bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long term efficacy of prosthetic inguinal herniorrhaphy concomitant with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Peixoto Nelson , Grobet-Jeandin Elisabeth , Schoofs Fabian , Windisch Olivier , Iselin Christophe , Benamran Daniel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Patients who undergo robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) may present concurrent or secondary inguinal hernia (IH). Surgical repair of IH simultaneously with RARP has been reported. We aimed to assess the long-term efficacy of concurrent prosthetic IH repair with RARP.

Methods

Data for consecutive patients undergoing concurrent IH repair with RARP for localized prostate cancer at our institution between 2006 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were matched based on age, BMI, and year of surgery, with patients undergoing RARP alone. IH repair was performed with a polyester mesh. Efficacy of IH repair was the primary outcome. Patient characteristics, perioperative data, recurrence and treatment were recorded.

Results

A total of 136 men were included, 50% treated by RARP and concurrent IH, 50% by RARP alone. Mean age was 65 years (SD 6) and mean BMI 26.8 (SD 2.5). IH was diagnosed preoperatively in 42 patients (62%) or intraoperatively in 26 patients (38%). A total 18 patients (26%) had bilateral hernias and 50 patients had unilateral hernias (right 31%, left 43%). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding perioperative data. The herniorrhaphy added 34 min to the operative time (p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 106 months [SD 38], 9 patients (13%) presented recurrence of IH, with a mean time to recurrence of 43 months [SD 35]. Age was significantly associated with IH recurrence (p = 0.0007).

Conclusion

Concomitant IH repair and RARP appear to be a safe procedure with good long-term safety and efficacy, without significantly increasing morbidity.
A lightweight neural network designed for fluid velocimetry
Authors: Manickathan Lento , Mucignat Claudio , Lunati Ivan
Published: September 2023

We devise a novel lightweight image matching architecture (), which is designed and optimized for particle image velocimetry (PIV). is a convolutional neural network (CNN) that performs symmetric image matching and employs an iterative residual refinement strategy, which allows us to optimize the total number of refinement steps to balance accuracy and computational efficiency. The network is trained on kinematic datasets with a loss function that penalizes larger gradients. We consider a six-level () and a four-level () version of the network and demonstrate that they are considerably leaner and faster than a state-of-the-art network designed for optical flow. reconstructs the velocity field from synthetic and experimental PIV images with an accuracy comparable or superior both to existing CNNs as well as to state-of-the-art cross-correlation methods (i.e., a commercial implementation of ). Although less accurate, allows a significant reduction of the computational costs with respect to any other method considered. All CNNs prove more robust than with respect to particle loss and allow effective error reduction by increasing the particle seeding density. Thanks to reduced computational cost and memory requirement, we envision the deployment of on low-cost devices to provide affordable, real-time inference of the flow field during PIV measurements.
Robustness of climate indices relevant for agriculture in Africa deduced from GCMs and RCMs against reanalysis and gridded observations
Authors: Abel Daniel , Ziegler Katrin , Gbode Imoleayo Ezekiel , Weber Torsten , Ajayi Vincent O. , Traoré Seydou B. , Paeth Heiko
Published: September 2023

This study assesses the ability of climate models to represent rainy season (RS) dependent climate indices relevant for agriculture and crop-specific agricultural indices in eleven African subregions. For this, we analyze model ensembles build from Regional Climate Models (RCMs) from CORDEX-CORE (RCM_hist) and their respective driving General Circulation Models (GCMs) from CMIP5 (GCM_hist). Those are compared with gridded reference data including reanalyses at high spatio-temporal resolution (≤ 0.25°, daily) over the climatological period 1981–2010. Furthermore, the ensemble of RCM-evaluation runs forced by ERA-Interim (RCM_eval) is considered. Beside precipitation indices like the precipitation sum or number of rainy days annually and during the RS, we examine three agricultural indices (crop water need (CWN), irrigation requirement, water availability), depending on the RS’ onset. The agricultural-relevant indices as simulated by climate models, including CORDEX-CORE, are assessed for the first time over several African subregions. All model ensembles simulate the general precipitation characteristics well. However, their performance strongly depends on the subregion. We show that the models can represent the RS in subregions with one RS adequately yet struggle in reproducing characteristics of two RSs. Precipitation indices based on the RS also show variable errors among the models and subregions. The representation of CWN is affected by the model family (GCM, RCM) and the forcing data (GCM, ERA-Interim). Nevertheless, the too coarse resolution of the GCMs hinders the representation of such specific indices as they are not able to consider land surface features and related processes of smaller scale. Additionally, the daily scale and the usage of complex variables (e.g., surface latent heat flux for CWN) and related preconditions (e.g., RS-onset and its spatial representation) add uncertainty to the index calculation. Mostly, the RCMs show a higher skill in representing the indices and add value to their forcing models.
Association of pre-diagnostic physical exercise and peri-diagnostic body composition with mortality in non-metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Renman David , van Guelpen Bethany , Anderson Fredrick , Axelsson Jan , Riklund Katrine , Strigård Karin , Palmqvist Richard , Gunnarsson Ulf , Gylling Björn
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Sarcopenia and myosteatosis, quantified via computed tomography (CT), are associated with poor colorectal cancer outcomes. These body composition estimates can be influenced by physical exercise. We explored the correlation between pre-diagnostic physical exercise, body composition close to diagnosis, and the combined prognosis impact of these factors.

Methods

We studied 519 stage I–III colorectal cancer (CRC) cases diagnosed 2000–2016 with pre-diagnostic self-reported recreational physical exercise data collected in the prospective, population-based Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, and CT-estimated skeletal muscle index (SMI) or skeletal muscle density (SMD). Risk estimates were calculated by multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

No association was seen between low pre-diagnostic physical exercise and sarcopenia/myosteatosis in the multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, educational level, tumor stage, and tumor location. In multivariable Cox regression models, the combination of low pre-diagnostic physical exercise and either sarcopenia or myosteatosis at the time of diagnosis was associated with cancer-specific mortality compared to the reference group of high physical exercise combined with no sarcopenia/myosteatosis (adjusted HR 1.94 95% CI 1.00–3.76 for sarcopenia and adjusted HR 2.39 95% CI 1.16–4.94 for myosteatosis).

Conclusions

The combined presence of low pre-diagnostic physical exercise and sarcopenia or myosteatosis was associated with increased CRC-specific mortality. Despite the positive effect on prognosis, physical exercise did not alter body composition estimates at diagnosis, which could indicate attenuation from other factors.
Cumulative incidence and risk factors of myocardial infarction during 20 years of follow-up: comparing two cohorts of middle-aged men born 30 years apart
Authors: Sakalaki Maria , Pivodic Aldina , Svärdsudd Kurt , Hansson Per-Olof , Fu Michael
Published: September 2023

Objective

To study cumulative incidence and predictors of myocardial infarction (MI) in two random general population samples consisting of middle-aged Swedish men born 30 years apart.

Method

Results from the “Study of Men Born In 1913” and the “Study of Men Born In 1943”, two longitudinal cohort studies performed in the same geographic area and using the same methodology were compared. Both cohorts were followed prospectively from 50 to 70 years of age. MI was defined as first myocardial infarction, fatal or non-fatal.

Results

Men born in 1943 had a 34% lower cumulative risk of first MI [HR 0.66 (0.50–0.88), p = 0.0051] during follow-up as compared to men born in 1913. Interaction analysis showed that hypertension had a significantly higher impact on risk of MI in cohort 1943 than in cohort 1913 [HR 2.33 (95% CI 1.41–3.83)] and [HR 1.10 (0.74–1.62)], p = 0.0009 respectively. The population attributable risk for hypertension was 2.5-fold higher in the cohort of men born in 1943 as compared to men born in 1913, and diabetes mellitus and sedentary lifestyle attributed more to MI risk in cohort 1943 than in cohort 1913. On the contrary, smoking and total cholesterol have less attributable risk to MI in cohort 1943 than in cohort 1913.

Conclusion

Despite declining incident MI and improved cardiovascular prevention in general, hypertension remains an increasingly important attributable risk factor to MI together with diabetes mellitus and sedentary lifestyle over time.
Bleach baths enhance skin barrier, reduce itch but do not normalize skin dysbiosis in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Stolarczyk Ania , Perez-Nazario Nelissa , Knowlden Sara A. , Chinchilli Ellen , Grier Alex , Paller Amy , Gill Steven R. , De Benedetto Anna , Yoshida Takeshi , Beck Lisa A.
Published: September 2023

Studies have demonstrated that bleach baths improve atopic dermatitis (AD) severity; however, the effects on itch, skin barrier, and cutaneous microbial composition are less clear. We examined whether bleach baths reduce itch, normalize skin barrier function, reduce S. aureus absolute abundance, and increase microbial diversity in adults with AD who were colonized with S. aureus on their non-lesional skin. This was an open label, non-randomized, controlled trial performed at a single academic center. Fifteen AD and five non-atopic healthy controls (NA) were instructed to take two bleach baths (0.005% NaClO; 5–10 min duration) per week for a total of 12 weeks as add-on therapy. Adults 18 to 65 years (inclusive) with mild to severe AD were recruited with EASI score > 6.0, S. aureus culture positivity, access to a bathtub, and ability and willingness to maintain current topical or systemic treatments. They were evaluated at baseline (before bleach baths), 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the intervention of twice-weekly bleach baths. Efficacy measurements included EASI as well as 5-D Pruritus and ItchyQoL™. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) integrity assay were performed to assess the skin barrier. Skin dysbiosis was measured by S. aureus cultivation, S. aureus abundance (qPCR of thermonuclease gene), and V1-V3 16S rRNA gene sequencing on non-lesional and lesional AD skin. After 12 weeks of bleach baths, 8/15 (53.3%) AD subjects achieved an EASI50 and a significant reduction in itch as measured by 5-D pruritus and Itchy QoL. Eighty-seven percent reported improvements in sleep quality. At study entry, AD subjects had higher non-lesional TEWL values than NA subjects, and only AD subjects experienced a reduction with bleach baths (p = 0.006). Similarly, SC integrity improved as early as 6 weeks after bleach baths in AD subjects. Notably, bleach baths had no significant effect on S. aureus culture-positivity, qPCR absolute abundance, or microbial diversity. The addition of twice-weekly bleach baths improves investigator-assessed AD severity, patient-reported pruritus and sleep as well as physiological measures of skin barrier function in adult AD subjects while having no effect on qualitative and quantitative measures of cutaneous S. aureus. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01996150, Date of registration: November 27th, 2013.
Status quo and future directions of digitalization in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany: a survey of the commission Digital Medicine of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics
Authors: Pfob André , Hillen Christoph , Seitz Katharina , Griewing Sebastian , Becker Sven , Bayer Christian , Wagner Uwe , Fasching Peter , Wallwiener Markus ,   For the Kommission Digitale Medizin, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Gebursthilfe (DGGG)
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Digitalization plays a critical role and is beginning to impact every part of the patient journey, from drug discovery and data collection to treatment and patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the status quo and future directions of digital medicine in the specialty of gynecology and obstetrics in Germany.

Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was distributed via the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics newsletter in December 2022. The questionnaire covered the domains baseline demographic information, telemedicine, digital health applications (DIGAs), and future expectations.

Results

In all, 91 participants completed the survey. Median age was 34 years; 67.4% (60 of 89) were female and 32.6% (29 of 89) were male. About 10% (9 of 88) have prescribed DIGAs to date and 14% (12 of 86) offer telemedical appointments. Among those who do not use digital medicine, very few plan to do so in the near future. Reasons include missing software interfaces, lack of time to try out new things, lack of knowledge, lack of monetary compensation (66.3%), and employee concerns. A majority agreed that digitalization will help to save time and improve patient care and that intelligent algorithms will aid clinicians in providing patient care to women.

Conclusions

The status quo and future directions of digital medicine in gynecology and obstetrics in Germany are characterized by contradicting expectations regarding the benefits of digital medicine and its actual implementation in clinical routine. This represents an important call to action to meet the requirements of modern patient care.
Surgery for patients with facial palsy in Germany: a diagnosis-related-groups-based nationwide analysis, 2005–2019
Authors: Seeberger Susanna , Schlattmann Peter , Guntinas-Lichius Orlando
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Chronic flaccid paralysis of the facial nerve leads to permanent dysfunction of eye closure, problems with drinking and eating, and lack of emotional expression. Modern facial surgery can help those affected. An analysis of the development of facial surgery in Germany over time is presented.

Methods

Nation-wide population-baes diagnosis-related case group (DRG) data of virtually all inpatients who underwent facial surgery for facial palsy between 2005 and 2019 were included. Binomial regression models for changes in surgery rates over time were calculated in relation to gender and treating specialty.

Results

Between 2005 and 2019, there were 28,622 inpatient stays for facial surgery. Most surgeries were provided by otolaryngology (39%) and ophthalmology or dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery (20% each). The mean treatment rate was 2.33 ± 0.53 surgeries per 100,000 person-years. The surgery rate was highest for nerve reconstruction surgery (0.46 ± 0.15) and static sling surgery (0.44 ± 0.0.16). The greatest increase was seen in men for nerve surgery (3.9-fold; relative risk [RR] = 3.68; confidence interval [CI] = 3.18–4.26) and sling surgery (5.0-fold; RR = 4.25; CI = 3.38–5.33).

Conclusions

While nerve and sling surgery increased significantly over time, this was less true or not true at all for surgical techniques. Surgical rates and their change over time were greater in men, without explanation from the data.
The benefit of knowledge: postural response modulation by foreknowledge of equilibrium perturbation in an upper limb task
Authors: Castellote Juan M. , Kofler Markus , Mayr Andreas
Published: September 2023

For whole-body sway patterns, a compound motor response following an external stimulus may comprise reflexes, postural adjustments (anticipatory or compensatory), and voluntary muscular activity. Responses to equilibrium destabilization may depend on both motor set and a subject`s expectation of the disturbing stimulus. To disentangle these influences on lower limb responses, we studied a model in which subjects (n = 14) were suspended in the air, without foot support, and performed a fast unilateral wrist extension (WE) in response to a passive knee flexion (KF) delivered by a robot. To characterize the responses, electromyographic activity of rectus femoris and reactive leg torque was obtained bilaterally in a series of trials, with or without the requirement of WE (motor set), and/or beforehand information about the upcoming velocity of KF (subject`s expectation). Some fast-velocity trials resulted in StartReact responses, which were used to subclassify leg responses. When subjects were uninformed about the upcoming KF, large rectus femoris responses concurred with a postural reaction in conditions without motor task, and with both postural reaction and postural adjustment when WE was required. WE in response to a low-volume acoustic signal elicited no postural adjustments. When subjects were informed about KF velocity and had to perform WE, large rectus femoris responses corresponded to anticipatory postural adjustment rather than postural reaction. In conclusion, when subjects are suspended in the air and have to respond with WE, the prepared motor set includes anticipatory postural adjustments if KF velocity is known, and additional postural reactions if KF velocity is unknown.
Herpes zoster is not associated with subsequent gastrointestinal cancer: data from over 200,000 outpatients in Germany
Authors: Leyh Catherine , Roderburg Christoph , Luedde Tom , Loosen Sven H. , Kostev Karel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are an increasing global health challenge. Viral diseases play an important role in the development of GI cancers. For example, Epstein-Barr virus, which belongs to the human herpesvirus family, is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association between varicella-zoster virus reactivation and subsequent diagnosis of GI cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 103,123 patients with a first diagnosis of herpes zoster (HZ) between 2005 and 2021 were propensity score matched to a cohort of 103,123 patients without HZ. Patient data was extracted from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). The incidence of GI cancer was compared as a function of HZ. Cox regression analysis was used to examine the association between HZ and GI cancer.

Results

Over a follow-up period of up to 10 years, the incidence of GI cancer did not differ between the two cohorts (HZ cohort 2.26 cases per 1000 patient-years vs. non-HZ cohort 2.37 cases per 1000 patient-years, p = 0.548). In regression analysis, HZ was not associated with an increased risk of developing GI cancer (HR: 0.97; 95% CI 0.89–1.05). Furthermore, no significant effect of the presence of HZ on the incidence of different GI cancer entities was found.

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort study consisting of well-matched patients, we observed no significant association between a HZ infection and the development of GI cancer during a long-term follow-up.
CYP26B1-related disorder: expanding the ends of the spectrum through clinical and molecular evidence
Authors: Silveira Karina C. , Fonseca Inara Chacon , Oborn Connor , Wengryn Parker , Ghafoor Saima , Beke Alexander , Dreseris Ema S. , Wong Cassandra , Iacovone Aline , Soltys Carrie-Lynn , Babul-Hirji Riyana , Artigalas Osvaldo , Antolini-Tavares Arthur , Gingras Anne-Claude , Campos Eric , Cavalcanti Denise P. , Kannu Peter
Published: September 2023

CYP26B1 metabolizes retinoic acid in the developing embryo to regulate its levels. A limited number of individuals with pathogenic variants in CYP26B1 have been documented with a varied phenotypic spectrum, spanning from a severe manifestation involving skull anomalies, craniosynostosis, encephalocele, radio-humeral fusion, oligodactyly, and a narrow thorax, to a milder presentation characterized by craniosynostosis, restricted radio-humeral joint mobility, hearing loss, and intellectual disability. Here, we report two families with CYP26B1-related phenotypes and describe the data obtained from functional studies of the variants. Exome and Sanger sequencing were used for variant identification in family 1 and family 2, respectively. Family 1 reflects a mild phenotype, which includes craniofacial dysmorphism with brachycephaly (without craniosynostosis), arachnodactyly, reduced radioulnar joint movement, conductive hearing loss, learning disability—and compound heterozygous CYP26B1 variants: (p.[(Pro118Leu)];[(Arg234Gln)]) were found. In family 2, a stillborn fetus presented a lethal phenotype with spina bifida occulta, hydrocephalus, poor skeletal mineralization, synostosis, limb defects, and a synonymous homozygous variant in CYP26B1: c.1083C > A. A minigene assay revealed that the synonymous variant created a new splice site, removing part of exon 5 (p.Val361_Asp382del). Enzymatic activity was assessed using a luciferase assay, demonstrating a notable reduction in exogenous retinoic acid metabolism for the variant p.Val361_Asp382del. (~ 3.5 × decrease compared to wild-type); comparatively, the variants p.(Pro118Leu) and p.(Arg234Gln) demonstrated a partial loss of metabolism (1.7× and 2.3× reduction, respectively). A proximity-dependent biotin identification assay reaffirmed previously reported ER-resident protein interactions. Additional work into these interactions is critical to determine if CYP26B1 is involved with other biological events on the ER. Immunofluorescence assay suggests that mutant CYP26B1 is still localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. These results indicate that novel pathogenic variants in CYP26B1 result in varying levels of enzymatic activity that impact retinoic acid metabolism and relate to the distinct phenotypes observed.
A SACS deletion variant in Great Pyrenees dogs causes autosomal recessive neuronal degeneration
Authors: Ekenstedt Kari J. , Minor Katie M. , Shelton G. Diane , Hammond James J. , Miller Andrew D. , Taylor Susan M. , Huang Yanyun , Mickelson James R.
Published: September 2023

ARSACS (autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay) is a human neurological disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. A recently recognized disorder in Great Pyrenees dogs is similarly characterized by widespread central nervous system degeneration leading to progressive cerebellar ataxia and spasticity, combined with peripheral neuropathy. Onset of clinical signs occurred in puppies as young as 4 months of age, with slow progression over several years. A multi-generation pedigree suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Histopathology revealed consistent cerebellar Purkinje cell degeneration, neuronal degeneration in brainstem nuclei, widespread spinal cord white matter degeneration, ganglion cell degeneration, inappropriately thin myelin sheaths or fully demyelinated peripheral nerve fibers, and normal or only mild patterns of denervation atrophy in skeletal muscles. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotype data was collected from 6 cases and 26 controls, where homozygosity mapping identified a 3.3 Mb region on CFA25 in which all cases were homozygous and all controls were either heterozygous or homozygous for alternate haplotypes. This region tagged the SACS gene where variants are known to cause ARSACS. Sanger sequencing of SACS in affected dogs identified a 4 bp deletion that causes a frame shift and truncates 343 amino acids from the C terminus of the encoded sacsin protein (p.Val4244AlafsTer32). Our clinical and histopathological descriptions of this canine disorder contribute to the description of human ARSACS and represents the first naturally occurring large animal model of this disorder.
Approaching flexible production with planning methods
Authors: De Bortoli Marco , Kohout Peter , Lampel Dominik , Fürbaß Leo , Masiero Anna , Moser Stefan , Nagele Martin , Frick Tobias , Knoflach Lukas , Steinbauer-Wagner Gerald
Published: September 2023

Flexible production systems are becoming more and more important for the industry. Higher requirements for flexibility in the production process demand further improvements in regards to flexible automation. In this perspective, the RoboCup Logistics League competition was designed to provide a testbed for dynamic production domains. The related challenges range from robust navigation over manipulation to efficient production scheduling. In this paper, we provide an update on how the team GRIPS approches the flexible production challenge using modern planning methods. This includes a new long-term planning and scheduling strategy as well as a hierarchical structure which further develops such plans into Behavior Trees.
Influence of decision-making algorithms on the diagnostic accuracy using the current classification of periodontal diseases—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bumm Caspar Victor , Wölfle Uta Christine , Keßler Andreas , Werner Nils , Folwaczny Matthias
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To examine the influence of the decision-making algorithms published by Tonetti and Sanz in 2019 on the diagnostic accuracy in two differently experienced groups of dental students using the current classification of periodontal diseases.

Materials and methods

Eighty-three students of two different clinical experience levels were randomly allocated to control and study group, receiving the staging and grading matrix, resulting in four subgroups. All diagnosed two patient cases with corresponding periodontal charts, panoramic radiographs, and intraoral photographs. Both presented severe periodontal disease (stage III, grade C) but considerably differed in complexity and phenotype according to the current classification of periodontal diseases. Controls received the staging and grading matrix published within the classification, while study groups were additionally provided with decision-trees published by Tonetti and Sanz. Obtained data was analyzed using chi-square test, Spearman’s rank correlation, and logistic regression.

Results

Using the algorithms significantly enhanced the diagnostic accuracy in staging (p = 0.001*, OR = 4.425) and grading (p < 0.001**, OR = 30.303) regardless of the clinical experience. In addition, even compared to the more experienced control, less experienced students using algorithms showed significantly higher accuracy in grading (p = 0.020*). No influence on the criteria extent could be observed comparing study groups to controls.

Conclusion

The decision-making algorithms may enhance diagnostic accuracy in dental students using the current classification of periodontal diseases.

Clinical relevance

The investigated decision-making algorithms significantly increased the diagnostic accuracy of differently experienced under graduated dental students and might be beneficial in periodontal education.
Obtaining preference scores for an abbreviated self-completion version of the Teen-Addiction Severity Index (ASC T-ASI) to value therapy outcomes of systemic family interventions: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Schawo Saskia , Hoefman Renske , Reckers-Droog Vivian , Lawerman-van de Wetering Liesbet , Kaminer Yifrah , Brouwer Werner , Hakkaart-van Roijen Leona
Published: September 2023

Background

Systemic family interventions for adolescents with problems of substance use and/or delinquency are increasingly focused subject of economic evaluations. Treatment effects go beyond improvements in commonly measured health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The Teen-Addiction Severity Index (T-ASI) was identified as capable of capturing these broad outcomes. However, it lacks preference-based scores. An abbreviated self-completion version (ASC T-ASI) was created and validated, covering the T-ASI domains substance use, school, work, family, social relationships, justice, and mental health. This study aimed to obtain societal preference scores for the ASC T-ASI.

Methods

Preferences were elicited in a sample of the Dutch general adult population (n = 1500), using a web-based Discrete Choice Experiment. Choice tasks included two unlabeled alternatives with attributes and levels corresponding to the domains and levels of the ASC T-ASI. A pilot study (n = 106) informed priors, optimal presentation, and number of choice tasks applied in the main study. Data were analyzed using a mixed multinomial logit model.

Results

Preference scores were logically ordered, with lower scores for worse ASC T-ASI states. Scores were most influenced by reductions in problems concerning the domains substance use, mental health, justice, and family. Tariffs were calculated for each ASC T-ASI state, ranging from 0 (worst situation) to 1 (best situation).

Conclusions

The tariffs enable preference-based assessments of the broad effects of systemic family interventions for adolescents with problems of substance use and/or delinquency. The outcome reflects addiction-related rather than health-related utility and can be used next to generic HRQOL instruments in relevant economic evaluations. Given the source used for the preferences, interpretations and valuation of scores require attention.
Sensitivity of the Lorenz energy cycle of the global ocean
Authors: Ssebandeke John , von Storch Jin-Song , Brüggemann Nils
Published: September 2023

We re-examine the Lorenz energy cycle (LEC) for the global ocean by assessing its sensitivity to model and forcing differences. We do so by comparing LECs derived from two simulations based on different eddy-rich ocean models, ICON-O and MPI-OM, both driven by NCEP/NCAR reanalysis, and by comparing LECs derived from two simulations generated using ICON-O model but driven by two different reanalyses, NCEP/NCAR and ERA5. Regarding model difference, we find weaker eddy kinetic energy, $$k_e$$

k
e

, in the ICON-O simulation than in the MPI-OM simulation. We attribute this to the higher horizontal resolution of MPI-OM in the Southern Ocean. The weaker $$k_e$$

k
e

in ICON-O is not caused by the lack of eddy available potential energy, $$p_e$$

p
e

, but by the strong dissipation of $$p_e$$

p
e

and the resulting weak conversion from $$p_e$$

p
e

to $$k_e$$

k
e

. Regarding forcing difference, we find that considerably more mechanical energy is generated by the ERA5 forcing, which has a higher spatial-temporal resolution compared to the NCEP/NCAR forcing. In particular, the generation of $$k_e$$

k
e

, which also contains the resolved part of the internal wave spectrum, is enhanced by about 1 TW (40%). However, the dominance of the baroclinic and the barotropic pathways forces the enhanced generation of $$k_e$$

k
e

to be balanced by an enhanced dissipation in the surface layer. The gross features of LEC are insensitive to both model and forcing differences, picturing the ocean as an inefficient “windmill” that converts only a small portion of the inputted mechanical energy into the interior mean and transient circulations.
A Design of Tunable Band Gaps in Anti-tetrachiral Structures Based on Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Mao Zhuxin , Liu Shutian
Published: September 2023

Benefitted from the properties of band gaps, elastic metamaterials (EMs) have attracted extensive attention in vibration and noise reduction. However, the width and position of band gaps are fixed once the traditional structures are manufactured. It is difficult to adapt to complex and changeable service conditions. Therefore, research on intelligent tunable band gaps is of great importance and has become a hot issue in EMs. To achieve smart control of band gaps, a design of tunable band gaps in anti-tetrachiral structures based on shape memory alloy (SMA) is proposed in this paper. By governing the phase transition process of SMA, the geometric configuration and material properties of structures can be changed, resulting in tunable band gaps. Therein, the energy band structures and generation mechanism of tunable band gaps in different states are studied, realizing intelligent manipulation of elastic waves. In addition, the influence of different geometric parameters on band gaps is investigated, and the desired bandgap position can be customized, making bandgap control more flexible. In summary, the proposed SMA-based anti-tetrachiral metamaterial provides valuable reference for the application of SMA materials and the development of EMs.
Variations in HIV Prevention Coverage in Subpopulations of Australian Gay and Bisexual Men, 2017–2021: Implications for Reducing Inequities in the Combination Prevention Era
Authors: Holt Martin , Chan Curtis , Broady Timothy R. , MacGibbon James , Mao Limin , Smith Anthony K. J. , Rule John , Bavinton Benjamin R.
Published: September 2023

Using repeated behavioural surveillance data collected from gay and bisexual men (GBM) across Australia, we assessed trends in HIV prevention coverage (the level of ‘safe sex’ achieved in the population by the use of effective prevention methods, including condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] and having an undetectable viral load). We stratified these trends by age, country of birth/recency of arrival, sexual identity, and the proportion of gay residents in the participant’s suburb. Among 25,865 participants with casual male partners, HIV prevention coverage increased from 69.8% in 2017 to 75.2% in 2021, lower than the UNAIDS target of 95%. Higher levels of coverage were achieved among older GBM (≥ 45 years), non-recently-arrived migrants, and in suburbs with ≥ 10% gay residents. The lowest levels of prevention coverage (and highest levels of HIV risk) were recorded among younger GBM (< 25 years) and bisexual and other-identified participants. Younger, recently-arrived, and bisexual GBM were the most likely to use condoms, while PrEP use was concentrated among gay men, 25–44-year-olds, and in suburbs with more gay residents. The use of undetectable viral load was most common among participants aged ≥ 45 years. Our analysis shows that high HIV prevention coverage can be achieved through a mixture of condom use, PrEP use, and undetectable viral load, or by emphasising PrEP use. In the Australian context, younger, bisexual and other-identified GBM should be prioritised for enhanced access to effective HIV prevention methods. We encourage other jurisdictions to assess the level of coverage achieved by combination prevention, and variations in uptake.
Traffic forecasting on new roads using spatial contrastive pre-training (SCPT)
Authors: Prabowo Arian , Xue Hao , Shao Wei , Koniusz Piotr , Salim Flora D.
Published: September 2023

New roads are being constructed all the time. However, the capabilities of previous deep forecasting models to generalize to new roads not seen in the training data (unseen roads) are rarely explored. In this paper, we introduce a novel setup called a spatio-temporal split to evaluate the models’ capabilities to generalize to unseen roads. In this setup, the models are trained on data from a sample of roads, but tested on roads not seen in the training data. Moreover, we also present a novel framework called Spatial Contrastive Pre-Training (SCPT) where we introduce a spatial encoder module to extract latent features from unseen roads during inference time. This spatial encoder is pre-trained using contrastive learning. During inference, the spatial encoder only requires two days of traffic data on the new roads and does not require any re-training. We also show that the output from the spatial encoder can be used effectively to infer latent node embeddings on unseen roads during inference time. The SCPT framework also incorporates a new layer, named the spatially gated addition layer, to effectively combine the latent features from the output of the spatial encoder to existing backbones. Additionally, since there is limited data on the unseen roads, we argue that it is better to decouple traffic signals to trivial-to-capture periodic signals and difficult-to-capture Markovian signals, and for the spatial encoder to only learn the Markovian signals. Finally, we empirically evaluated SCPT using the ST split setup on four real-world datasets. The results showed that adding SCPT to a backbone consistently improves forecasting performance on unseen roads. More importantly, the improvements are greater when forecasting further into the future. The codes are available on GitHub:https://github.com/cruiseresearchgroup/forecasting-on-new-roads.
Matheuristic approaches to the green sequencing and routing problem
Authors: Lanza Giacomo , Passacantando Mauro , Scutellà Maria Grazia
Published: September 2023

The paper addresses the green sequencing and routing problem, which consists in determining the best sequence of locations to visit within a warehouse for storing and/or retrieval operations, using a fleet composed of both electric vehicles, e.g., equipped with a lithium-ion battery, and conventional vehicles, i.e., with an internal combustion engine. We present a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming formulation to the problem and propose two matheuristics based on suitable decompositions of the mathematical formulation. The two matheuristics have been tested on a pool of small-medium size instances and their performance has been compared to the one of a third matheuristic, previously proposed for the case of conventional vehicles only and here suitable extended to deal with the green aspects of the problem. The performed analysis allowed one to identify the most promising matheuristic in terms of some standard computational indicators, i.e., computing time and percentage optimality gap, as well as in terms of some qualitative aspects of the solutions agreed with a reference company. Such a most promising algorithm has then been further tested to gather some technical insights on what makes the problem hard to solve, as well as to outline some managerial insights. Moreover, its performance has been tested on a pool of real instances comprising ordinary days (with a usual amount of operations to perform) and extremely busy days, showing its efficacy and efficiency also in the considered real application context.
Shell Tools and Use-Wear Analysis: a Reference Collection for Prehistoric Arabia
Authors: Lidour Kevin , Cuenca Solana David
Published: September 2023

Prehistoric and Archaeological research has pointed out the role of marine resources in modern humans’ cognitive and cultural developments. Maritime adaptations constitute a key component of the sociocultural evolution in Eastern Arabia. During the Neolithic (c. 6500–3300 BCE), it is expressed by the colonisation of offshore islands supported by advanced seafaring and the exploitation of marine resources not only for staple food but also for obtaining hard animal materials used for both symbolic and technological productions, respectively in the form of personal adornments and tooling. Although tools made of retouched large marine mollusc shells are reported on several sites, no detailed study has been conducted on their function and role within the socio-technological processes.

The present study introduces a prospective approach for the functional analysis of archaeological shell tools from Eastern Arabia. A reference collection of use-wear traces made experimentally has been built: it compiles the results of 65 experiments (23 are documented and illustrated in the present study), including the processing of various animal, vegetal, and mineral materials. Use-wear traces have been observed and described using both low and high-power magnifications (conducted mainly at 100 ×). It provides helpful methodological support for future comparisons with archaeological specimens. The procurement conditions of the shell valves and the techniques of retouch have been discussed in detail, allowing further considerations on the degree of the socio-technological investment devoted to these peculiar artefacts.
Towards Visual Inspection of Distributed and Irregular Structures: A Unified Autonomy Approach
Authors: Viswanathan Vignesh Kottayam , Lindqvist Björn , Satpute Sumeet Gajanan , Kanellakis Christoforos , Nikolakopoulos George
Published: September 2023

This paper highlights the significance of maintaining and enhancing situational awareness in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) missions. It focuses specifically on investigating the capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) equipped with limited sensing capabilities and onboard computational resources to perform visual inspections of apriori unknown fractured and collapsed structures in unfamiliar environments. The proposed approach, referred to as First Look Inspect-Explore (FLIE), employs a flexible bifurcated behavior tree that leverages real-time RGB image and depth cloud data. By employing a recursive and reactive synthesis of safe view pose within the inspection module, FLIE incorporates a novel active visual guidance scheme for identifying previously inspected surfaces. Furthermore, the integration of a tiered hierarchical exploration module with the visual guidance system enables the UAV to navigate towards new and unexplored structures without relying on a map. This decoupling reduces memory overhead and computational effort by eliminating the need to plan based on an incrementally built, error-prone global map. The proposed autonomy is extensively evaluated through simulation and experimental verification under various scenarios and compared against state-of-art approaches, demonstrating its performance and effectiveness.
Reducing Fear to Help Build Healthy Families: Investing in Non-Punitive Approaches to Helping People with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Scott Karen A. , Shogren Maridee , Shatzkes Kenneth
Published: September 2023

Background

Many pregnant and parenting people with substance use disorders (SUD) refrain from seeking perinatal care or treatment for their SUD for fear of being treated poorly by health care providers and/or triggering a child welfare investigation. For those who do seek treatment, there are relatively few clinicians willing and able to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to pregnant people. Both stigma and lack of access to treatment put many pregnant and parenting people at risk. Drug-related deaths contribute significantly to U.S. maternal mortality rates, with people at especially high risk of drug overdose in the months following delivery.

Methods

The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) is a national philanthropy focused on finding and fostering solutions to the opioid crisis. We draw lessons from our grantees’ efforts to expand access to substance use treatment and recovery supports for pregnant and parenting people.

Results

To build systems of care that ensure more pregnant people get timely perinatal care, we need to expand training for perinatal providers on how to provide OUD treatment, clarify child welfare reporting rules, and engage and support trusted organizations and community-based services.

Conclusions

In addition to changes to our systems of SUD treatment and recovery, we need greater philanthropic investment in efforts to combat the public health crisis of substance use and overdose among pregnant and parenting people. Private funders have the leeway to act quickly, take risks, and demonstrate the effectiveness of new approaches, building the case for investment of public resources in such initiatives.
The effect of gender norms on gender-based sorting across occupations
Authors: Morales Marina , Marcén Miriam
Published: September 2023

Despite the notable progress that has been made in bridging the gap between women and men in the world of work, women are still underrepresented in many occupations. In this article, the effect of gender norms on whether women enter male-dominated occupations is analysed using differences in gender equality among early-arrival migrants. The variations in gender norms according to the cultural backgrounds of those migrants by country of origin are exploited to identify their impact on occupational choices. Using data from the American Community Survey, it is found that greater gender equality in the country of origin reduces the gender gap in male-dominated occupations. Suggestive evidence is further shown on the roles of job flexibility and women’s relative preferences for family-friendly jobs in shaping gender-based sorting across occupations.
Acoustic Emission Sensor-Assisted Process Monitoring of Air Plasma-Sprayed Titanium Deposition
Authors: Viswanathan V. , Prathuru Anil , Faisal Nadimul Haque , Goel Saurav
Published: September 2023

Acoustic emission is a sensing technique that offers the potential benefit for its use as an in situ monitoring tool for a wide range of manufacturing processes. This work attempts to highlight the robustness of using acoustic emission (AE) data for in-line process monitoring of the air plasma spray deposition technique. As part of this study, titanium powder was deposited under various conditions of robot speed, powder feed rates and the influence of these changes were investigated in the signature obtained from the AE analysis. The post-processed AE data showed sensitivity to these changes through variation in frequencies, power spectral densities and the cumulative energy that gets transmitted to the substrate during the spraying process. The AE signal sensitivity was found to be so robust that it picked up even the differences in the substrate conditions i.e., a substrate used for coating in an as received form vs a substrate that was grit blasted before spraying showed identifiable differences in the AE signature. An attempt to convert an AE signal to energy and then analyse the spraying process in light of the cumulative energy is an investigation first of its kind in this research, hitherto not seen in the literature. In light of the extensive experimental data gathered from the in-house deposition data, the influence of the release of elastic strain energy based on the particle states and the impact on the substrate has been discussed thoroughly. The interdependency of surface preparation, feed rate and the robotic gun scanning speed has been discussed in detail as well. Through the data presented in this study, we advocate the use of AE analysis to be a vital contributor and a welcome move towards digitalisation of the thermal spray process for in-process monitoring.
Neurointerventions in Criminal Justice: On the Scope of the Moral Right to Bodily Integrity
Authors: Tesink V. , Douglas T. , Forsberg L. , Ligthart S. , Meynen G.
Published: September 2023

There is growing interest in the use of neurointerventions to reduce the risk that criminal offenders will reoffend. Commentators have raised several ethical concerns regarding this practice. One prominent concern is that, when imposed without the offender’s valid consent, neurointerventions might infringe offenders’ right to bodily integrity. While it is commonly held that we possess a moral right to bodily integrity, the extent to which this right would protect against such neurointerventions is as-yet unclear. In this paper, we will assess whether, why, and how severely three forms of neurointervention might infringe the right to bodily integrity. We show that the severity of the infringement of the right to bodily integrity differs across different forms of neurointervention. Moreover, we argue that mental and behavioral effects of neurointerventions could in some cases be relevant to determining the severity of infringements of the right to bodily integrity.