bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad host‐range pathogens as bioherbicides: managing nontarget plant disease risk
Authors: Bourdôt Graeme W , Casonato Seona G
Published: February 2023

Plant pathogens with a broad host range are commercially more attractive as microbial bioherbicides than strictly host‐specific pathogens as a result of the wider market potential of a product capable of controlling multiple species. However, the perceived spatiotemporal disease risk to nontarget plants is a barrier to their adoption for weed control. We consider two approaches to managing this risk. First, we consider safety zones and withholding periods for bioherbicide treatment sites. These must ensure inoculum spreading from, or surviving at the site, exposes nontarget plants to no more inoculum than from natural sources. They can be determined using simple dispersal models. We show that a ratio of added:natural inoculum of 1.0 is biologically reasonable as an ‘acceptable risk’ and a sound basis for safety zones and withholding periods. These would be analogous to the ‘conditions of use’ for synthetic chemical herbicides aimed at minimizing collateral damage to susceptible plants from spray drift and persistent soil residues. Second, weed‐specific isolates of broad host‐range pathogens may avoid the need for safety zones and withholding periods. Such isolates have been found in many broad host‐range pathogen species. Their utilization as bioherbicides may more easily meet the requirements of regulators. Mixtures of different weed‐specific isolates of a pathogen could provide bioherbicides with commercially attractive spectrums of weed control activity. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ab Initio Study of the Raman Spectra of Amorphous Oxides: Insights into the Boson Peak Nature in Glassy TeO2
Authors: Roginskii Evgenii M. , Raghvender Raghvender , Noguera Olivier , Thomas Philippe , Masson Olivier , Bouzid Assil
Published: February 2023

Herein, a computational technique that combines density functional theory and the finite difference method is presented to enable the calculation of the Raman spectra of large models of oxide glasses. The calculated Raman spectra of amorphous are found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental data. A strong peak in the low‐frequency range of the Raman spectra is observed and attributed to the Boson peak. According to atomic‐scale analysis, this peak is assigned to collective vibrations of nanoclusters that are formed by the structural units of the glass. Two general factors that influence the Boson peak intensity are established. The first factor concerns the intensity of the low‐frequency peak in vibrational density of states. The second factor is related to the low‐frequency vibrational state occupancy at fixed temperature, which obeys the Bose–Einstein statistic. It is found that even a small shift toward high frequencies leads to a significant decay of the vibrational state occupancy. This correlates quite well when the Raman spectra of glass are compared to the spectra of fused silica. The technique can be readily applied to the large set of amorphous systems.
Bochdalek hernia masquerading as pleural effusion in a young adult
Authors: Wong Charles , Lam Chin Tou , Yam Loretta Yin Chun
Published: February 2023

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia which rarely presents in adulthood. We report on a 25‐year‐old man admitted with 3‐year recurrent and self‐limiting abdominal pain and vomiting. Chest radiograph showed left pleural opacity which shifted position in the decubitus film suggesting pleural effusion. Before attempting drainage, point‐of‐care (POC) thoracic ultrasound (TUS) demonstrated features of intrathoracic gastrointestinal content above the left hemi‐diaphragm. Computed tomography of the thorax confirmed a large left BH. Acute recurrent symptoms 3 months post‐discharge was associated with BH enlargement and early bowel ischemia, which was successfully managed by emergency surgery. This case illustrates the importance of pre‐procedural imaging with POC‐TUS before pleural procedures in all cases of suspected or apparent pleural effusion, and of prompt surgical treatment of symptomatic BH despite clinical stabilization.
Introduction to “The Woodward‐Hoffmann Rules. From May 5, 1964, to November 30, 1964”**
Authors: Seeman Jeffrey I.
Published: February 2023

An introduction is provided to Publication 11 in the series of articles by the author on the history of the Woodward‐Hoffmann (W−H) rules. Now permanently open access (CC‐BY) athttp://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.joc.5b01792, Paper 11 was published in 2015 inThe Journal of Organic Chemistryto celebrate the 50th anniversary of the W−H rules. This paper summarizes the content of Publications 1–10 in the series and provides an idea of the major components of Publication 11.
Collective responsibility for climate change
Authors: Hormio Säde
Published: February 2023

Climate change can be construed as a question of collective responsibility from two different viewpoints: climate change being inherently a collective problem, or collective entities bearing responsibility for climate change. When discussing collective responsibility for climate change, “collective” can thus refer to the problem of climate change itself, or to the entity causing the harm and/or bearing responsibility for it. The first viewpoint focuses on how climate change is a harm that has been caused collectively.Collective action problemrefers to an aggregation of individual actions which together produce an outcome that is not intended at the level of an individual action. It cannot be solved by any one agent acting unilaterally. Instead, climate change action must be enacted and supported by numerous agents. The second way to conceptualize climate change as a question of collective responsibility focuses on the collective entities that bear responsibility for climate change. As a global problem, climate change is linked to the realm of international politics, where states, governments, and intergovernmental organizations are the main collective entities. Other important agential collectives in terms of climate responsibility are corporations, including carbon majors who have produced the bulk of emissions. Climate change has also been theorized as astructural injustice, which combines elements from both the viewpoints on what is collective about responsibility for climate change.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Ethics and Climate Change

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice
Computational insights into the rational design of organic electrode materials for metal ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Xinyue , Yang Youchao , Shu Xipeng , Xu Tianze , Jing Yu
Published: February 2023

Metal ion batteries (MIBs), represented by lithium ion batteries are important energy storage devices for storing renewable energy. Advanced development of MIBs depends on the exploration of efficient and sustainable electrode materials. Organic electrode materials (OEMs) with redox‐active moieties are low‐cost and eco‐friendly alternatives to conventional inorganic electrode materials for MIBs. Computational simulation plays an important role in understanding the energy storage mechanism of different active functional groups and boosting the discovery of new OEMs for high‐efficient MIBs. Here, we will review recent progress of OEMs and comprehensively survey factors that determine their electrochemical properties. Dependable computational methods to guide the design of OEMs are comprehensively discussed and machine learning is highlighted as an emerging method to reveal the underlying structure–performance relationship and facilitate screening of OEMs with high‐efficiency. Finally, we summarize the available molecular design strategies to effectively improve the redox activity and stability of OEMs, and discuss challenges and opportunities of theoretical calculations of OEMs for MIBs.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Assessment of cation exchange as conditioning processes of water chemistry in freshwater lenses
Authors: Tanjal Carolina , Borzi Guido , Santucci Lucía , Carol Eleonora , Richiano Sebastián
Published: February 2023

Freshwater lenses are groundwater sources of limited dimensions that can be usually found in a variety of climates worldwide. These aquifers' quality is important for socioeconomic development, being cation exchange one of the most important geochemical processes that can change the water geochemistry. This study aims to assess the cation exchange processes that determine the chemistry of freshwater lenses in a multilayer aquifer type, considering the center‐east of the Pampean Region (Argentina) as a case study. Water samples were taken from the freshwater lenses at different depths to analyze major ions in the laboratory. In addition, geological profiles were made along with the extraction of sediment samples for X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and laboratory tests to analyze the cation exchange capacity. The results show that water stored in the lenses has a vertical facies variation from Ca‐HCO3 to Na‐HCO3. According to the laboratory results, the change of water facies mainly occurs in the clayey sediments that divide the carbonate bioclastic material above and the loessic sediment below, being cation exchange the most important process.

Practitioner Points

Cation exchange is the main geochemical process regulating groundwater chemistry.

Hydrochemical changes determine the quality of freshwater lenses.

Na/Ca exchange is mainly regulated by the groundwater flow into the bioturbated clay.

Batch exchange tests were also carried out to quantify the Na/Ca exchange processes.
Cultivation of algal‐bacterial granular sludge and degradation characteristics of tetracycline
Authors: Wang Shulian , Zhang Yu , Ge Hongmei , Hou Huan , Zhang Huiqin , Pi Kewu
Published: February 2023

Due to the increasing use of antibiotics, tetracycline was frequently detected in wastewater. As a novel technology, algal‐bacterial granular sludge process is expected to be widely used in wastewater treatment. However, the degradation effect of tetracycline by algal‐bacterial granular sludge process and its degradation path is still unknown. In this study, mature and stable algal‐bacterial granular sludge was cultured and the degradation of tetracycline by it was investigated. The results showed that the removal amount of 1–25 mg/L tetracycline by algal‐bacterial granular sludge was 0.09–1.45 mg/g volatile suspended solids (VSS), in which the adsorption amount was 0.06–0.17 mg/g VSS and the degradation amount was 0.03–1.27 mg/g VSS. Tetracycline biosorption was dominant at its concentration of 1–3 mg/L, while biodegradation was predominant at 5–25 mg/L of tetracycline. At tetracycline concentration of 3–5 mg/L, the contribution of biosorption and biodegradation to tetracycline removal by algal‐bacterial granular sludge process was almost equal. Algal‐bacterial granular sludge could effectively degrade tetracycline through demethylation, dehydrogenation, deacylation, and deamination or their combination. In addition, the degradation products were nontoxic and hardly pose a threat to environmental health. The research results of this paper provide a solid theoretical basis for tetracycline removal by algal‐bacterial granular sludge and a reference for the development of algal‐bacterial granular sludge process for wastewater treatment in the presence of tetracycline.

Practitioner points

Mature and stable algal‐bacterial granular sludge was cultured.

Tetracycline was removed by algal‐bacterial granular sludge through biosorption and biodegradation.

Algal‐bacterial granular sludge could degrade tetracycline through demethylation, dehydrogenation, deacylation, and deamination or their combination.

The degradation products were nontoxic.
Second law analysis in Darcy‐Forchheimer flow of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid in the presence of gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Ahmed M. Faizan , Khalid M. , Ali Farhan , Alduais Fuad S. , Al‐Bossly Afrah , Saeed Anwar
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the creation of entropy and the thermal transport of fluids during hyperbolic tangent flow with Darcy‐Forchheimer flow over a stretching surface. Because of the role of shear‐thinning that the hyperbolic tangent fluid displays, the mechanics of the fluid are described with the assistance of a connected system of differential models that are constructed from a partial differential equation. The bvp4c routine, a three‐stage Lobatto‐IIIA method numerical analysis is utilized in the study. The effects of varying values of dimensionless parameters including Forchheimer number, inertia parameter, thermal radiation, Brownian motion, Prandtl number, Scimdth number, chemical reaction, Peclet number an Bioconvection Lewis number are simulated numerically. In addition, to this, the numerical values of the skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt and Sherwood number and motile density are shown in the form of graphs and tables respectively. It has been discovered that increasing the value of the Fr and γ results in an upsurging velocity profile while a reverse trend is noted for the unsteady parameter. In addition to this, higher values of the radiation parameter Rd cause the operating fluid to be subjected to a greater quantity of heat, which results in an associated increase in the temperature profile.
Correction to: Computers Helping People with Special Needs
Authors: Miesenberger Klaus , Kouroupetroglou Georgios , Mavrou Katerina , Manduchi Roberto , Covarrubias Rodriguez Mario , Penáz Petr
Published: February 2023

In the originally published version of chapter 41, some of the author names did not include special characters, in addition there were typing errors in two of the names. This has been corrected.
Evaluation of the decision-making process within the table-top exercise of the Terror and Disaster Surgical Care (TDSC®) course
Authors: Achatz Gerhard , Reckziegel Alexander , Friemert Benedikt , Blätzinger Markus , Hinz-Bauer Simone , Franke Axel , Bieler Dan , Paffrath Thomas , Hoth Patrick ,   the Deployment, Disaster, Tactical Surgery Section of the German Trauma Society
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The threat of terror is omnipresent in Europe and the number of attacks worldwide is increasing. The target of attacks in Europe is usually the civilian population. Incalculable dangerous situations at the scene of the event and severe injury patterns such as complex gunshot and explosion injuries with a high number of highly life-threatening people present rescue forces, emergency physicians and subsequently hospitals with medical, organizational as well as tactical and strategic challenges. The Terror and Disaster Surgical Care (TDSC®) course trains clinical decision-makers to meet these challenges of a TerrorMASCAL in the first 24–48 h.

Methods

A table-top exercise was developed for the TDSC® course as a decision training tool, which was prospectively evaluated in six courses. The evaluation took place in 3 courses of the version 1.0, in 3 courses in the further developed version 2.0 to different target values like, e.g., the accuracy of the in-hospital triage. Furthermore, 16 TDSC® course instructors were evaluated.

Results

For the evaluation, n = 360 patient charts for version 1.0 and n = 369 for version 2.0 could be evaluated. Overall, the table-top exercise was found to be suitable for training of internal clinical decision makers. Version 2.0 was also able to depict the action and decision-making paths in a stable and valid manner compared to the previous version 1.0. The evaluation of the instructors also confirmed the further value and improvement of version 2.0.

Conclusion

With this prospective study, the table-top exercise of the TDSC® course was tested for decision stability and consistency of the participants’ decision paths. This could be proven for the selected target variables, it further showed an improvement of the training situation. A further development of the table-top exercise, in particular also using digital modules, will allow a further optimization.

http://www.bundeswehrkrankenhaus-ulm.de
Does the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general) represent an independent predictor for in-hospital complications in operatively treated malleolar fractures? A retrospective analysis of 5262 patients
Authors: Canal Claudio , Kaserer Alexander , Morax Laurent Sébastien , Ziegenhain Franziska , Pape Hans-Christoph , Neuhaus Valentin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The impact of the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general anesthesia) on in-hospital complications in ankle fractures has not been thoroughly studied yet. Identifying factors that place patients at risk for complications following ankle fractures may help reduce their occurrence. The primary goal of this study was (1) to describe the cohort of patients and (2) to evaluate independent risk factors for complications during hospitalization.

Methods

We analyzed patients from 2005 to 2019 with an operatively treated isolated fracture of the medial or lateral malleolus using a prospective national quality measurement database. Patients were selected based on international classifications (ICD) and national procedural codes (CHOP). Uni- and multivariate analysis were applied.

Results

In total, we analyzed 5262 patients who suffered a fracture of the malleolus; 3003 patients (57%) had regional and 2259 (43%) general anesthesia. Patients with regional anesthesia were significantly older (51 vs. 46 years), but healthier (23 vs. 28% comorbidities) than patients who received general anesthesia. The in-hospital complication rate was not significantly lower in regional anesthesia (2.2% vs 3.0%). The type of anesthesia was not an independent predictor for complications while controlling for confounders.

Conclusion

Type of anesthesia was not an independent predictor of complications; however, higher ASA class, age over 70 years, fracture of the medial versus lateral malleolus, longer preoperative stay, and duration of surgery were significant predictors of complications. Patient and procedure characteristics, as well as changes in medical care and epidemiological changes along with patient requests, influenced the choice of the type of anesthesia.
Neurological update: structural and functional imaging in epilepsy surgery
Authors: Yoganathan Katie , Malek Naveed , Torzillo Emma , Paranathala Menaka , Greene John
Published: February 2023

Structural and functional imaging prior to surgery in drug-resistant focal epilepsy, has an important role to play alongside electroencephalography (EEG) techniques, in planning the surgical approach and predicting post-operative outcome. This paper reviews the role of structural and functional imaging of the brain, namely computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI (fMRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the preoperative work-up of people with medically refractory epilepsy. In MRI-negative patients, the precise localisation of the epileptogenic zone may be established by demonstrating hypometabolism on PET imaging or hyperperfusion on SPECT imaging in the area surrounding the seizure focus. These imaging modalities are far less invasive than intracranial EEG, which is the gold standard but requires surgical placement of electrodes or recording grids. Even when intracranial EEG is needed, PET or SPECT imaging can assist in the planning of EEG electrode placement, due to its’ limited spatial sampling. Multimodal imaging techniques now allow the multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery team to identify and better characterise focal pathology, determine its’ relationship to eloquent areas of the brain and the degree of interconnectedness within both physiological and pathological networks, as well as improve planning and surgical outcomes for patients. This paper will update the reader on this whole field and provide them with a practical guide, to aid them in the selection of appropriate investigations, interpretation of the findings and facilitating patient discussions in individuals with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
Responses in honeybee and bumblebee activity to changes in weather conditions
Authors: Karbassioon Arrian , Yearlsey Jon , Dirilgen Tara , Hodge Simon , Stout Jane C. , Stanley Dara A.
Published: February 2023

Insect pollination, and in particular pollination by bees, is a highly valued ecosystem service that ensures plant reproduction and the production of high-quality crops. Bee activity is known to be influenced by the weather, and as the global climate continues to change, the flying frequency and foraging behaviour of bees may also change. To maximise the benefits of pollination in a changing world, we must first understand how current weather conditions influence the activity of different bee species. This is of particular interest in a country such as Ireland where inclement weather conditions are nominally sub-optimal for foraging. We observed honeybee (Apis mellifera) and buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) activity across a variety of weather conditions at seven apple orchards to determine how four weather variables (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind) influenced the flight activity of each species. Each orchard contained three honeybee and three bumblebee colonies, and so we were able to observe a colony of each species concurrently in the same weather conditions. Overall, honeybees were more sensitive to changes in weather than bumblebees and could be more predisposed to future changes in within-day weather conditions. Our results indicate bumblebees could compensate for low honeybee activity in inclement conditions, which supports the theory that pollinator diversity provides resilience. This may be particularly important in management of pollinators in crops that flower in the spring when weather is more variable, and to allow varied responses to global climate change.
Fused filament fabrication (FFF): influence of layer height on forces and moments delivered by aligners—an in vitro study
Authors: Spanier Claudia , Schwahn Christian , Krey Karl-Friedrich , Ratzmann Anja
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of layer height of FFF-printed models on aligner force transmission to a second maxillary premolar during buccal torquing, distalization, extrusion, and rotation using differing foil thicknesses.

Materials and methods

Utilizing OnyxCeph3™ Lab (Image Instruments GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany, Release Version 3.2.185), the following movements were programmed for the second premolar: buccal torque (0.1–0.5 mm), distalization (0.1–0.4 mm), extrusion (0.1–0.4 mm), rotation (0.1–0.5 mm), and staging 0.1 mm. Via FFF, 91 maxillary models were printed for each staging at different layer heights (100 µm, 150 µm, 200 µm, 250 µm, 300 µm). Hence, 182 aligners, made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) with two thicknesses (0.5 mm and 0.75 mm), were prepared. The test setup comprised an acrylic maxillary model with the second premolar separated and mounted on a sensor, measuring initial forces and moments exerted by the aligners. A generalized linear model for the gamma distribution was applied, evaluating the significance of the factors layer height, type of movement, aligner thickness, and staging on aligner force transmission.

Results

Foil thickness and staging were found to have a significant influence on forces delivered by aligners, whereas no significance was determined for layer height and type of movement. Nevertheless, at a layer height of 150 µm, the most appropriate force transmission was observed.

Conclusions

Printing aligner models at particularly low layer heights leads to uneconomically high print time without perceptible better force delivery properties, whereas higher layer heights provoke higher unpredictability of forces due to scattering. A z-resolution of 150 µm appears ideal for in-office aligner production combining advantages of economic print time and optimal force transmission.
The MOCAST+ Study on a Quantum Gradiometry Satellite Mission with Atomic Clocks
Authors: Migliaccio Federica , Reguzzoni Mirko , Rosi Gabriele , Braitenberg Carla , Tino Guglielmo Maria , Sorrentino Fiodor , Mottini Sergio , Rossi Lorenzo , Koç Öykü , Batsukh Khulan , Pivetta Tommaso , Pastorutti Alberto , Zoffoli Simona
Published: February 2023

In the past twenty years, satellite gravimetry missions have successfully provided data for the determination of the Earth static gravity field (GOCE) and its temporal variations (GRACE and GRACE-FO). In particular, the possibility to study the evolution in time of Earth masses allows us to monitor global parameters underlying climate changes, water resources, flooding, melting of ice masses and the corresponding global sea level rise, all of which are of paramount importance, providing basic data on, e.g. geodynamics, earthquakes, hydrology or ice sheets changes. Recently, a large interest has developed in novel technologies and quantum sensing, which promise higher sensitivity, drift-free measurements, and higher absolute accuracy for both terrestrial surveys and space missions, giving direct access to more precise long-term measurements. Looking at a time frame beyond the present decade, in the MOCAST+ study (MOnitoring mass variations by Cold Atom Sensors and Time measures) a satellite mission based on an “enhanced” quantum payload is proposed, with cold atom interferometers acting as gravity gradiometers, and atomic clocks for optical frequency measurements, providing observations of differences of the gravitational potential. The main outcomes are the definition of the accuracy level to be expected from this payload and the accuracy level needed to detect and monitor phenomena identified in the Scientific Challenges of the ESA Living Planet Program, in particular Cryosphere, Ocean and Solid Earth. In this paper, the proposed payload, mission profile and preliminary platform design are presented, with end-to-end simulation results and assessment of the impact on geophysical applications.
The Autoimmune Manifestations in Patients with Genetic Defects in the B Cell Development and Differentiation Stages
Authors: Azizi Gholamreza , Hesari Mina Fattah , Sharifinejad Niusha , Fayyaz Farimah , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Alan Mahnaz Seifi , Jamee Mahnaz , Tavakol Marzieh , Sadri Homa , Shahrestanaki Ehsan , Nabavi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Sareh Sadat , Shirkani Afshin , Vosughi Motlagh Ahmad , Delavari Samaneh , Rasouli Seyed Erfan , Esmaeili Marzie , Salami Fereshte , Yazdani Reza , Rezaei Nima , Abolhassani Hassan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Primary B cell defects manifesting as predominantly antibody deficiencies result from variable inborn errors of the B cell lineage and their development, including impairments in early bone marrow development, class switch recombination (CSR), or terminal B cell differentiation. In this study, we aimed to investigate autoimmunity in monogenic patients with B cell development and differentiation defects.

Methods

Patients with known genetic defects in the B cell development and differentiation were recruited from the Iranian inborn errors of immunity registry.

Results

A total of 393 patients with a known genetic defect in the B cell development and differentiation (257 males; 65.4%) with a median age of 12 (6–20) years were enrolled in this study. After categorizing patients, 109 patients had intrinsic B cell defects. More than half of the patients had defects in one of the ATM (85 patients), BTK (76 patients), LRBA (34 patients), and DOCK8 (33 patients) genes. Fifteen patients (3.8%) showed autoimmune complications as their first manifestation. During the course of the disease, autoimmunity was reported in 81 (20.6%) patients at a median age of 4 (2–7) years, among which 65 patients had mixed intrinsic and extrinsic and 16 had intrinsic B cell defects. The comparison between patients with the mentioned four main gene defects showed that the patient group with LRBA defect had a significantly higher frequency of autoimmunity compared to those with other gene defects. Based on the B cell defect stage, 13% of patients with early B cell defect, 17% of patients with CSR defect, and 40% of patients who had terminal B cell defect presented at least one type of autoimmunity.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that gene mutations involved in human B cell terminal stage development mainly LRBA gene defect have the highest association with autoimmunity.
Desert Retributivism: A Deweyan Critique
Authors: Poama Andrei
Published: February 2023

In this article, I argue that Michael Moore’s (1997), and other similar formulations of desert retributivism – viz., the theory that holds punishment to be justified because of the deserved suffering it imposes on guilty offenders – are epistemically problematic. The argument draws on John Dewey’s inchoate critique of retribution, and on Dewey’s more general contention that the justification of ethical judgments and principles proceeds ex post – viz., that it depends on the experiences elicited by acting on those judgments and principles. Based on Dewey’s ex post take on justification, I more specifically argue that, given its commitment to moral naturalism and to coherentism, Moore’s version of desert retributivism is epistemically unwarranted. This is because we have evidentially grounded reasons to think that many of the retributive judgments that underlie the principle of retributive justice are not clearly supported ex post in the relevant, desert retributivist sense.
“I Just Want to Be Me, Authentically”: Identity Shifting Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Young Adults
Authors: Loyd Aerika Brittian , Westberg Dulce Wilkinson , Williams LeNisha , Humphries Marisha , Meca Alan , Rodil Julie C.
Published: February 2023

Identity shifting represents a common but complex social, behavioral, and cognitive phenomenon. However, some forms of identity shifting originate in response to structural, institutional, and interpersonal marginalization enacted on lower status groups, such as people of color in the United States. The current study investigated ways young adults from diverse ethnic/racial groups discussed shifting to fit in with White Americans (a dominant group) in the United States and their own ethnic/racial group (a minoritized group) and elucidated self-reported motivations for shifting. Participants consisted of 764 young adults (ages = 18–23) recruited from two large public universities in the Southeast and Southwest regions of the United States. The majority of participants identified as Black/African American (41%), Asian/Asian American (27%), or Hispanic/Latinx (22%). Analysis of participants’ qualitative responses identified six types of shifts and two motivations for shifting. The shifts included:behavioral, linguistic, cognitive, physical, food, and affect. Motivations for shifting focused on avoiding risks and obtaining rewards. The discussion offers interpretation of the results and recommendations for future research on identity shifting.
Numerical methods for control-based continuation of relaxation oscillations
Authors: Blyth Mark , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Marucci Lucia , Renson Ludovic
Published: February 2023

Control-based continuation (CBC) is an experimental method that can reveal stable and unstable dynamics of physical systems. It extends the path-following principles of numerical continuation to experiments and provides systematic dynamical analyses without the need for mathematical modelling. CBC has seen considerable success in studying the bifurcation structure of mechanical systems. Nevertheless, the method is not practical for studying relaxation oscillations. Large numbers of Fourier modes are required to describe them, and the length of the experiment significantly increases when many Fourier modes are used, as the system must be run to convergence many times. Furthermore, relaxation oscillations often arise in autonomous systems, for which an appropriate phase constraint is required. To overcome these challenges, we introduce an adaptive B-spline discretisation that can produce a parsimonious description of responses that would otherwise require many Fourier modes. We couple this to a novel phase constraint that phase-locks control target and solution phase. Results are demonstrated on simulations of a slow-fast synthetic gene network and an Oregonator model. Our methods extend CBC to a much broader range of systems than have been studied so far, opening up a range of novel experimental opportunities on slow-fast systems.
Hungarian PROMIS-29+2: psychometric properties and population reference values
Authors: Jenei Balázs , Bató Alex , Mitev Ariel Z. , Brodszky Valentin , Rencz Fanni
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aims to assess psychometric properties of the Hungarian PROMIS-29+2 profile measure and provide general population reference values for Hungary.

Methods

An adult general population sample (n = 1700) completed PROMIS-29+2 v2.1 in an online survey. The following psychometric properties were assessed: floor and ceiling effect, convergent validity with SF-36v1 domains, internal consistency (McDonald’s omega), unidimensionality, local independence, monotonicity, graded response model (GRM) fit and differential item functioning (DIF). Age- and gender-specific reference values were established using the US item calibrations.

Results

Depending on scale orientation, high floor or ceiling effects were observed for all domains (25.2–60.7%) except for sleep disturbance. McDonald’s omega for domains ranged from 0.87–0.97. Unidimensionality, local independence and monotonicity were supported and the GRM adequately fitted for all but one domains. The sleep disturbance domain demonstrated item misfit, response level disordering and low discrimination ability, particularly for item Sleep116 (‘refreshing sleep’). Strong correlations were observed between PROMIS-29+2 and corresponding SF-36 domains (rs=│0.60│ to │0.78│). No DIF was detected for most sociodemographic characteristics. Problems with physical function, pain interference and social roles tended to increase, whereas problems with anxiety, depression, fatigue and cognitive function declined with age (p < 0.01). In all domains except for cognitive function, more health problems occurred in females than in males (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The Hungarian PROMIS-29+2 shows satisfactory psychometric properties; however, the sleep disturbance domain substantially underperforms that requires further attention. Population reference values were generated that facilitate the interpretation of health outcomes in various patient populations.
Mapping the national HPC ecosystem and training needs: The Greek paradigm
Authors: Karozis Stelios , Ziouvelou Xenia , Karkaletsis Vangelis
Published: February 2023

HPC is a key tool for processing and analyzing the constantly growing volume of data, from 64.2 zettabytes in 2020 to an expected 180 zettabytes in 2025 (1 zettabyte is equal to 1 trillion gigabytes). As such, HPC has a large number of application areas that range from climate change, monitoring and mitigating planning to the production of safer and greener vehicles and treating COVID-19 pandemic to the advancement of knowledge in almost every scientific field and industrial domain. The current work presents an HPC Training Mapping Framework and the relevant findings and processed data of an online Training Needs Analysis (TNA) survey. The latter was used to map the training demands and gaps of existing skills and future ones. The participants consist of academia and industry and the data were utilized to find the profile of HPC user alongside the best training practices that are in need. It is found that in Greece during the year 2021, the stakeholder segment with the highest number of respondents was from academia and research with a total of 74%. The vast majority appear to have basic information accounting for 37% of the respondents. In terms of familiarity, users with intermediate familiarity with HPC represented 21% of respondents, followed by non-familiar users that accounted in total for 16.1. Advanced and highly advanced user segments account only for 8.6% and 7.4% accordingly. Overall, it is found that a: (1) fast-pace, (2) entry level, (3) applied HPC training but (4) not focused only on HPC, that will (5) provide some kind of certification, by the Greek HPC ecosystem.
Numerical and experimental study of aerosol dispersion in the Do728 aircraft cabin
Authors: Schmeling D. , Shishkin A. , Schiepel D. , Wagner C.
Published: February 2023

The dispersion of aerosols originating from one source, the ‘index’ passenger, within the cabin of the aircraft Do728 is studied experimentally using an aerosol-exhaling thermal manikin and in Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations (RANS). The overall aim of the present study is the experimental determination of the aerosol spreading for the state-of-the-art mixing ventilation (MV) and to evaluate the potential of alternative ventilation concepts for controlling the aerosol spreading in RANS. For MV, the experiments showed that the ratio of inhaled to exhaled aerosol particles drops below 0.06% (volume ratio) for distances larger than two seat rows from the source. However, within a single row, the observed ratio is higher. Further, the dispersion is much weaker for a standing than for a seated index passenger. High air exchange rates and a well-guided flow prevent a dispersion of the aerosols in high concentrations over larger distances. Additionally, the positive effect of a mask and an increased air flow rate, and especially their combination are shown. In the complementary conducted RANS, the advantages of floor-based cabin displacement ventilation (CDV) which is alternative ventilation concept to MV, regarding spreading lengths and the dwell time of the aerosols in the cabin were determined. The obtained results also underline the importance of the flow field for the aerosol dispersion. Further, additional unsteady RANS (URANS) simulations of the short-term process of the initial aerosol cloud formation highlighted that the momentum decay of the breathing and the evaporation processes take place within a few seconds only.
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker changes in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment treated with lithium: analysis from a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Thela Lindokuhle , Decloedt Eric , Zetterberg Henrik , Gisslén Magnus , Lesosky Maia , Gleich Melanie , Koutsilieri Eleni , Scheller Carsten , Hye Abdul , Joska John
Published: February 2023

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Thus, ART does not completely halt or reverse the pathological processes behind HAND. Adjuvant mitigating treatments are, therefore, prudent. Lithium treatment is known to promote neuronal brain–derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). Lithium is also an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3-β). We analyzed biomarkers obtained from participants in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of lithium in ART-treated individuals with moderate or severe HAND. We assayed markers at baseline and 24 weeks across several pathways hypothesized to be affected by HIV, inflammation, or degeneration. Investigated biomarkers included dopamine, BDNF, neurofilament light chain, and CD8 + lymphocyte activation (CD38 + HLADR +). Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) biomarkers included soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha and beta (sAPPα/β), Aβ38, 40, 42, and ten other biomarkers validated as predictors of mild cognitive impairment and progression in previous studies. These include apolipoprotein C3, pre-albumin, α1-acid glycoprotein, α1-antitrypsin, PEDF, CC4, ICAM-1, RANTES, clusterin, and cystatin c. We recruited 61 participants (placebo = 31; lithium = 30). The age baseline mean was 40 (± 8.35) years and the median CD4 + T-cell count was 498 (IQR: 389–651) cells/μL. Biomarker concentrations between groups did not differ at baseline. However, both groups’ blood dopamine levels decreased significantly after 24 weeks (adj. p < 002). No other marker was significantly different between groups, and we concluded that lithium did not confer neuroprotection following 24 weeks of treatment. However, the study was limited in duration and sample size.
International comparative analysis to understand the capacity for arthroscopy training and practice in developing countries
Authors: Goldhaber Nicole H. , Qudsi Rameez A. , Polinsky Samuel , Stupay Kristen L. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Stetson William B. , Dyer George S. M. , Investigators Co-Principal
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Arthroscopy is an efficacious and popular treatment modality in developed nations for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. However, arthroscopy requires specialized training, complex infrastructure, and expensive equipment, occasionally causing barriers to use in developing countries. Consequently, the utilization of resources to perform and teach arthroscopy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is controversial. Through this investigation, we assessed the current capacity and barriers to arthroscopy use and training in these settings.

Methods

Focused interviews were conducted with surgeons from Haiti (low-income) and Romania (middle-income) regarding their experience with arthroscopy. Based on responses, a multiple-choice survey was developed and administered to orthopaedic trainees and practicing orthopaedic surgeons during national orthopaedics conferences in each country.

Results

Fifty-eight orthopaedists in Haiti, and 29 in Romania completed the survey. Most (91% from Haiti; 79% from Romania) reported that learning arthroscopy is essential or important for orthopaedic training in their country. Yet only 17% from Haiti compared to 69% from Romania indicated their primary hospital has the equipment necessary for arthroscopy. In Haiti, equipment was the main barrier to use of arthroscopy, followed by training, while in Romania, the main barrier was training, followed by equipment. Simulations and telemedicine were ranked as top choices of effective methods for learning arthroscopy.

Conclusions

Regardless of their country’s resource limitations, most participants place high value on the practice of arthroscopy and arthroscopic training. The results from this study highlight a hierarchy of needs in developing nations. Furthermore, local providers report a strong belief in the need for arthroscopic treatment to benefit their patients, and a clear desire for further training and development of these techniques. By identifying similarities and differences by location, we may better tailor global orthopaedic training initiatives and partnerships in LMICs.
An Enhanced Partitioning Approach in SpatialHadoop for Handling Big Spatial Data
Authors: Shehab Abdulaziz , Elashry Ahmed , Aboul-Fotouh Ahmed , Riad Alaa
Published: February 2023

SpatialHadoop could handle spatial data operations in a low partitioning execution time compared to the traditional Hadoop. However, developing an efficient and an accurate partitioning algorithm is still a research field opened to many researchers. Confidently, this paper proposes a Minimum Boundary Rectangle-aware Priority R-Tree (MBR-aware PR-Tree) as an enhanced partitioning algorithm applicable at SpatialHadoop. Compared to state-of-art partitioning algorithms, our proposed algorithm outperforms them in terms of query execution time, file size, number of partitions, indexing time, and number of returned objects. The experimental results show superiority of our algorithm which have been confirmed for both spatial range query and k-nearest-neighbour query through evaluating the performance in different scenarios using a real dataset.
Influence of assisted reproductive technology and uterine leiomyoma on pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis
Authors: Wang Yi-Ling , Tian Zhao , Chang Xiao-Hong , Zhu Hong-Lan , Cui Heng
Published: February 2023

Aim

To assess whether adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with adenomyosis are different according to the method of conception and the concurrent of uterine leiomyoma (UL).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study. Fifty-three singleton pregnancy cases complicated with adenomyosis were included in this study. In the study group, 15 women became pregnant with assisted reproductive technology (ART) and 21 women combined with UL. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between ART and non-ART, UL and non-UL groups.

Results

The prevalence for such complications as hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP)and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)were significantly higher in the women conceived by ART (33.3% vs. 5.3%, P ​= ​0.023) and (53.3% vs. 23.7%, P ​= ​0.037),respectively. And women concurrent with UL of which the diameter≥4 ​cm were more likely to have severe PPH (44.4% vs. 0%, P ​= ​0.021).

Conclusion

ART may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as HDCP and PPH in women with adenomyosis and UL of which the diameter≥4 ​cm may further increase the risk of severe PPH.
Beirut Blast: The Experiences of Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Al-Hajj Samar , Ghamlouche Layal , Nasser AlDeen Khawla , El Sayed Mazen
Published: February 2023

Mass Casualty Incidents recently increased in intensity and frequency at an unprecedented rate globally. On August 4, 2020, a massive blast hit the Port of Beirut severely damaging its healthcare sector. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the Beirut blast on acute care hospitals in the Beirut area, with a focus on understanding healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) responses and encountered challenges. A qualitative research design method was adopted to evaluate the experiences of HCPs at acute hospitals located within 5 kilometers of the blast epicenter. 9 hospitals participated in the study. 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informant HCPs using a designed interview guide. HCPs reported severe infrastructural damages in their corresponding hospitals, and 2 were completely non-functional post-blast. Other than physical injuries sustained by HCPs, the blast imposed substantial strains on their mental health, exacerbated by the ongoing socio-economic crises in Lebanon. Moreover, the findings revealed critical challenges which hindered hospitals’ emergency responses at the level of communication, coordination, and human resources, as well as supplies. Participants urged for the need to conduct proper triage, arrange emergency operating centers, and deploy outdoor treatment tents among others, to effectively respond to future disasters. The Beirut blast overwhelmed the Lebanese healthcare system and challenged its level of emergency preparedness. This generated evidence to address the deficiencies and strengthen the existing hospitals’ emergency response plans. Future efforts should include prioritizing hospitals’ emergency preparedness to ensure the provision of care at increased capacity following the impact of a large-scale disaster.