations, by shifting the balance from drift-dominated to selection-dominated evolutionary dynamics. The transition between these domains depends on mutation parameters to some extent, but with a similar dependence of genetic correlation on the strength of selection. Our results are particularly relevant for understanding how senescence shapes patterns of genetic correlations across ages, and genetic constraints on adaptation during colonization of novel habitats.
Normative values of muscle strength across ages in a ‘real world’ population: results from the longevity check‐up 7+ project
Authors: Landi Francesco , Calvani Riccardo , Martone Anna Maria , Salini Sara , Zazzara Maria Beatrice , Candeloro Matteo , Coelho‐Junior Hélio José , Tosato Matteo , Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: November 2020

Background

Low muscle strength is a powerful predictor of negative health‐related events and a key component of sarcopenia. The lack of normative values for muscle strength across ages hampers the practical appraisal of this parameter. The aim of the present study was to produce normative values for upper and lower extremity muscle strength across a wide spectrum of ages, in a large sample of community‐dwellers recruited in the Longevity check‐up (Lookup) 7+ project.

Methods

Lookup 7+ is an ongoing project that started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (i.e. exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns) across Italy with the aim of fostering the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the general population. Candidate participants are eligible for enrolment if they are 18+ years and provide written informed consent. Upper and lower extremity muscle strength is assessed by handgrip strength and five‐repetition chair‐stand [5 × sit‐to‐stand (STS)] tests, respectively. Cross‐sectional centile and normative values for handgrip strength and 5 × STS tests from age 18 to 80+ years were generated for the two genders. Smoothed normative curves for the two tests were constructed for men and women using the lambda‐mu‐sigma method.

Results

From 1 June 2015 to 30 May 2019, 11 448 participants were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 55.6 years (standard deviation: 11.5 years; range: 18–98 years), and 6382 (56%) were women. Normative values for handgrip strength and the 5 × STS test, both absolute and normalized by body mass index, were obtained for men and women, stratified by age groups. Values of upper and lower extremity muscle strength across ages identified three periods in life: an increase to peak in young age and early adulthood (18–24 years), preservation through midlife (25–44 years), and a decline from midlife onwards (45+ years).

Conclusions

Our study established age‐specific and gender‐specific percentile reference values for handgrip strength and the 5 × STS test. The normative curves generated can be used to interpret the assessment of muscle strength in everyday practice for the early detection of individuals with or at risk of sarcopenia.
Extremal total distance of graphs of given radius I
Authors: Cambie Stijn
Published: November 2020

In 1984, Plesník determined the minimum total distance for given order and diameter and characterized the extremal graphs and digraphs. We prove the analog for given order and radius, when the order is sufficiently large compared to the radius. This confirms asymptotically a conjecture of Chen et al. We also state an analog of the conjecture of Chen et al for digraphs and prove it for sufficiently large order.
Using apheresis‐derived cells to augment microdrilling in the treatment of chondral defects in an ovine model
Authors: Henson Frances , Lydon Helen , Birch Mark , Brooks Roger , McCaskie Andrew
Published: November 2020

The treatment of chondral defects using microdrilling often results in a mechanically weak fibrocartilagenous repair, rather than a more robust hyaline cartilage repair. Many different microfracture/microdrilling augmentation techniques have been described, including the use of cellular products to enhance healing. Autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells can be obtained via apheresis after administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and have been used successfully to augment microdrilling in clinical patients. The objective of this study was to use apheresis‐derived mononuclear blood cells to augment microdrilling treatment of a cartilage defect in an ovine model to determine the effect on healing. Forty adult female sheep were used in this study and were divided into a control group (microdrilling alone) and a treatment group (microdrilling, hyaluronic acid, and apheretic product). Outcome measurements included weight‐bearing on the operated limb, macroscopic scoring of the joint, histology, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging was used to attempt to identify SPION‐labeled cells from the apheretic product in the operated limbs. The results showed a significant increase in healing as measured by the modified O'Driscoll sore in the treated group. No evidence of homing of SPION‐labeled cells to the defect was found and no correlation was found between the response to G‐CSF administration or concentration of CD34+ and outcome. A correlation was found between healing and the concentration of white blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cell numbers in the apheretic product.
Traumatic joint injury induces acute catabolic bone turnover concurrent with articular cartilage damage in a rat model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Maerz Tristan , Newton Michael D. , Fleischer Mackenzie , Hartner Samantha E. , Gawronski Karissa , Junginger Lucas , Baker Kevin C.
Published: November 2020

Assess acute alterations in bone turnover, microstructure, and histomorphometry following noninvasive anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR). Twelve female Lewis rats were randomized to receive noninvasive ACLR or Sham loading (n = 6/group). In vivo μCT was performed at 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postinjury to quantify compartment‐dependent subchondral (SCB) and epiphyseal trabecular bone remodeling. Near‐infrared (NIR) molecular imaging was used to measure in vivo bone anabolism (800 CW BoneTag) and catabolism (Cat K 680 FAST). Metaphyseal bone remodeling and articular cartilage morphology was quantified using ex vivo μCT and contrast‐enhanced µCT, respectively. Calcein‐based dynamic histomorphometry was used to quantify bone formation. OARSI scoring was used to assess joint degeneration, and osteoclast number was quantified on TRAP stained‐sections. ACLR induced acute catabolic bone remodeling in subchondral, epiphyseal, and metaphyseal compartments. Thinning of medial femoral condyle (MFC) SCB was observed as early as 7 days postinjury, while lateral femoral condyles (LFCs) exhibited SCB gains. Trabecular thinning was observed in MFC epiphyseal bone, with minimal changes to LFC. NIR imaging demonstrated immediate and sustained reduction of bone anabolism (~15%–20%), and a ~32% increase in bone catabolism at 14 days, compared to contralateral limbs. These findings were corroborated by reduced bone formation rate and increased osteoclast numbers, observed histologically. ACLR‐injured femora had significantly elevated OARSI score, cartilage thickness, and cartilage surface deviation. ACL rupture induces immediate and sustained reduction of bone anabolism and overactivation of bone catabolism, with mild‐to‐moderate articular cartilage damage at 14 days postinjury.
Preparing Wildlife for Climate Change: How Far Have We Come?
Authors: LEDee Olivia E. , Handler Stephen D. , Hoving Christopher L. , Swanston Christopher W. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: November 2020

Global biodiversity is in unprecedented decline and on‐the‐ground solutions are imperative for conservation. Although there is a large volume of evidence related to climate change effects on wildlife, research on climate adaptation strategies is lagging. To assess the current state of knowledge in climate adaptation, we conducted a comprehensive literature review and evaluated 1,346 peer‐reviewed publications for management recommendations designed to address the consequences of climate change on wildlife populations. From 509 publications, we identified 2,306 recommendations and employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis. Although we found an increase in the volume and diversity of recommendations since 2007, a focus on protected areas (26%, 596 of 2,306 recommendations) and the non‐reserve matrix (12%, 276 of 2,306 recommendations) remained prominent in the climate adaptation literature. Common concepts include protected areas, invasive species, ecosystem services, adaptive management, stepping stones, assisted migration, and conservation easements. In contrast, only 1% of recommendations focused on reproduction (n = 26), survival (n = 14), disease (n = 26), or human‐wildlife conflict (n = 24). Few recommendations reflected the potential for local‐scale management interventions. We demonstrate limited advancement in preparing natural resource managers in climate adaptation at local, management‐relevant scales. Additional research is needed to identify and evaluate climate adaptation strategies aimed at reducing the vulnerability of wildlife to contemporary climate change. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Anti‐Thermal‐Quenching Bi3+ Luminescence in a Cyan‐Emitting Ba2ZnGe2O7:Bi Phosphor Based on Zinc Vacancy
Authors: Wei Yi , Yang Hang , Gao Zhiyu , Yun Xiaohan , Xing Gongcheng , Zhou Chenggang , Li Guogang
Published: November 2020

Thermal quenching (TQ) of phosphor is one of the biggest challenges to develop high‐quality white light‐emitting diodes (w‐LEDs). Herein, an anti‐thermal‐quenching (anti‐TQ) property in cyan‐emitting Ba2ZnGe2O7:Bi3+ phosphor is reported. At 150 °C, its emission intensity increases to 114% of the original intensity at 25 °C. Especially, the integrated emission intensity reaches 138%, 148%, and 134% at 150, 200, and 250 °C, respectively, by artificially creating zinc and oxygen vacancy defect. The anti‐TQ phenomenon is mainly attributed to high structure rigidity and strong ability to compensate emission loss during thermal generation process. Thermal‐induced emission compensation mainly stems from self‐oxidization behavior of Bi2+ in zinc vacancy and the presence of oxygen vacancy defect. Oxygen vacancy is induced by native zinc vacancy and charge imbalance between Bi3+ and Ba2+ ions. The strategy to create oxygen vacancy defect and design self‐oxidization process of Bi opens a new insight to exploit anti‐TQ phosphors for high‐quality w‐LEDs applications.
Preparation of block poly (phthalazinone ether ketone) with excellent thermoforming properties through precursors containing ketimines
Authors: Zhang Rui , Bao Feng , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: November 2020

Poly(phthalazinone ether nitrile ketone)s (PPENK), as a kind of special engineering plastic, owns various excellent properties. However, high melt viscosity of it brings certain difficulty to processing and restricts its application. In this study, to solve this without decreasing thermal and mechanical properties, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was introduced into PPENK (a kind of PPEK) to prepare a new block polymer, PPENK‐b‐PEEK (Block), through the way of precursor. Due to poor solubility of PEEK, ketimines were introduced to improve its solubility and make molecular weights of it easy to control. FTIR, 1H‐NMR, DSC, TGA, WAXD, the universal test and the rheometer were used to characterize structures and properties of Block. Results showed that the introduction of PEEK into PPENK resulted low melt viscosity, which significantly improved thermoforming performances, and this improvement was enhanced as molecular weights of PEEK were increased. In a word, a novel block polymer with excellent thermoforming performances, heat resistance, mechanical properties was prepared successfully in this way.
Registration of ‘Devote’ soft white winter wheat
Authors: Carter A.H. , Balow K.A. , Shelton G.B. , Burke A.B. , Hagemeyer K.E. , Stowe A. , Worapong J. , Higginbotham R.W. , Chen X.M. , Engle D.A. , Murray T.D. , Morris C.F.
Published: November 2020

The development of soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars requires numerous traits to be successfully commercialized in the low‐ to intermediate‐rainfall (<400‐mm average annual precipitation) wheat production regions of the state of Washington, including winterhardiness, high grain volume weight, acceptable end‐use quality, and resistance to stripe rust, Fusarium crown rot (FCR), strawbreaker foot rot, and snow mold. Two essential traits for the low‐ to intermediate‐rainfall production regions of the state are emergence from deep planting and high grain yield under low annual rainfall conditions. ‘Devote’ (Reg. no. CV‐1170, PI 693628) SWW wheat was developed and released in March 2019 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Devote is a semi‐dwarf cultivar adapted for the low‐ to intermediate‐rainfall wheat production regions of the state, emerges well under deep planting conditions, and is winter hardy. Devote has high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to the stripe rust pathogen, carries the Pch1 gene for strawbreaker foot rot, is resistant to FCR and tolerant to snow mold, is intermediate in height, has late‐season maturity, and has high grain volume weight and grain yield. The end‐use quality properties of Devote are acceptable for cookie, cake, and cracker production.
The impact of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with severe atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mansour Noha O. , Mohamed Amal Ahmed , Hussein Maha , Eldemiry Eman , Daifalla Aliaa , Hassanin Soha , Nassar Nourelhuda , Ghaith Doaa , Mohamed Salah Eman
Published: November 2020

Vitamin D supplementation with standard treatment yielded positive clinical outcomes in mild and moderate atopic dermatitis; however, the potential benefit of vitamin D in severe cases remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on response to standard treatment in pediatrics with severe atopic dermatitis. The patients were randomized to receive either vitamin D 3 1600 IU/day or placebo, plus baseline therapy of topical 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were the change in mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at the end of the study and the mean percent change in EASI score from baseline to week 12. Eighty‐six subjects completed the study. The treated group achieved a significant higher level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D (P < .001) compared to control group at week 12. The mean EASI score was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to placebo group (P = .035). The percent change in EASI score from baseline differed significantly between the supplementation (56.44 ± 29.33) and placebo (42.09 ± 19.22) groups after intervention (P = .039). Vitamin D supplementation could be an effective adjuvant treatment that improves the clinical outcomes in severe atopic dermatitis.
Synergistic effects of gamma irradiation on the PET surface and heat treatment of hydrotalcite catalyst supported by Pt/TiO2 nanoparticles on PET depolymerization rate
Authors: Bahramian Alireza
Published: November 2020

Acquiring new methods to achieve the products with lesser molecular weight associated with minimum energy consumption in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recycling can improve the glycolysis reaction performance. The synergistic effects of gamma irradiation on the properties of PET wastes and heat treatment on the catalytic activity of novel hydrotalcite supported by 2‐wt% Pt/TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. The PET samples treated by different gamma irradiation doses, γ, were degraded by glycolysis, which resulted in an increased yield of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer. The XPS analysis showed that the calcination temperature of the catalyst, T, affects the strength of the acid and/or basic sites of catalyst, degradation products, and reaction time. The NH3‐temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) analysis showed the interaction between TiO2 and Pt led to a wide distribution of middle strength acid sites. Processing of PET by gamma irradiation showed that the average molecular weight of degradation products and reaction time decreased by increasing gamma dose. The composition (wt%) analysis indicated that the highest values of yield and selectivity of BHET were achieved in the optimum values of γ = 70 kGy and T = 450°C. The proposed procedure helps to attain minimize the residual oligomers and unreacted species during PET recycling.
Cutaneous Sequelae of a National Health Crisis: Obesity and the Skin
Authors: Cotter C. , Walsh S.
Published: November 2020

Background

The global obesity pandemic has far-reaching health consequences and has become a major global health challenge. The worldwide prevalence of obesity nearly doubled between 1980 and 2008 and based on the latest estimates in the European Union, obesity affects up to 30% of adults. As a consequence of this rising prevalence of obesity, there has been an increase in the frequency of certain disease of the skin.

Objectives

We review the cutaneous sequelae of obesity, firstly describing the physiological consequences of increased adiposity in the skin and secondly examining the dermatoses associated with obesity.
Root causing, detecting, and fixing flaky tests: State of the art and future roadmap
Authors: Zolfaghari Behrouz , Parizi Reza M. , Srivastava Gautam , Hailemariam Yoseph
Published: November 2020

A flaky test is a test that may lead to different results in different runs on a single code under test without any change in the test code. Test flakiness is a noxious phenomenon that slows down software deployment, and increases the expenditures in a broad spectrum of platforms such as software‐defined networks and Internet of Things environments. Industrial institutes and labs have conducted a whole lot of research projects aiming at tackling this problem. Although this issue has been receiving more attention from academia in recent years, the academic research community is still behind the industry in this area. A systematic review and trend analysis on the existing approaches for detecting and root causing flaky tests can pave the way for future research on this topic. This can help academia keep pace with industrial advancements and even lead the research in this field. This article first presents a comprehensive review of recent achievements of the industry as well as academia regarding the detection and mitigation of flaky tests. In the next step, recent trends in this line of research are analyzed and a roadmap is established for future research.
Energy Absorption and Deformation Behavior of 3D Printed Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Stainless Steel Cellular Structures under Compression
Authors: Liang Yingjing , Zhou Wei , Liu Yijie , Li Zhanshuo , Yang Yang , Xi Huifeng , Wu Zhigang
Published: November 2020

This article investigates the energy absorption performance and deformation mechanism of 316L stainless steel (SS316L) triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cellular structures fabricated by a selective laser melting (SLM) technique. The as‐built specimens are subjected to abrasive blasting treatment to improve the surface quality of the printed parts, in order to reveal the true surface and mechanical characteristics of the TPMS structures. It is found that the P‐type structure outperforms the G‐type structure with a higher energy absorption capability at low relative densities (<0.35). The macroscopic examination of these micro‐architectures reveals that the P‐type structure develops a rapid local cell deformation following the diagonal shear geometry on the face sheet, whereas the G‐type structure experiences continuous strain hardening along the stress plateau and deforms in a gradual manner during compression. The apparent strain hardening effect of the G‐type structure is caused by the development of many macro‐localities with extreme geometry distortion and cell wall self‐contacting during compression. The findings in this study may provide valuable insight into design, fabrication, and post‐fabrication treatment of metallic TPMS structures for the applications of high compression performance.
Nurturing Every Learner’s Potential: Education Reform in Kenya
Authors: Fomiškina Jeļena , Woogen Eve , Peiris Ama , Abdulrazzak Somaia , Cameron Emma
Published: November 2020

In Kenya, a broad education reform was implemented after recognizing that the current system was not aligned with the country’s vision of producing globally competitive learners with competencies for the twenty-first century. The implementation process began with a pilot in 2017 and is planned to continue through 2028. In addition to the introduction of a competency-based curriculum, key components of the reform are a commitment to achieving a 100% transition from primary to secondary school by eliminating exam-based barriers to transition and a provision of a wide range of pathways for students to follow. Under the vision of “Nurturing Every Learner’s Potential”, the reform is grounded in the idea that learning should be active and individualized rather than teacher-centric and that schools – including secondary schools – are a place for developing a wide range of competencies and behaviors in addition to the traditional academic skills. In doing so, the government of Kenya seeks to reframe deeply-held cultural perspectives on education’s purpose and content. Such cultural shifts will require significant outreach and training efforts to achieve the buy-in from both families and teachers, and at this stage, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will succeed.
Prognostic significance of S100A8-positive immune cells in relation to other immune cell infiltration in pre-invasive and invasive breast cancers
Authors: Woo Ji Won , Chung Yul Ri , Kim Milim , Choi Hye Yeon , Ahn Soomin , Park So Yeon
Published: November 2020

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an important role in tumor progression through both immunologic and non-immunologic mechanisms. This study was conducted to evaluate the expression of S100A8, a well-known MDSC marker, and the significance of its expression in pre-invasive and invasive breast cancers. S100A8 expression in tumor cells (TCs) and immune cells (ICs) was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and its association with clinicopathologic features and infiltration of other IC subsets including CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PD-L1+ ICs was evaluated. S100A8 expression in TCs and ICs showed a positive correlation in pre-invasive carcinoma and invasive carcinoma. S100A8+ ICs, but not S100A8+ TCs, were significantly higher in number in invasive carcinoma than in pre-invasive carcinoma. Infiltration of S100A8+ ICs was revealed as a poor prognostic indicator in pre-invasive and invasive carcinomas, especially in hormone receptor-positive subgroup. Infiltration of CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+ TIL subsets and PD-L1+ ICs was significantly higher in S100A8+ IC (+) group than in S100A8+ IC (−) group. Combined analyses of IC subset infiltration revealed that infiltration of S100A8+ ICs was associated with poor clinical outcome in the PD-L1+ IC (−), CD8+ TIL-low, and FOXP3+ TIL-low subgroups. In conclusion, S100A8+ ICs seem to undergo a dynamic change during breast cancer progression in association with other IC subset infiltration. The prognostic impact of S100A8+ IC infiltration was greater in less immunogenic tumors.
Impact of Ageing on Hepatic Malignancy Resection: Is Age Really a Risk Factor for Mortality?
Authors: Liu Jianliang , Reid Jessica , Trochsler Markus , Leopardi Lisa , Edwards Suzanne , Maddern Guy
Published: November 2020

Background

With an ageing population, it is paramount for surgeons to comprehend the implications of age on surgical outcomes. This study aims to identify the effects of age on perioperative outcomes post‐hepatectomy.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2017, 357 hepatectomies were performed in our centre for malignancy. Data recorded include demographic, histopathology and perioperative outcomes. Patients were divided into three age groups (Group 1 < 65 years, Group 2 65–74 years, Group 3 ≥ 75 years).

Results

With increasing age, there was a trend towards patient having: ASA ≥ 3 (from 32.1% to 60.9%, p < 0.0001), clear margins (from 80.4% to 88.3%, p = 0.2256), days of hospitalisation (from 9.5 ± 6.9 to 12 ± 8.0, p = 0.0003), days of ICU admission (from 2.3 ± 2.8 to 2.8 ± 12.9, p = 0.0790) and morbidity (from 39% to 58.5%, p = 0.0073). Cardiovascular complications and postoperative delirium increase with age. There was no significant difference in mortality across the three groups. Univariate and bivariate binary logistic regressions found no association between mortality and age. When adjusted for age, 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was significantly associated with Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3, length of hospital and cardiac complications. Additionally, 90‐day mortality was significantly associated with ASA score ≥3, mass of liver resected, length of ICU stay and hepatobiliary, pulmonary and genitourinary complications.

Conclusion

Increased age is associated with increased post‐hepatectomy complications, prolonged hospital stay and ICU admission. However, age itself is not a contraindication for hepatectomy and is not associated with increased mortality. Good histopathology outcomes and low mortality rates are achievable with careful patient selection and appropriate perioperative management.
Aufbereitung der bei der Kabelschrott-Verarbeitung anfallenden Mischkunststofffraktion zu marktfähigen Produkten
Authors: Simon Oliver , Schwarz Hubert Alexander , Flachberger Helmut
Published: November 2020

Die Firma Schaufler GmbH entwickelt gemeinsam mit dem Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung und Veredlung der Montanuniversität Leoben und mit Unterstützung der FFG im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes „Re:PVC-P“ ein neuartiges Verfahrens- und Anlagenkonzept für die bei der Kabelschrott-Aufbereitung anfallende Mischkunststofffraktion. Dabei gilt es vielfältige Herausforderungen zu überwinden: ohne Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit seien die möglichst vollständige Störstoffabtrennung, die Herstellung sortenreiner Kunststoffkonzentrate (mit einer gewissen Fokussierung auf PVC) mithilfe innovativer Verfahrenskonzepte und Aufbereitungsaggregate und die Erzeugung qualitativ hochwertiger Regranulate aus den erzeugten Kunststoffkonzentraten mittels modernster Kunststoff-Maschinentechnik genannt. Die solcherart erzeugten Regranulate, die Primärrohstoffe der verarbeitenden Industrie substituieren können, sollen einen bedeutenden Beitrag zu Nachhaltigkeit und Ressourcenschonung leisten.
GANFuse: a novel multi-exposure image fusion method based on generative adversarial networks
Authors: Yang Zhiguang , Chen Youping , Le Zhuliang , Ma Yong
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a novel multi-exposure image fusion method based on generative adversarial networks (termed as GANFuse) is presented. Conventional multi-exposure image fusion methods improve their fusion performance by designing sophisticated activity-level measurement and fusion rules. However, these methods have a limited success in complex fusion tasks. Inspired by the recent FusionGAN which firstly utilizes generative adversarial networks (GAN) to fuse infrared and visible images and achieves promising performance, we improve its architecture and customize it in the task of extreme exposure image fusion. To be specific, in order to keep content of extreme exposure image pairs in the fused image, we increase the number of discriminators differentiating between fused image and extreme exposure image pairs. While, a generator network is trained to generate fused images. Through the adversarial relationship between generator and discriminators, the fused image will contain more information from extreme exposure image pairs. Thus, this relationship can realize better performance of fusion. In addition, the method we proposed is an end-to-end and unsupervised learning model, which can avoid designing hand-crafted features and does not require a number of ground truth images for training. We conduct qualitative and quantitative experiments on a public dataset, and the experimental result shows that the proposed model demonstrates better fusion ability than existing multi-exposure image fusion methods in both visual effect and evaluation metrics.
Soil erosion and sediment dynamics in the Anthropocene: a review of human impacts during a period of rapid global environmental change
Authors: Owens Philip N.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Humanity has been modifying the planet in a measurable way for thousands of years. Recently, this influence has been such that some feel we are in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. This review will describe how soil erosion and sediment dynamics have (i) been used to assess the impact of humans on the planet and (ii) affected the global climate and influenced water security. Emphasis is placed on changes since the middle of the twentieth century, as this coincides with what many suggest is the start of the Anthropocene Epoch.

Results and discussion

The use of sediment archives has been instrumental in our understanding of how environmental systems have developed over time, both naturally and in response to anthropogenic activities. Additional information has come from measurement and monitoring programs, and tracing and fingerprinting studies. In turn, models have been developed that enable forecasting. Some of the main global impacts of enhanced soil erosion and changes in sediment dynamics and sediment composition include: changes in radiative energy balances and impacts on the cryosphere; the global carbon cycle; and greenhouse gas emissions. Impacts on water security include: effects on freshwater biota, including wild salmon populations; fluxes of contaminants, including microplastics; and reservoir and river channel sedimentation, including flooding. Sediment archives and monitoring programs have also been used to document the effect of mitigation measures and environmental policies.

Conclusion

Sediment archives enable us to assemble information over a variety of timescales (i.e., 100to 105 years and longer) and a range of spatial scales (from sub-watershed to continental), in addition to environments ranging from arid to tropical to polar. Often the temporal resolution is better than other paleoenvironmental reconstruction approaches. As such, sedimentary records, when combined with measurement and monitoring approaches and other sources of information, have enabled us to determine changes in atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic systems, especially over the last 100 years. While soil erosion and sediment dynamics have provided a wealth of information and greatly enhanced our understanding of the role of humanity in modifying the planet, suggestions are given for further research.
The Efficacy of Telehealth for the Treatment of Spinal Disorders: Patient-Reported Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shafi Karim , Lovecchio Francis , Forston Katherine , Wyss James , Casey Ellen , Press Joel , Creighton Andrew , Sandhu Harvinder , Iyer Sravisht
Published: November 2020

Background

The use of telehealth saw a rapid surge during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. There remains little data on how effectively telehealth replicates traditional office visits in the treatment of spinal disorders and how telehealth is perceived by patients with spinal disorders.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to evaluate patient satisfaction with telehealth visits as a platform for delivering care for the treatment of spinal pathology.

Methods

Patients undergoing a telehealth visit with providers specializing in the treatment of spinal disorders (one surgeon and two physiatrists) were provided with an anonymous, online survey. Data on patient satisfaction, effectiveness of the telehealth visit (in comparison with in-person visits), and clarity of communication were collected through 5-point Likert scales; visit characteristics and free-text responses were also collected.

Results

Eighty-four patients responded to the survey. Their attitudes were largely positive, with an overall mean patient satisfaction score of 4.79. Patients gave high scores for clarity of communication during the visit, and for satisfaction with the formulation of treatment plans and their ability to ask questions, they gave the lowest scores to the effectiveness of telemedicine in replacing an in-person visit and ease of interface navigation.

Conclusions

The high overall patient satisfaction reported by our patients seeking care for a spinal pathology supports the growing body of evidence promoting the use of telehealth for orthopedic care. Further research is needed in a standardized telehealth examination of patients with spinal disorders.
A two-weight Sobolev inequality for Carnot-Carathéodory spaces
Authors: Alberico Angela , Di Gironimo Patrizia
Published: November 2020

Let $$X = \{X_1,X_2, \ldots ,X_m\}$$

X
=
{

X
1

,

X
2

,
…
,

X
m

}

be a system of smooth vector fields in $${{\mathbb R}^n}$$

R

n

satisfying the Hörmander’s finite rank condition. We prove the following Sobolev inequality with reciprocal weights in Carnot-Carathéodory space $$\mathbb G$$
G
associated to system X$$\begin{aligned} \left( \frac{1}{\int _{B_R} K(x)\; dx} \int _{B_R} |u|^{t} K(x) \; dx \right) ^{1/t} \le C\, R \left( \frac{1}{\int _{B_R}\frac{1}{K(x)} \; dx} \int _{B_R} \frac{|X u|^2}{K(x)} \; dx \right) ^{1/2}, \end{aligned}$$

1

∫

B
R

K

(
x
)

d
x

∫

B
R

|
u
|

t

K

(
x
)

d
x

1
/
t

≤
C

R

1

∫

B
R

1

K
(
x
)

d
x

∫

B
R

|
X
u
|

2

K
(
x
)

d
x

1
/
2

,

where Xu denotes the horizontal gradient of u with respect to X. We assume that the weight K belongs to Muckenhoupt’s class $$A_2$$

A
2

and Gehring’s class $$G_{\tau }$$

G
τ

, where $$\tau $$
τ
is a suitable exponent related to the homogeneous dimension.
Patient Questions Surrounding Mask Use for Prevention of COVID-19 and Physician Answers from an Evidence-Based Perspective: a Narrative Review
Authors: Martinez Jessica A. , Miller Rachel H. , Martinez Ryan A.
Published: November 2020

Recent mandates to wear masks in public places across the USA combined with conflicting messaging from the media and government agencies have generated a lot of patient questions surrounding the appropriate use and efficacy of cloth masks. Here, we have organized the evidence in the context of real patient questions and have provided example answers from a physician’s perspective. The purpose of this review is to offer healthcare providers with examples of how to respond to patient questions about masks in a way that encourages responsible decision-making. We conclude, based on the evidence showing a benefit for cloth masks and the recent reports supporting a role for aerosols in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, that cloth masks will be effective when used correctly. We further assert that stronger public messaging surrounding cloth masks in the community setting is needed, and should specify that 2–3 layer, fitted face masks be worn at all times in public as another layer of protection in addition to social distancing, not just when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The mental health and well-being benefits of exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of medical students and newly qualified doctors in the UK
Authors: Coyle Conor , Ghazi Hanya , Georgiou Ioannis
Published: November 2020

Background

University students have been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is currently little data upon the measures that medical students and newly qualified doctors have taken to help their mental well-being and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim

We aimed to identify the activities respondents found beneficial for their well-being and mental health and recorded a mood score from survey respondents.

Methods

A nationwide study was completed to investigate the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon medical students and newly qualified doctors (interim foundation year one). We received 2075 respondents from across the UK.

Results

Physical activity was found to be the most common activity used by the survey respondents to help with their mental well-being (80.1%) (medical students, 83.7%; interim foundation doctors, 72.3%). Participants who stated that exercise helped their well-being had a mean score (SD) of 52.3 (20.7) which was significantly higher (P = 0.048) than those who reported that they did not exercise (49.8 (21.1)). Respondents who stated they had used exercise to help with their mental well-being had (on average) a higher mood score than those who did not. This was seen in both the medical student and interim foundation doctor subgroups.

Discussion

Exercise can help to benefit the well-being of medical students and interim foundation doctors. It is hoped that higher education providers and employers recognise the importance of promoting physical activity for the well-being of their students and staff, respectively.
Ability to initiate relationships and sense of loneliness mediate the relationship between low self-esteem and excessive internet use
Authors: Dembińska Aleksandra , Kłosowska Joanna , Ochnik Dominika
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study was to identify possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between low self-esteem and excessive Internet use in a non-clinical sample of young adults. Basing on the theoretical framework and results of existing studies we hypothesized that the association between self-esteem and excessive Internet use will be serially mediated by the ability to initiate contact with others and sense of loneliness. The study sample consisted of 506 participants (60% women) aged between 18 and 35 years (mean = 19). The following questionnaires were administered: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire and the Excessive Internet Use Scale. The last measure was prepared by authors for the purpose of the study. Serial mediation analysis was conducted. In line with our hypotheses the link between low self-esteem and excessive Internet use was found to be sequentially mediated by the capability to initiate social contacts and chronic loneliness. Difficulty in engaging in social interaction leading to the sense of loneliness may explain the link between low self-esteem and excessive Internet use. These results may help to design early intervention programs.
Does Household Income Affect children’s Outcomes? A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Cooper Kerris , Stewart Kitty
Published: November 2020

There is abundant evidence that children in low income households do less well than their peers on a range of developmental outcomes. However, there is continuing uncertainty about how far money itself matters, and how far associations simply reflect other, unobserved, differences between richer and poorer families. The authors conducted a systematic review of studies using methods that lend themselves to causal interpretation. To be included, studies had to use Randomised Controlled Trials, quasi-experiments or fixed effect-style techniques on longitudinal data. The results lend strong support to the hypothesis that household income has a positive causal effect on children’s outcomes, including their cognitive and social-behavioural development and their health, particularly in households with low income to begin with. There is also clear evidence of a positive causal effect of income on ‘intermediate outcomes’ that are important for children’s development, including maternal mental health, parenting and the home environment. The review also makes a methodological contribution, identifying that effects tend to be larger in experimental and quasi-experimental studies than in fixed effect approaches. This finding has implications for our ability to generalise from observational studies.
Discrete operators associated with linking operators
Authors: Heilmann Margareta , Nasaireh Fadel , Raşa Ioan
Published: November 2020

We associate to an integral operator a discrete one which is conceptually simpler, and study the relations between them. The differences between the integral and the associated discrete operators are estimated. Applications are given, involving the Baskakov type operators, genuine Baskakov–Durrmeyer type operators, and their Kantorovich modifications. We construct the discrete operators associated with these integral operators and apply our general results in this context.
Regenerating the Pulp–Dentine Complex Using Autologous Platelet Concentrates: A Critical Appraisal of the Current Histological Evidence
Authors: Riaz Amna , Shah Furqan A.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Autologous platelet concentrates such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have gained overwhelming popularity in regenerative endodontics. Clinical evidence reveals the lack of a particular advantage of using PRP or PRF over an evoked blood clot in promoting canal wall thickening and/or continued root development in immature necrotic teeth. Moreover, despite stimulating tissue repair and repopulating the root canals of immature and mature permanent teeth, the new vital tissue may not possess the functional activity of the native pulp tissue.

Methods:

To better understand the origin, nature, and long-term fate of the tissue types found within the pulp space, we critically examine all available histo-/morphological evidence for pulp–dentine complex regeneration using PRP and/or PRF, alone or together with an evoked blood clot, specialised or unspecialised primary cells, and other biomaterials.

Results:

Histological data from clinical studies is scant. Reportedly, the inner dentinal surface supports cementum-like tissue formation, but this interface likely deviates in structure and function from the native cementodentinal junction. Presence of bone-like tissue within the pulp space is intriguing since de novo osteogenesis requires closely coordinated recruitment and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. Compared to untreated necrotic teeth, an evoked blood clot (with/without PRF) improves fracture resistance. Tooth regeneration using PRF and dental bud cells is unreliable and the constituent neoformed tissues are poorly organised.

Conclusion:

PRP/PRF fail to demonstrate a significant advantage over an induced blood clot, alone. The true nature of neoformed tissues remains poorly characterised while their response to subsequent insult/injury is unexplored.