bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the Temporal Fluctuation of Wind Power Production When Assessing Their Environmental Impacts with LCA: Combining Wind Power with Power-to-Gas in Denmark
Authors: Besseau Romain , Dhorne Milien , Pérez-López Paula , Blanc Isabelle
Published: October 2021

Worldwide wind power capacity is increasing, while the environmental footprint and economic cost of energy produced decrease. However, wind power generation is weather-dependent. At a high penetration rate, storage systems such as power-to-gas may become necessary to adjust electricity production to consumption. This research work presents the environmental life cycle performance of wind power accounting for the energy storage induced by the temporal variability of weather-dependent production and consumption. A case study in which wind power installations are combined with a power-to-gas system in Denmark to provide electricity according to the national load consumption profile was considered. Results highlight an increase, roughly by a factor 2, of the carbon footprint coming from both energy storage infrastructure and induced losses, but remain significantly, at least ten times, lower than fossil counterparts.
Empirisches Vorgehen
Authors: Albisser Matthias
Published: October 2021

Die vorliegende Arbeit hat zum Ziel, herauszufinden, wie sich informativer und unterhaltender Brand Content auf Markenimagedimensionen auswirkt Im vorherigen Kapitel wurde der aktuelle Forschungsstand mit Bezug zu dieser Frage diskutiert. Bestehende Forschung hat gezeigt, dass die Wirkung von Brand Content auch vom Kommunikationskanal und von der Art Marke, die den Brand Content ausspielt, abhängt.
Bulk locality for scalars and fermions with global symmetry
Authors: Chowdhury Subham Dutta , Ghosh Kausik
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We count the number of independent solutions to crossing constraints of four point functions involving charged scalars and charged fermions in a CFT with large gap in the spectrum. To find the CFT data we employ recently developed analytical functionals to charged fields. We compute the corresponding higher dimensional flat space S matrices in an independent group theoretic manner and obtain agreement with our CFT counting of ambiguities. We also write down the local lagrangians explicitly. Our work lends further evidence to [1] that any CFT with a large central charge expansion and a large gap in the spectrum has an AdS bulk dual.
General null asymptotics and superrotation-compatible configuration spaces in d ≥ 4
Authors: Capone F.
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We address the problem of consistent Campiglia-Laddha superrotations in d > 4 by solving Bondi-Sachs gauge vacuum Einstein equations at the non-linear level with the most general boundary conditions preserving the null nature of infinity. We discuss how to generalise the boundary structure to make the configuration space compatible with supertanslation-like and superrotation-like transformations. One possibility requires the time-independent boundary metric on the cuts of "Image missing" to be non-Einstein, while the other sticks to Einstein but time-dependent metrics. Both are novel features with respect to the four dimensional case, where time-dependence of the two-dimensional cross-sectional metric is not required and the Einstein condition is trivially satisfied. Other cases are also discussed. These conditions imply that the configuration spaces are not asymptotically flat in the standard sense. We discuss the implications on the construction of the phase space and the relationship with soft scattering theorems. We show that in even spacetime dimensions, the initial data compatible with such asymptotic symmetries produce maximally polyhomogeneous expansions of the metric and we advance a potential interpretation of this structure in terms of AdS/CFT and realizations of Ricci-flat holography.
The Na+-activated K+ channel Slack contributes to synaptic development and plasticity
Authors: Matt Lucas , Pham Thomas , Skrabak David , Hoffmann Felix , Eckert Philipp , Yin Jiaqi , Gisevius Miriam , Ehinger Rebekka , Bausch Anne , Ueffing Marius , Boldt Karsten , Ruth Peter , Lukowski Robert
Published: October 2021

Human mutations of the Na+-activated K+ channel Slack (KCNT1) are associated with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Accordingly, Slack knockout mice (Slack−/−) exhibit cognitive flexibility deficits in distinct behavioral tasks. So far, however, the underlying causes as well as the role of Slack in hippocampus-dependent memory functions remain enigmatic. We now report that infant (P6–P14) Slack−/− lack both hippocampal LTD and LTP, likely due to impaired NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signaling. Postsynaptic GluN2B levels are reduced in infant Slack−/−, evidenced by lower amplitudes of NMDAR-meditated excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Low GluN2B affected NMDAR-mediated Ca2+-influx, rendering cultured hippocampal Slack−/−neurons highly insensitive to the GluN2B-specific inhibitor Ro 25-6981. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of the AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA1 at S845, which is involved in AMPAR endocytosis during homeostatic and neuromodulator-regulated plasticity, is reduced after chemical LTD (cLTD) in infant Slack−/−. We additionally detect a lack of mGluR-induced LTD in infant Slack−/−, possibly caused by upregulation of the recycling endosome-associated small GTPase Rab4 which might accelerate AMPAR recycling from early endosomes. Interestingly, LTP and mGluR LTD, but not LTD and S845 dephosphorylation after cLTD are restored in adult Slack−/−. This together with normalized expression levels of GluN2B and Rab4 hints to developmental “restoration” of LTP expression despite Slack ablation, whereas in infant and adult brain, NMDAR-dependent LTD induction depends on this channel. Based on the present findings, NMDAR and vesicular transport might represent novel targets for the therapy of intellectual disability associated with Slack mutations. Consequently, careful modulation of hippocampal Slack activity should also improve learning abilities.
Spectral Asymptotics for Kinetic Brownian Motion on Surfaces of Constant Curvature
Authors: Kolb Martin , Weich Tobias , Wolf Lasse L.
Published: October 2021

The kinetic Brownian motion on the sphere bundle of a Riemannian manifold $$\mathbb {M}$$
M
is a stochastic process that models a random perturbation of the geodesic flow. If $$\mathbb {M}$$
M
is an orientable compact constantly curved surface, we show that in the limit of infinitely large perturbation the $$L^2$$

L
2

-spectrum of the infinitesimal generator of a time-rescaled version of the process converges to the Laplace spectrum of the base manifold.
The Strongly Coupled Polaron on the Torus: Quantum Corrections to the Pekar Asymptotics
Authors: Feliciangeli Dario , Seiringer Robert
Published: October 2021

We investigate the Fröhlich polaron model on a three-dimensional torus, and give a proof of the second-order quantum corrections to its ground-state energy in the strong-coupling limit. Compared to previous work in the confined case, the translational symmetry (and its breaking in the Pekar approximation) makes the analysis substantially more challenging.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) plus synthesised two-dimensional mammography (s2D) in breast cancer screening is associated with higher cancer detection and lower recalls compared to digital mammography (DM) alone: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Heywang-Köbrunner Sylvia H. , Jänsch Alexander , Hacker Astrid , Weinand Sina , Vogelmann Tobias
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) plus digital mammography (DM) in screening is problematic due to increased radiation by the double exposure. Synthesised two-dimensional mammography (s2D) calculated from DBT datasets at no additional dose appears a sensible alternative compared to adding DM. This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on screening performance outcomes in women screened with DBT plus s2D compared to DM alone.

Methods

PubMed was searched from January 1, 2010, to September 2, 2020. Studies comparing DBT plus s2D to DM alone in breast cancer screening were included. Pooled risk ratios (RR) were estimated for cancer detection rates (CDR), recall rates, interval cancer rates (ICR), biopsy rates, and positive predictive values for recalls (PPV-1), for biopsies recommended (PPV-2), and for biopsies performed (PPV-3). Sensitivity analyses were performed using the leave-one-out approach. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 tool.

Results

Twelve papers covering 414,281 women were included from 766 records identified. CDR is increased ([RR, 95% CI] 1.35, 1.20–1.52), recall rates are decreased (0.79, 0.64–0.98), and PPV-1 is increased (1.69, 1.45–1.96) when using DBT plus s2D compared to DM alone. ICR and biopsy rates did not differ, but PPV-2 respectively PPV-3 increased with DBT plus s2D (1.57, 1.08–2.28 respectively 1.36, 1.17–1.58). Overall RoB of studies was assessed to be low.

Conclusion

Results show improved diagnostic outcomes with DBT plus s2D compared to DM alone and underline the value of DBT in combination with s2D in breast cancer screening.

Key Points

• DBT plus s2D is associated with higher CDR, lower recall rates, and a higher PPV-1 compared to DM alone in breast cancer screening.

• No differences in biopsy rates were found between screening modalities, but PPV-2 and PPV-3 were higher in women screened with DBT plus s2D compared to DM alone.

• We identified inconsistent results of ICR in two studies comparing DBT plus s2D to DM alone—resulting in no differences when pooling ICR in meta-analysis.
Early response of right-ventricular function to percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Sugiura Atsushi , Shamekhi Jasmin , Goto Tadahiro , Spieker Maximilian , Iliadis Christos , Kavsur Refik , Mauri Victor , Kelm Malte , Baldus Stephan , Tanaka Tetsu , Tabata Noriaki , Sinning Jan-Malte , Weber Marcel , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Westenfeld Ralf , Pfister Roman , Becher Marc Ulrich ,   of the Heart Failure Network Rhineland
Published: October 2021

Background

The change in right-ventricular function (RVF) after transcatheter mitral valve repair is still poorly understood. We assessed the early response of RVF to the MitraClip procedure and its clinical relevance.

Methods

We analyzed consecutive patients who underwent a MitraClip procedure to treat MR between August 2010 and March 2019 in the Heart Failure Network Rhineland registry. RVF was assessed before and after the procedure. Impaired RVF was defined as an RV fractional area change (RVFAC) < 35% or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 16 mm.

Results

816 eligible patients (77 ± 9 years, 58.5% male) were included in the analysis. Baseline values of RVF were: RVFAC 38.6 (IQR 29.7–46.7) % and TAPSE 17.0 (IQR 14.0–21.0) mm. At a median time of 3 (IQR 2–5) days after the procedure, the RVF remained normal in 34% (n = 274), normalized in 17% (n = 140), deteriorated in 15% (n = 125), and was persistently impaired in 34% (n = 277) of patients. The RVF response was significantly associated with a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure within a 2-year follow-up. Compared to stable/normal RVF, the adjusted hazard ratios for the outcome were 1.78 (95% CI 1.10–2.86) for normalized RVF, 1.89 (95% CI 1.34–3.15) for deteriorated RVF, and 2.25 (95% CI 1.47–3.44) for persistently impaired RVF. Changes in TAPSE and RVFAC as continuous variables were significantly correlated with the outcome.

Conclusion

An early change in RVF following transcatheter mitral valve repair is predictive of mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure during follow-up.

Graphic abstract

Early response of RVF after MitraClip and its clinical significance. An acute, early change in RVF can be observed following the MitraClip procedure, which is associated with the risk of mortality and hospitalization for HF.
Return-sweep saccades in oral reading
Authors: Adedeji Victoria I. , Vasilev Martin R. , Kirkby Julie A. , Slattery Timothy J.
Published: October 2021

Recent research on return-sweep saccades has improved our understanding of eye movements when reading paragraphs. However, these saccades, which take our gaze from the end of one line to the start of the next line, have been studied only within the context of silent reading. Articulatory demands and the coordination of the eye–voice span (EVS) at line boundaries suggest that the execution of this saccade may be different in oral reading. We compared launch and landing positions of return-sweeps, corrective saccade probability and fixations adjacent to return-sweeps in skilled adult readers while reading paragraphs aloud and silently. Compared to silent reading, return-sweeps were launched from closer to the end of the line and landed closer to the start of the next line when reading aloud. The probability of making a corrective saccade was higher for oral reading than silent reading. These indicate that oral reading may compel readers to rely more on foveal processing at the expense of parafoveal processing. We found an interaction between reading modality and fixation type on fixation durations. The reading modality effect (i.e., increased fixation durations in oral compared to silent reading) was greater for accurate line-initial fixations and marginally greater for line-final fixations compared to intra-line fixations. This suggests that readers may use the fixations adjacent to return-sweeps as natural pause locations to modulate the EVS.
Aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage during the COVID-19 outbreak in a Hub and Spoke system: observational multicenter cohort study in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Fiorindi Alessandro , Vezzoli Marika , Doglietto Francesco , Zanin Luca , Saraceno Giorgio , Agosti Edoardo , Barbieri Antonio , Bellocchi Silvio , Bernucci Claudio , Bongetta Daniele , Cardia Andrea , Costi Emanuele , Egidi Marcello , Fioravanti Antonio , Gasparotti Roberto , Giussani Carlo , Grimod Gianluca , Latronico Nicola , Locatelli Davide , Mardighian Dikran , Nodari Giovanni , Poli Jacopo Carlo , Rasulo Frank , Roca Elena , Sicuri Giovanni Marco , Spena Giannantonio , Stefini Roberto , Vivaldi Oscar , Zoia Cesare , Calza Stefano , Fontanella Marco Maria , Cenzato Marco
Published: October 2021

Background

Lombardy was the most affected Italian region by the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and underwent urgent reorganization for the management of emergencies, including subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (aSAH). The aim of the study was to define demographics, clinical, and therapeutic features of aSAH during the COVID-19 outbreak and compare these with a historical cohort.

Methods

In this observational multicenter cohort study, patients aged 18 years or older, who were diagnosed with aSAH at the participating centers in Lombardy from March 9 to May 10, 2020, were included (COVID-19 group). In order to minimize bias related to possible SAH seasonality, the control group was composed of patients diagnosed with aSAH from March 9 to May 10 of the three previous years, 2017–2018-2019 (pre-pandemic group). Twenty-three demographic, clinical, and therapeutic features were collected. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Seventy-two patients during the COVID-19 period and 179 in the control group were enrolled at 14 centers. Only 4 patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The “diagnostic delay” was significantly increased (+ 68%) in the COVID-19 group vs. pre-pandemic (1.06 vs. 0.63 days, respectively, p-value = 0.030), while “therapeutic delay” did not differ significantly between the two periods (0.89 vs. 0.74 days, p-value = 0.183). Patients with poor outcome (GOS at discharge from 1 to 3) were higher during the COVID-19 period (54.2%) compared to pre-pandemic (40.2%, p = 0.044). In logistic regression analysis, in which outcome was the dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), five variables showed p-values < 0.05: age at admission, WFNS grade, treatment (none), days in ICU, and ischemia.

Conclusions

We documented a significantly increased “diagnostic delay” for subarachnoid hemorrhages during the first COVID-19 outbreak in Lombardy. However, despite the dramatic situation that the healthcare system was experiencing, the Lombardy regional reorganization model, which allowed centralization of neurosurgical emergencies such as SAHs, avoided a “therapeutic delay” and led to results overall comparable to the control period.
Psychological well-being in people with multiple sclerosis: a descriptive review of the effects obtained with mindfulness interventions
Authors: Di Cara Marcella , Grezzo Denise , Palmeri Rosanna , Lo Buono Viviana , Cartella Emanuele , Micchia Katia , Formica Caterina , Rifici Carmela , Sessa Edoardo , D’Aleo Giangaetano , Maresca Giuseppa , Bramanti Placido , Corallo Francesco
Published: October 2021

Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease causing several psychosocial problems that significantly impairs quality of life. The most common physical and mental symptoms are anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and pain. Several studies investigated the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in improving psychological well-being. This review focused on the impact of mindfulness interventions in patients with multiple sclerosis to reduce psychopathological symptoms and improve well-being. We searched on PubMed database and screening references of included studies and review articles for additional citations. From initial 107 studies, only 8 met search criteria. Our studies showed the efficacy of mindfulness treatment with a reduction in depressive symptoms, a better quality of life (both mental and physical), and a decreased level of fatigue. Findings demonstrated that mindfulness is useful for the improvement of psychological symptoms and pain management and this improvement has also been shown to have a positive impact on the quality of life and coping and adaptation strategies. However, according to the poor available clinics evidence, on cannot conclude that mindfulness interventions are superior to other active interventions in the treatment of psychological symptoms of SM.
HIV Serostatus Disclosure Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China in the Era of U=U and PrEP
Authors: Cao Wangnan , Li Jinghua , Sun Shengzhi , Sturm Carla , Peng Liping , Gu Jing , Hao Chun , Hou Fengsu , Wei Dannuo , You Xinyi , Deng Yang , Ekström Anna Mia
Published: October 2021

Given the recent evidence on “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the present study aimed to investigate HIV disclosure behaviors and their associations with sexual risk behaviors and U=U and PrEP awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 689 MSM recruited through a gay-friendly non-governmental organization located in Chengdu, China in 2018–2019. Information was collected by a structured self-administrated questionnaire. The enrolled sample included 554 (80.4%) participants who were HIV-negative and 135 (19.6%) participants with an unknown HIV status. In terms of disclosure, 41.4% of participants informed all partners about their HIV status all the time (informing behavior), while 30.4% asked all partners about their HIV status all the time (asking behavior). Only one-fifth knew about U=U, but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Half (50.5%) had heard of PrEP but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Common barriers to informing and asking behaviors were lower risk perception of HIV infection, a history of sexually transmitted infections, engagement in receptive sex, and a history of sex with casual partners. We found that both U=U and PrEP awareness and HIV serostatus disclosure were infrequent and not associated in this study of Chinese MSM. These data indicate huge information gaps among MSM in China.
The learning-consciousness connection
Authors: Birch Jonathan , Ginsburg Simona , Jablonka Eva
Published: October 2021

This is a response to the nine commentaries on our target article “Unlimited Associative Learning: A primer and some predictions”. Our responses are organized by theme rather than by author. We present a minimal functional architecture for Unlimited Associative Learning (UAL) that aims to tie to together the list of capacities presented in the target article. We explain why we discount higher-order thought (HOT) theories of consciousness. We respond to the criticism that we have overplayed the importance of learning and underplayed the importance of spatial modelling. We decline the invitation to add a negative marker to our proposed positive marker so as to rule out consciousness in plants, but we nonetheless maintain that there is no positive evidence of consciousness in plants. We close by discussing how UAL relates to development and to its material substrate.
Vasomotor symptoms in midlife women with incident breast cancer: pink SWAN
Authors: Gold Ellen B. , Crawford Sybil L. , Leung Katherine , Greendale Gail , Reeves Katherine W. , Joffe Hadine , Avis Nancy E.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We compared trajectories of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and their risk factors in women with breast cancer (BrCa) to those of cancer-free controls.

Methods

Data were from 15 nearly annual follow-up visits (1996–2017) of the multi-racial/ethnic cohort of midlife women enrolled in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). We compared women with incident BrCa to controls for patterns of VMS, controlling for risk factors identified in bivariate analyses using multivariable longitudinal analyses.

Results

Characteristics at study entry largely did not differ between cases (n = 151) and controls (n = 2161). Adjusted prevalence of any VMS increased significantly among cases from diagnosis to 2.75 years post diagnosis [per-year adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.24], peaking at 2.75 years post diagnosis, whereas prevalence was stable among controls in this interval [aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.99–1.11]. Beyond 2.75 years post diagnosis, prevalence declined significantly in cases [aOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.61–0.84] and less in controls [aOR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.92–1.00]. Patterns were similar for frequent VMS. Adjustment for tamoxifen use slightly reduced the per-year OR for any prevalent VMS post diagnosis, partially explaining excess VMS in cases. Other treatments were unassociated with VMS.

Conclusions

Patterns of prevalent VMS reporting differed significantly between cases and controls, particularly post diagnosis, the latter only partially explained by tamoxifen use among cases. Risk factors for VMS largely did not differ between cases and controls.
Predatory Monetisation? A Categorisation of Unfair, Misleading and Aggressive Monetisation Techniques in Digital Games from the Player Perspective
Authors: Petrovskaya Elena , Zendle David
Published: October 2021

Technological shifts within the video game industry have enabled many games to evolve into platforms for repeated expenditure, rather than a one-time purchase product. Monetising a game as a service is challenging, and there is concern that some monetisation strategies may constitute unfair or exploitative practices which are not adequately covered by existing law. We asked 1104 players of video games to describe a time when they had been exposed to transactions which were perceived to be misleading, aggressive or unfair. We found 35 separate techniques over eight domains: game dynamics designed to drive spending, product not meeting expectations, monetisation of basic quality of life, predatory advertising, in-game currency, pay to win, general presence of microtransactions and other. Notably, several of these reported practices seem to not align with existing UK consumer protection regulations. We discuss this potential misalignment, as well as the implications of identifying what players believe to be problematic monetisation techniques.
Dressed energy of the XXZ chain in the complex plane
Authors: Faulmann Saskia , Göhmann Frank , Kozlowski Karol K.
Published: October 2021

We consider the dressed energy $$\varepsilon $$
ε
of the XXZ chain in the massless antiferromagnetic parameter regime at $$0< \Delta < 1$$

0
<
Δ
<
1

and at finite magnetic field. This function is defined as a solution of a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. Conceived as a real function over the real numbers, it describes the energy of particle–hole excitations over the ground state at fixed magnetic field. The extension of the dressed energy to the complex plane determines the solutions to the Bethe Ansatz equations for the eigenvalue problem of the quantum transfer matrix of the model in the low-temperature limit. At low temperatures, the Bethe roots that parametrize the dominant eigenvalue of the quantum transfer matrix come close to the curve $$\mathrm{Re}\, \varepsilon (\lambda ) = 0$$

Re

ε
(
λ
)
=
0

. We describe this curve and give lower bounds to the function $$\mathrm{Re}\, \varepsilon $$

Re

ε

in regions of the complex plane, where it is positive.
An Abductive Question-Answer System for the Minimal Logic of Formal Inconsistency $$\mathsf {mbC}$$
Authors: Chlebowski Szymon , Gajda Andrzej , Urbański Mariusz
Published: October 2021

The aim in this paper is to define an Abductive Question-Answer System for the minimal logic of formal inconsistency$$\mathsf {mbC}$$mbC. As a proof-theoretical basis we employ the Socratic proofs method. The system produces abductive hypotheses; these are answers to abductive questions concerning derivability of formulas from sets of formulas. We integrated the generation of and the evaluation of hypotheses via constraints of consistency and significance being imposed on the system rules.
From Semantic Games to Provability: The Case of Gödel Logic
Authors: Pavlova Alexandra , Freiman Robert , Lang Timo
Published: October 2021

We present a semantic game for Gödel logic and its extensions, where the players’ interaction stepwise reduces arbitrary claims about the relative order of truth degrees of complex formulas to atomic ones. The paper builds on a previously developed game for Gödel logic with projection operator in Fermülleret al. (in: M.-J. Lesot, S. Vieira, M.Z. Reformat, J.P. Carvalho, A. Wilbik, B. Bouchon-Meunier, and R.R. Yager, (eds.),Information processing and management of uncertainty in knowledge-based systems, Springer, Cham, 2020, pp. 257–270). This game is extended to cover Gödel logic with involutive negations and constants, and then lifted to a provability game using the concept of disjunctive strategies. Winning strategies in the provability game, with and without constants and involutive negations, turn out to correspond to analytic proofs in a version of$$\text{ SeqGZL } $$SeqGZL(A. Ciabattoni, and T. Vetterlein,Fuzzy Sets and Systems161(14):1941–1958, 2010) and in a sequent-of-relations calculus (M. Baaz, and Ch.G. Fermüller, in: N.V. Murray, (ed.),Automated reasoning with analytic tableaux and related methods, Springer, Berlin, 1999, pp. 36–51) respectively.
The abundance of yellow-legged gulls Larus michahellis breeding in the historic centre of Venice, Italy and the initial effects of the new waste collection policy on the population
Authors: Coccon Francesca , Vanni Lorenzo , Dabalà Caterina , Giunchi Dimitri
Published: October 2021

The yellow-legged gullLarus michahellishas undergone widespread colonization of the urban environment in the recent past. The first urban breeding gulls were recorded in the historical centre of Venice, Italy, in 2000, and by 2005 there were already 24 roof-nesting pairs, with this number increasing significantly over the last decade. In 2016, a new door-to-door garbage collection system was introduced in Venice to prevent the accumulation of rubbish in the streets and limit the trophic resources available for the species. This study provides an up-to-date estimate of the Venice yellow-legged gull urban population using distance sampling method. We also studied the effect of the new waste collection system on the species by comparing the population estimate before (2017) and after (2018) the full implementation of this change and by analysing the trend of individuals collected in the old town by the wildlife recovery service during 2010–2018. Results estimated ca. 430 breeding pairs in June 2018 showing a 36% decrease with respect to 2017. We also found a decrease in the number of 1-year-old birds andpullicollected by the wildlife recovery service starting from 2016, when the policy implementation began. Our data did not show a significant decrease in the overall number of individuals, suggesting that the new policy has a stronger effect on the breeding success of the species than on adult survival. This study emphasizes the importance of preventing rubbish accumulation in the streets as factor for reducing the abundance of urban yellow-legged gulls.
A primer on skeletal dysplasias
Authors: Handa Atsuhiko , Nishimura Gen , Zhan Malia Xin , Bennett D. Lee , El-Khoury Georges Y.
Published: October 2021

Skeletal dysplasia encompasses a heterogeneous group of over 400 genetic disorders. They are individually rare, but collectively rather common with an approximate incidence of 1/5000. Thus, radiologists occasionally encounter skeletal dysplasias in their daily practices, and the topic is commonly brought up in radiology board examinations across the world. However, many radiologists and trainees struggle with this issue because of the lack of proper resources. The radiological diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias primarily rests on pattern recognition—a method that is often called the “Aunt Minnie” approach. Most skeletal dysplasias have an identifiable pattern of skeletal changes composed of unique findings and even pathognomonic findings. Thus, skeletal dysplasias are the best example to which the Aunt Minnie approach is readily applicable.
Correction to: Influence of alliance portfolio diversity on innovation performance: the role of internal capabilities of value creation
Authors: Chung Doohee , Kim Marco Jinhwan , Kang Jina
Published: October 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-021-00461-0
A Pilot Study on Approach Bias Modification in Smoking Cessation: Activating Personalized Alternative Activities for Smoking in the Context of Increased Craving
Authors: Wen Si , Larsen Helle , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: October 2021

Background

The act of smoking has been associated with the automatic activation of approach biases towards smoking-related stimuli. However, previous research has produced mixed findings when smokers are trained to avoid such smoking-related stimuli through the application of Approach Bias Modification (ApBM). As such, this study aimed to test an improved ApBM (ApBM +), where smokers were trained to approach personalized alternative activities for smoking in the context of increased craving, in addition to training smoking-avoidance responses.

Methods

Sixty-seven daily smokers motivated to quit (M age = 29.27, 58.2% female) were randomly assigned to seven sessions of either ApBM + (n = 26), standard-ApBM (n = 19), or sham-ApBM (n = 22), after a brief motivational smoking intervention. Primary outcomes of approach biases for smoking and for alternative activities and secondary outcomes of smoking-related behaviors were assessed at pre-test, post-test, and 1-month follow-up.

Results

Overall, no group differences by condition were demonstrated in changing approach biases or smoking-related behaviors at post-test and 1-month follow-up. A trend level indication for differences in changes of smoking-approach biases between sham-ApBM and ApBM + for relatively heavy smokers was found at post-test. This was primarily driven by a significant increase in smoking-approach biases within the sham-ApBM condition and a trend decrease in smoking-approach biases within the ApBM + condition.

Conclusions

Our findings did not provide support for the current ApBM + concerning improved effects across the whole sample. Diverging training effects on approach biases for smoking in relatively heavy smokers warrants further research, for which we provide some suggestions.
‘It’s going to change the way we train’: Qualitative evaluation of a transformative faculty development workshop
Authors: Ong Caroline Choo Phaik , Foo Yang Yann , Chiu Fong Yee , Nestel Debra
Published: October 2021

Introduction Relatively little is known about faculty development (FD) activities that help participants achieve sustainable behavioral change. This qualitative study evaluated the medium- to long-term impact of a FD workshop informed by transformative learning (TL) theory. It aimed to discover which aspects of FD prompted healthcare professionals (HPs) to adopt effective teaching and learning practices.

Methods Seventeen participants were interviewed between January and July 2020, 7 to 30 months after the workshop. Purposeful sampling strategies were used to collect data and analysis was performed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results Four themes were identified: perspectival shift in educational practice, re-affirmation of current practices, becoming an educator, and valuing FD that accommodates HPs’ multiple communities of practice (CoPs). Workshop activities foregrounding critical discourse and reflection helped participants gain new knowledge and deeper understanding of education. TL was likely when participants already identified as an educator in addition to their HP identity. Additionally, a workplace CoP determined the type and level of support affecting HPs’ development as educators.

Discussion Aspects of FD that prompted HPs to adopt effective teaching and learning practices included initiatives that catalyzed critical discourse and reflection. Readiness for TL is promoted when HPs have a strong educator identity because of workplace educator CoPs. Future research could explore effecting sustainable post-workshop behavioral change in HPs through the strengthening of workplace educator CoPs. To do this, institutions could send co-located HPs from different disciplines to the same FD program.
Recent Advances in Interface Engineering for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Junjun , Abbas Sulaiman Umar , Wang Haiqing , Zhang Zhicheng , Hu Wenping
Published: October 2021

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) can store and transform the intermittent renewable energy in the form of chemical energy for industrial production of chemicals and fuels, which can dramatically reduce CO2 emission and contribute to carbon-neutral cycle. Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of chemically inert CO2 is challenging from thermodynamic and kinetic points of view. Therefore, low-cost, highly efficient, and readily available electrocatalysts have been the focus for promoting the conversion of CO2. Very recently, interface engineering has been considered as a highly effective strategy to modulate the electrocatalytic performance through electronic and/or structural modulation, regulations of electron/proton/mass/intermediates, and the control of local reactant concentration, thereby achieving desirable reaction pathway, inhibiting competing hydrogen generation, breaking binding-energy scaling relations of intermediates, and promoting CO2 mass transfer. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current developments in interface engineering for CO2RR from both a theoretical and experimental standpoint, involving interfaces between metal and metal, metal and metal oxide, metal and nonmetal, metal oxide and metal oxide, organic molecules and inorganic materials, electrode and electrolyte, molecular catalysts and electrode, etc. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of interface engineering for CO2RR are proposed.
Female Sexual Dysfunction as Measured by Low Sexual Frequency is Associated with Lower Socioeconomic Status: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007-2016
Authors: Kim Joseph I. , Zhu Denzel , Davila Jonathan , Lee Justin , Chubak Barbara M , Melamed Michal L. , Abraham Nitya
Published: October 2021

Background

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex disorder of biopsychosocial etiology, and FSD symptoms affect more than 40% of adult women worldwide.

Aim

In this cross-sectional study, we sought to investigate the association between FSD and socioeconomic status (SES) in a nationally representative female adult population.

Methods

Economic and sexual data for women aged 20–59 from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a United States nationwide representative database, was analyzed. Poverty income ratio (PIR), a ratio of family income to poverty threshold, was used as a measure of SES, and low sexual frequency was used as a measure of FSD. The association between FSD and SES was analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression after adjusting for relevant social and gynecologic covariates, such as marital status and history of pregnancy, as well as significant medical comorbidities.

Outcomes

We found that FSD, as measured by low sexual frequency, was associated with lower SES.

Results

Among the 7,348 women of mean age 38.4 (IQR 29–47) included in the final analysis, 26.3% of participants reported sexual frequency of 0–11 times/year and 73.7% participants reported sexual frequency >11 times/year. Participants of PIR <2 were 92% more likely to report sexual frequency ≤11 times/year than those of PIR ≥2 after adjusting for demographics, social history, gynecologic history and significant medical conditions (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.21–3.05; P < .006).

Clinical Implications

The evaluation and treatment of FSD may benefit from a comprehensive approach that takes SES into account.

Strengths & Limitations

This study is limited by its cross-sectional design, but it is strengthened by a large, nationally representative sample with extensive, standardized data ascertainment.

Conclusion

Lower SES and lower sexual frequency are directly correlated among female adults in the United States; future studies should focus on social determinants of health as risk factors for FSD.
Willingness to Accept Incentives for a Shift to Climate-Smart Agriculture among Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Shittu Adebayo M. , Kehinde Mojisola O. , Adeyonu Abigail G. , Ojo Olutunji T.
Published: October 2021

We used choice experiment data collected from 542 farmers in Nigeria to assess smallholders’ preferences for shifting to Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Results suggest that the higher the size of the incentive, the more the likelihood of farmers’ willingness to invest in CSA schemes. Similarly, the farmers were in favor of community development associations and non-governmental organizations-managed schemes over other project managements and also prefer government-based institutions as opposed to the private sector. Willingness to accept results suggest that an average farmer is willing to accept $540/ha/year and $386/ha/year to embrace good agricultural practices (GAPs) with and without manure application.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Towards a Personalized Approach
Authors: Hejrati Nader , Moghaddamjou Ali , Marathe Nandan , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: October 2021

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a recently coined term encompassing a variety of age-related and genetically associated pathologies, including cervical spondylotic myelopathy, degenerative disc disease, and ligamentous aberrations such as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. All of these pathologies produce chronic compression of the spinal cord causing a clinical syndrome characterized by decreased hand dexterity, gait imbalance, and potential genitourinary or sensorimotor disturbances. Substantial variability in the underlying etiology of DCM and its natural history has generated heterogeneity in practice patterns. Ongoing debates in DCM management most commonly center around clinical decision-making, timing of intervention, and the ideal surgical approach. Pivotal basic science studies during the past two decades have deepened our understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms surrounding DCM. Growing knowledge of the key pathophysiologic processes will help us tailor personalized approaches in an increasingly heterogeneous patient population. This article focuses on summarizing the most exciting approaches in personalizing DCM patient treatments including biomarkers, factors affecting clinical decision-making, and choice of the optimal surgical approach. Throughout we provide a concise review on the conditions encompassing DCM and discuss the underlying pathophysiology of chronic spinal cord compression. We also provide an overview on clinical-radiologic diagnostic modalities as well as operative and nonoperative treatment strategies, thereby addressing knowledge gaps and controversies in the field of DCM.
Myself, Dancing: Choreographies of Black Womanhood in US Dance and History
Authors: Nereson Ariel
Published: October 2021

This essay analyzes Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company's 2009 work Fondly Do We Hope…Fervently Do We Pray and its centering of Black women in US American history and contemporary choreographic practices. While the work's revisionist representation of national history could be understood as activist in terms of its desire to activate the spectator, this essay centers what performance might do for Black women performers and their personal practices of artistry and activism over what impulses toward social justice Black women's performances might galvanize in their audiences. Attributing FDWH's transformative potential to its aesthetic combination of postmodernism and sentimentalism and its erotic historiography, I theorize the work as a choreohistory, a mode of cultural production wherein the ordering of movement and the ordering of the past interanimate one another.
Estimating the cost-effectiveness of the Sodium Reduction in Communities Program
Authors: Yarnoff Benjamin , Teachout Emily , MacLeod Kara , Whitehill John , Jordan Julia , Tayebali Zohra , Bates Laurel
Published: October 2021

Objective:

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP).

Design:

We collected implementation costs and performance measure indicators from SRCP recipients and their partner food service organisations. We estimated the cost per person and per food service organisation reached and the cost per menu item impacted. We estimated the short-term effectiveness of SRCP in reducing sodium consumption and used it as an input in the Prevention Impact Simulation Model to project the long-term impact on medical cost savings and quality-adjusted life-years gained due to a reduction in CVD and estimate the cost-effectiveness of SRCP if sustained through 2025 and 2040.

Setting:

CDC funded eight recipients as part of the 2016–2021 round of the SRCP to work with food service organisations in eight settings to increase the availability and purchase of lower-sodium food options.

Participants:

Eight SRCP recipients and twenty of their partners.

Results:

At the recipient level, average cost per person reached was $10, and average cost per food service organisation reached was $42 917. At the food service organisation level, median monthly cost per food item impacted by recipe modification or product substitution was $684. Cost-effectiveness analyses showed that, if sustained, the programme is cost saving (i.e. the reduction in medical costs is greater than the implementation costs) in the target population by $1·82 through 2025 and $2·09 through 2040.

Conclusions:

By providing evidence of the cost-effectiveness of a real-world sodium reduction initiative, this study can help inform decisions by public health organisations about related CVD prevention interventions.
Offshore Sea Levels Measured With an Anchored Spar‐Buoy System Using GPS Interferometric Reflectometry
Authors: Xie Surui , Chen Jing , Dixon Timothy H. , Weisberg Robert H. , Zumberge Mark A.
Published: October 2021

Conventional tide gauges are usually housed along the coast. Satellite altimetry works well in the open ocean but poorly near the coast due to signal contamination by land returns. These limitations lead to an observational gap in the transition zone between the coast and open ocean. Using data collected by a GPS installed on top of an anchored spar‐buoy in Tampa Bay, we retrieved water levels through a combination of precise positioning and interferometric reflectometry. Individual water level retrievals agree with a nearby acoustic tide gauge (19.5 km distance) at ∼15 cm level. Amplitude and phase of the major tidal constituents are well recovered by the GPS spar‐buoy measurements. Over a 2.9‐year period, agreement of de‐tided daily mean sea levels measured by the GPS spar‐buoy and the nearby acoustic tide gauge is 4.4 cm. When sea level data measured by the GPS spar‐buoy are included in the local coastal ocean circulation model, low‐frequency error propagated from the open boundary is significantly reduced.
Lagged Wetland CH4 Flux Response in a Historically Wet Year
Authors: Turner J. , Desai A. R. , Thom J. , Wickland K. P.
Published: October 2021

While a stimulating effect of plant primary productivity on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has been well documented, links between gross primary productivity (GPP) and wetland methane (CH4) emissions are less well investigated. Determination of the influence of primary productivity on wetland CH4 emissions (FCH4) is complicated by confounding influences of water table level and temperature on CH4 production, which also vary seasonally. Here, we evaluate the link between preceding GPP and subsequent FCH4 at two fens in Wisconsin using eddy covariance flux towers, Lost Creek (US‐Los) and Allequash Creek (US‐ALQ). Both wetlands are mosaics of forested and shrub wetlands, with US‐Los being larger in scale and having a more open canopy. Co‐located sites with multi‐year observations of flux, hydrology, and meteorology provide an opportunity to measure and compare lag effects on FCH4 without interference due to differing climate. Daily average FCH4 from US‐Los reached a maximum of 47.7 ηmol CH4 m−2 s−1 during the study period, while US‐ALQ was more than double at 117.9 ηmol CH4 m−2 s−1. The lagged influence of GPP on temperature‐normalized FCH4 (Tair‐FCH4) was weaker and more delayed in a year with anomalously high precipitation than a following drier year at both sites. FCH4 at US‐ALQ was lower coincident with higher stream discharge in the wet year (2019), potentially due to soil gas flushing during high precipitation events and lower water temperatures. Better understanding of the lagged influence of GPP on FCH4 due to this study has implications for climate modeling and more accurate carbon budgeting.