bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP). The same but different—a systematic review
Authors: Pallauf M. , Kunit T. , Ramesmayer C. , Deininger S. , Herrmann T. R. W. , Lusuardi L.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Various techniques for EEP exist. They differ by surgical steps and the source of energy. It is assumed that the latter is of minor importance, whereas adherence to the anatomical enucleation template determines the postoperative result. So far, no systematic review highlights the differences between the energy sources in use for anatomical EEP. This study will address selfsame topic.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was completed on September 1st, 2020. Studies comparing HoLEP, ThuLEP, DiLEP, or BipolEP with TUR-P providing 12 months of postoperative follow-up were included. Two frequentist network meta-analyses were created to compare the techniques of EEP indirectly.

Results

31 studies, including 4466 patients, were found eligible for our meta-analysis. Indirect pairwise comparison showed differences in surgery time between BipolEP and HolEP (MD − 16.72 min., 95% CI − 27.75 to − 5.69) and DiLEP and HoLEP (MD − 22.41 min., 95% CI − 39.43 to − 5.39). No differences in the amount of resected prostatic tissue, major and minor complications and postoperative catheterization time were found. The odds for blood transfusions were threefold higher for BipolEP than for HoLEP (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.02–10.5). The difference was not statistically significant when comparing prospective trials and matched-pair analysis only (OR 3.25, 95% CI 0.94–11.18). The Qmax 12 months after surgery was 2 ml/sec. higher for BipolEP than for DiLEP (MD  2.00, 95% CI 0.17–3.84) and 1.94 ml/sec. lower for DiLEP than for HoLEP (MD − 1.94, 95% CI − 3.65 to − 0.22).

Conclusion

The energy source used for EEP has an impact on the intervention itself. BipolEP promotes surgical efficiency; laser techniques lower the risk of bleeding.

Registry

This meta-analysis is registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register registry with the registration number CRD42020205836.
Contact angle measurements for automotive exterior water management
Authors: Hodgson Graham , Passmore Martin , Skarysz Maciej , Garmory Andrew , Paolillo Franck
Published: May 2021

The simulation of fluid flow over solid surfaces is important in many applications, for example, in automotive applications where good visibility and the performance of external sensors are essential. Multiphase CFD simulation methods such as level set or coupled level set–volume of fluid typically require a validated dynamic contact angle model as a function of capillary number to accurately resolve the near wall behaviour. This paper explores an experimental approach to identify a suitable contact angle model for pure and contaminated water on glass and painted surfaces. Applying image processing methods to high-resolution digital images of droplets descending flat plate samples of the required surfaces, the dynamic advancing and receding contact angles and capillary number are determined. Cox–Voinov, de Gennes and Yokoi models are parameterised from the experimental data, and the Yokoi model is shown to be the most suited to these surface/fluid combinations where hysteresis is significant. A multiphase simulation implementing the Yokoi model demonstrates good correlation for the Bond number between simulation and experiment.

Graphic abstract
Correction to: Surgical management of complex ileocolonic Crohn’s disease: a survey of IBD colorectal surgeons to assess variability in operative strategy
Authors: Garofalo E , Selvaggi F , Spinelli A , Pellino G , Flashman K , Frasson M , Carvello M , de’Angelis N , Garcia-Granero A , Harper M , Warusavitarne J , Coleman M , Espin E , Celentano V
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00384-021-03942-6
Description of the updated nutrition calculation of the Oxford WebQ questionnaire and comparison with the previous version among 207,144 participants in UK Biobank
Authors: Perez-Cornago Aurora , Pollard Zoe , Young Heather , van Uden Marloes , Andrews Colm , Piernas Carmen , Key Timothy J. , Mulligan Angela , Lentjes Marleen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The Oxford WebQ is a web-based 24-h dietary assessment method which has been used in UK Biobank and other large prospective studies. The food composition table used to calculate nutrient intakes has recently been replaced with the UK Nutrient Databank, which has food composition data closer in time to when participants completed the questionnaire, and new dietary variables were incorporated. Here we describe the updated version of the Oxford WebQ questionnaire nutrient calculation, and compare nutrient intakes with the previous version used.

Methods

207,144 UK Biobank participants completed ≥ 1 Oxford WebQs, and means and standard deviations of nutrient intakes were averaged for all completed 24-h dietary assessments. Spearman correlations and weighted kappa statistics were used to compare the re-classification and agreement of nutrient intakes between the two versions.

Results

35 new nutrients were incorporated in the updated version. Compared to the previous version, most nutrients were very similar in the updated version except for a few nutrients which showed a difference of > 10%: lower with the new version for trans-fat (− 20%), and vitamin C (− 15%), but higher for retinol (+ 42%), vitamin D (+ 26%) and vitamin E (+ 20%). Most participants were in the same (> 60%) or adjacent (> 90%) quintile of intake for the two versions. Except for trans-fat (r = 0.58,κ = 0.42), very high correlations were found between the nutrients calculated using the two versions (r > 0.79 andκ > 0.60).

Conclusion

Small absolute differences in nutrient intakes were observed between the two versions, and the ranking of individuals was minimally affected, except for trans-fat.
Low skeletal muscle mass predicts frailty in elderly head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Meerkerk C. D. A. , Chargi N. , de Jong P. A. , van den Bos F. , de Bree R.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) carries a high risk of adverse outcomes in patients, especially in frail elderly. Therefore, it is important to identify patients in which treatment benefits outweigh the risk of any adverse outcome. Although the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) identifies frailty, it is a time-consuming tool. Instead, measurement of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) may be a promising and time-efficient biomarker for frailty. The aim of this study was to examine the association between sarcopenia and frailty assessment tools, such as the CGA, Fried criteria and the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in elderly patients (≥ 70-years) with HNC. Sarcopenia was defined as the combination of reduced handgrip strength (HGS) and low skeletal muscle mass (SMM), according to the EWGSOP-2 criteria. SMM was measured on routinely available diagnostic imaging and corrected height: skeletal muscle index (SMI). A CGA was performed by a geriatrician. Frailty screening was performed using the GFI and the Fried criteria.

Results

In total, 73 patients were included of which 33 were men (45.2%) and 40 women (54.8%). Frail patients diagnosed by CGA were more likely to have low SMI, sarcopenia, more comorbidities and were at high risk for malnutrition (all p < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, the only significant predictor for frailty diagnosed by CGA was SMI (OR 0.9, p < 0.01) independent of comorbidity and muscle strength.

Conclusion

Low SMI and sarcopenia are associated with frailty in elderly HNC patients. Low SMI predicts frailty and is a promising time-efficient and routinely available tool for clinical practice.
Sound localization with bilateral bone conduction devices
Authors: Caspers Coosje J. I. , Janssen A. M. , Agterberg M. J. H. , Cremers C. W. R. J. , Hol M. K. S. , Bosman A. J.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate sound localization in patients bilaterally fitted with bone conduction devices (BCDs). Additionally, clinically applicable methods to improve localization accuracy were explored.

Methods

Fifteen adults with bilaterally fitted percutaneous BCDs were included. At baseline, sound localization, (un)aided pure-tone thresholds, device use, speech, spatial and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ) and York hearing-related quality of life (YHRQL) questionnaire were measured. Settings to optimize sound localizing were added to the BCDs. At 1 month, sound localization was assessed again and localization was practiced with a series of sounds with visual feedback. At 3 months¸ localization performance, device use and questionnaire scores were determined again.

Results

At baseline, one patient with congenital hearing loss demonstrated near excellent localization performance and four other patients (three with congenital hearing loss) localized sounds (quite) accurately. Seven patients with acquired hearing loss were able to lateralize sounds, i.e. identify whether sounds were coming from the left or right side, but could not localize sounds accurately. Three patients (one with congenital hearing loss) could not even lateralize sounds correctly. SSQ scores were significantly higher at 3 months. Localization performance, device use and YHRQL scores were not significantly different between visits.

Conclusion

In this study, the majority of experienced bilateral BCD users could lateralize sounds and one third was able to localize sounds (quite) accurately. The localization performance was robust and stable over time. Although SSQ scores were increased at the last visit, optimizing device settings and a short practice session did not improve sound localization.
Health-related quality of life, workability, and return to work of patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Fazekas Christian , Kniepeiss Daniela , Arold Nora , Matzer Franziska , Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Schemmer Peter
Published: May 2021

Background

Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and workability are related parameters to measure success of therapy. Both have been insufficiently explored in patients after liver transplantation (LT). Particularly little is known about patients’ attitude to return to work, employment status before LT, and how frequently there is any employment at any time after LT.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective cohort study including 150 adult outpatients after LT. Liver transplantations had been performed between 1993 and 2018. The study was carried out from February to July 2018. The exclusion criteria were combined transplantations, positive screening for current alcohol abuse, and anxiety or depression. To evaluate HrQoL and fitness to work, the patients were tested using the Short Form 36, the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index.

Key results

The return rate of sufficiently filled-in questionnaires was 46.8% (66 patients). The mean age of patients was 59.9 years (SD=10.8), ranging from 25 to 78 years old. HrQoL was partly comparable to the normal population. Workability sum scores with a mean value of 31.61 (SD 9.79) suggested moderate workability at present. While only 28.8% of respondents were ever employed after LT, 45.5% currently wished to work or would have wished to work.

Conclusions

HRQL seems to be partly similar to population data, and subjective workability seems to be moderate in patients after LT. Despite a positive attitude to return to work in almost half of respondents, a lower rate of actual return to work was found in this study.
Regularity of SLE in $$(t,\kappa )$$ and refined GRR estimates
Authors: Friz Peter K. , Tran Huy , Yuan Yizheng
Published: May 2021

Schramm–Loewner evolution ($$\hbox {SLE}_\kappa $$

SLE
κ

) is classically studied via Loewner evolution with half-plane capacity parametrization, driven by $$\sqrt{\kappa }$$

κ

times Brownian motion. This yields a (half-plane) valued random field $$\gamma = \gamma (t, \kappa ; \omega )$$

γ
=
γ
(
t
,
κ
;
ω
)

. (Hölder) regularity of in $$\gamma (\cdot ,\kappa ;\omega $$

γ
(
·
,
κ
;
ω

), a.k.a. SLE trace, has been considered by many authors, starting with Rohde and Schramm (Ann Math (2) 161(2):883–924, 2005). Subsequently, Johansson Viklund et al. (Probab Theory Relat Fields 159(3–4):413–433, 2014) showed a.s. Hölder continuity of this random field for $$\kappa < 8(2-\sqrt{3})$$

κ
<
8
(
2
-

3

)

. In this paper, we improve their result to joint Hölder continuity up to $$\kappa < 8/3$$

κ
<
8
/
3

. Moreover, we show that the SLE$$_\kappa $$

κ

trace $$\gamma (\cdot ,\kappa )$$

γ
(
·
,
κ
)

(as a continuous path) is stochastically continuous in $$\kappa $$
κ
at all $$\kappa \ne 8$$

κ
≠
8

. Our proofs rely on a novel variation of the Garsia–Rodemich–Rumsey inequality, which is of independent interest.
A critical analysis of the shortcomings in spatial frequency analysis of rainfall extremes based on homogeneous regions and a comparison with a hierarchical boundaryless approach
Authors: Deidda Roberto , Hellies Matteo , Langousis Andreas
Published: May 2021

We investigate and discuss limitations of the approach based on homogeneous regions (hereafter referred to as regional approach) in describing the frequency distribution of annual rainfall maxima in space, and compare its performance with that of a boundaryless approach. The latter is based on geostatistical interpolation of the at-site estimates of all distribution parameters, using kriging for uncertain data. Both approaches are implemented using a generalized extreme value theoretical distribution model to describe the frequency of annual rainfall maxima at a daily resolution, obtained from a network of 256 raingauges in Sardinia (Italy) with more than 30 years of complete recordings, and approximate density of 1 gauge per 100 km2. We show that the regional approach exhibits limitations in describing local precipitation features, especially in areas characterized by complex terrain, where sharp changes to the shape and scale parameters of the fitted distribution models may occur. We also emphasize limitations and possible ambiguities arising when inferring the distribution of annual rainfall maxima at locations close to the interface of contiguous homogeneous regions. Through implementation of a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure, we evaluate and compare the performances of the regional and boundaryless approaches miming ungauged conditions, clearly showing the superiority of the boundaryless approach in describing local precipitation features, while avoiding abrupt changes of distribution parameters and associated precipitation estimates, induced by splitting the study area into contiguous homogeneous regions.
COVID-19 and air pollution in Vienna—a time series approach
Authors: Moshammer Hanns , Poteser Michael , Hutter Hans-Peter
Published: May 2021

We performed a time series analysis in Vienna, Austria, investigating the temporal association between daily air pollution (nitrogen dioxide, NO2 and particulate matter smaller than 10 µm, PM10) concentration and risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and death. Data covering about 2 months (March–April 2020) were retrieved from public databases. Infection risk was defined as the ratio between infected and infectious. In a separate sensitivity analysis different models were applied to estimate the number of infectious people per day. The impact of air pollution was assessed through a linear regression on the natural logarithm of infection risk. Risk of COVID-19 mortality was estimated by Poisson regression. Both pollutants were positively correlated with the risk of infection with the coefficient for NO2 being 0.032 and for PM10 0.014. That association was significant for the irritant gas (p = 0.012) but not for particles (p = 0.22). Pollutants did not affect COVID-19-related mortality. The study findings might have wider implications on an interaction between air pollution and infectious agents.
The role of radiotherapy in adult soft tissues sarcoma of the extremities
Authors: Cammelli Silvia , Cortesi Annalisa , Buwenge Milly , Zamagni Alice , Ferioli Martina , Ghigi Giulia , Romeo Antonino , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: May 2021

Local management of adult soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities has evolved over the past decades. Until the 1970s, radical surgery (amputations) was the standard therapeutic procedure resulting in significant physical and psychological morbidity for the patients. In the present era, limb sparing surgery combined with radiotherapy represents the current standard of care for high grade and > 5 cm STSs. This approach guarantees high local control rate and function preservation. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current evidence for RT in STSs of the extremities. Outcomes, technical details (techniques, timing, dose, volumes of treatment) and the emerging role of RT in the management of oligometastatic disease will be analysed. Finally, results of the recent clinical trials testing new scenarios in RT of STSs will be described.
Immunmediierte Bewegungsstörungen
Authors: Lechner Christian , Höftberger Romana
Published: May 2021

Immunmediierte Bewegungsstörungen können entsprechend ihrer pathogenetischen Mechanismen in 1.) antikörpervermittelte, 2.) postinfektiöse bzw. infektiös getriggerte und 3.) paraneoplastische Bewegungsstörungen eingeteilt werden. Die erste Gruppe umfasst Patient*innen mit Antikörpern beispielsweise gegen NMDAR, LGI1, Caspr2, IgLON5, GAD65 und den Glycinrezeptor und präsentieren sich vornehmlich in Verbindung mit einer Autoimmunenzephalitis. Die Chorea Sydenham ist die prototypische postinfektiöse Bewegungsstörung. Infektiös getriggerte Bewegungsstörungen kommen im Rahmen eines PANS bzw. PANDAS vor. Bei einer paraneoplastischen Bewegungsstörung im Sinne eines Opsoklonus-Myoklonus-Syndroms steckt das klinische Bild schon im Namen.
The impact of intraoperative frozen section analysis on final resection margin status, recurrence, and patient outcome with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nentwig Katharina , Unterhuber Tobias , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Ritschl Lucas M. , Nieberler Markus
Published: May 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of intraoperative frozen section analysis (IFSA) of tumor bed margins in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

This retrospective study includes 194 primary OSCC cases. The impact of intraoperative information by IFSA on final margin status, local recurrence, and disease-specific survival were analyzed.

Results

IFSA revealed a 50% sensitivity and a 100% specificity, with a positive and negative predictive value of 100% and 89.1%, respectively. In 19 cases, margins were rated positive by IFSA and remained positive in eight cases (42.1%), despite immediate re-resection. This constellation led to higher recurrence and lower survival rates than in cases with consecutive R0 status (each p = 0.046). Positive margins in IFSA were associated with closer final margins (p = 0.022) and early recurrences (p = 0.050).

Conclusions

Achieving instant R0 status has a crucial impact on disease recurrence and patient survival. IFSA falls short to ensure secure definite surgical margins. Thus, improved intraoperative diagnostic information on the location and extent of OSCC could support patient treatment.

Clinical relevance

Considering that patient survival has not improved despite progress in surgical and adjuvant therapy, the process and outcome of IFSA was scrutinized as one part of the treatment concept.
Meta-analysis Reveals Different Competition Effects on Tree Growth Resistance and Resilience to Drought
Authors: Castagneri Daniele , Vacchiano Giorgio , Hacket-Pain Andrew , DeRose R. Justin , Klein Tamir , Bottero Alessandra
Published: May 2021

Drought will increasingly threaten forest ecosystems worldwide. Understanding how competition influences tree growth response to drought is essential for forest management aiming at climate change adaptation. However, published results from individual case studies are heterogeneous and sometimes contradictory. We reviewed 166 cases from the peer-reviewed literature to assess the influence of stand-level competition on tree growth response to drought. We monitored five indicators of tree growth response: mean sensitivity (inter-annual tree ring width variability); association between inter-annual growth variability and water availability; resistance; recovery; and resilience to drought. Vote counting did not indicate a consistent effect of competition on mean sensitivity. Conversely, higher competition for resources strengthened the association between water availability and inter-annual growth rates. Meta-analysis showed that higher competition reduced resistance (p < 0.001) and improved recovery (p < 0.05), but did not consistently affect resilience. Species, site and stand characteristics, and drought intensity were insignificant or poor predictors for the large variability among the investigated cases. Our review and meta-analysis show that competition does not affect the response of tree growth to drought in a unidirectional and universal way. Although density reduction (thinning) can alleviate growth declines during drought, the effects on growth after stress are uncertain. The large variability among investigated cases suggests that local-scale processes play a crucial role in determining such responses and should be explicitly evaluated and integrated into specific strategies for adaptation of forests to climate change.
Das (PR_E-)AUD2IT-Schema als Rückgrat für eine strukturierte Notfallversorgung und Dokumentation nichttraumatologischer kritisch kranker Schockraumpatienten
Authors: Gröning I. , Hoffmann F. , Biermann H. , Pin M. , Michael M. , Wasser C. , Kumle B. , Bernhard M.
Published: May 2021

Bei traumatologischen Schockraumpatienten ist die Versorgung seit vielen Jahren standardisiert und auf Basis von Algorithmen vereinheitlicht. Für das breite Spektrum der nichttraumatologischen Notfallpatienten fehlt eine solche einheitliche, übergeordnete Struktur bisher in der Schockraumversorgung. Zwar sind auch hier einzelne Algorithmen und Abläufe üblich und verbreitet, jedoch fehlt ein Gesamtkonzept für die gesamte Notfallversorgung, in das die bestehenden Akronyme eingebunden sind. Durch Vereinheitlichung von Untersuchungsschritten und Dokumentation in der Notfallmedizin könnten Fehler in der Behandlung von Notfallpatienten, verursacht durch Informationsverlust an den Schnittstellen, reduziert werden. Im Rahmen dieser konzeptionellen Arbeit wird daher ein standardisiertes und einfach zu erlernendes Konzept für die Behandlung in der Notfallmedizin vorgestellt. Das (PR_E-)AUD2IT-Schema beinhaltet folgende Phasen: P – Präparation, R – Ressourcen, „_“ – Pause (Team-Time-out) zur strukturierten Übergabe, E – Erstversorgung, A – Anamnese, U – Untersuchung, D2 – Differenzialdiagnosen/apparative Diagnostik, I – Interpretation und T – To-do. Um den Umgang mit zeitkritischen Notfällen nicht zu verzögern, soll dieses Konzept auch von unerfahrenen Mitarbeitern schnell und sicher angewendet werden können. Das (PR_E-)AUD2IT-Schema ist ein didaktisches Instrument zur Strukturierung und Gliederung einer Schockraumversorgung nichttraumatologisch kritisch kranker Patienten und ihrer Dokumentation.
Minimum marginal abatement cost curves (Mini-MAC) for CO2 emissions reduction planning
Authors: Lameh Mohammad , Al-Mohannadi Dhabia M. , Linke Patrick
Published: May 2021

The economic impact of CO2 emissions reduction requirements demands strategic planning to identify low-cost CO2 mitigation pathways from combinations of the many available CO2 emissions reduction options. Different tools have been developed to plan minimal cost CO2 reduction pathways taking into consideration various options such as CO2 capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), shifting from fossil to renewable energy sources, as well as adopting sector-specific low emissions technologies. Current methods used to support strategic planning include high-level tools that cannot account for many possible options or fail to incorporate cost objective, and complex optimization approaches that are capable of identifying detailed low-cost solutions yet are demanding to use and often yield complex solutions in terms of processing schemes that are not easily understood by strategic planners. To address these limitations, a simple and clear methodology is proposed that allows to determine minimum cost CO2 reduction pathways from the rich set of available options. The novel methodology employs an algebraic targeting technique that yields minimum marginal abatement cost (Mini-MAC) curves to clearly represent the low-cost CO2 emissions reduction pathway available. The application of the methodology is illustrated with an example to develop minimum cost emissions reduction pathways considering CCUS, power shifting options, and negative emissions technologies. The benefits of the proposed Mini-MAC curves over alternative methods stem from their richness in terms of assessing CCUS, energy management options, and various integration options. Further, the clarity of the proposed Mini-MAC curves enables planners to easily understand available minimum cost pathways when developing strategies aimed at achieving low-cost CO2 emissions reduction.

Graphical abstract
Using Virtual Reality to Enhance Food Technology Education
Authors: Gorman Daniel , Hoermann Simon , Lindeman Robert W. , Shahri Bahareh
Published: May 2021

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology combined with 360-degree images and videos provide an opportunity for teachers to bring students into the classroom even when they are located somewhere else. During the COVID-19 lockdown and pandemic, with students across the world forced into home-based learning via remote teaching, a VR classroom shows potential as a tool for adding depth to their learning. The possibility of immersing students in a virtual environment could provide an answer to motivation and engagement issues for today’s students as well as a solution to some of the current constraints faced by teachers. In particular, VR has the potential to increase the time students are able to spend in (virtual) environments that are suitable for teaching and learning practical skills. With the cost of VR equipment reducing rapidly and the increasing quality of virtual experiences, it appears VR is on the tipping-point of becoming a regular part of school programmes.This article outlines the development and testing of a VR Classroom for the delivery of a food-based lesson with middle school students in a New Zealand school. Kitchens are a costly commodity for schools and the obvious health and safety issues make teaching practical cooking skills challenging. With a focus on student engagement and motivation, data is collected from observation of students using the virtual classroom and a post-test survey. Results show that students were highly motivated and perceived the VR classroom as fun to use.
3D bioprinting of cardiac tissue: current challenges and perspectives
Authors: Kato Brian , Wisser Gary , Agrawal Devendra K. , Wood Tim , Thankam Finosh G.
Published: May 2021

Demand for donor hearts has increased globally due to cardiovascular diseases. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has been aimed at creating clinically viable cardiac constructs for the management of myocardial infarction (MI) and associated complications. Advances in 3D bioprinting show promise in aiding cardiac tissue repair following injury/infarction and offer an alternative to organ transplantation. This article summarizes the basic principles of 3D bioprinting and recent attempts at reconstructing functional adult native cardiac tissue with a focus on current challenges and prospective strategies.
Exploring Science Identity Development of Women in Physics and Physical Sciences in Higher Education
Authors: Eren Ebru
Published: May 2021

This study investigates women’s science identity development in physics and the physical sciences in higher education through a gender perspective. It arises from the real-life sociological issue of women’s lower level of participation in physics and physical sciences in Ireland, where the gender gap is the highest of all science disciplines, according to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) reports of recent years. Twenty-nine undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers from four Dublin universities were interviewed to achieve an in-depth understanding of gender and science issues from their standpoints. The focus was on how they constitute their identities as a ‘scientist’ in relation to their gender. The result of this study illustrates a variety of possible science identity constitutions of women both from an individual and collective identity perspective. Understanding women’s science identity development help brings a general view about developing a more welcoming and flexible science culture for individuals who think they do not fit well or who are left outside of the certain prevailing norms in the scientific climate. It also can allow seeking a way of challenging and changing the predominant culture and the prevailing masculine norms in doing science.
Large eddy simulation of dispersion of hazardous materials released from a fire accident around a cubical building
Authors: Vasilopoulos Konstantinos , Lekakis Ioannis , Sarris Ioannis E. , Tsoutsanis Panagiotis
Published: May 2021

The turbulent smoke dispersion from a pool fire around a cubical building is studied using large eddy simulation at a high Reynolds number, corresponding to existing experimental measurements both in laboratory and field test scales. Emphasis of this work is on the smoke dispersion due to two different fuel pool fire accident scenarios, initiated behind the building. For the setup of fire in the first case, crude oil was used with a heat release rate of 7.8 MW, and in the second, diesel oil with a heat release rate of 13.5 MW. It is found that in both fire scenarios, the downstream extent of the toxic zone is approximately the same. This is explained in terms of the fact that the smoke concentration and dispersion are influenced mainly by the convective buoyant forces and the strong turbulence mixing processes within the wake zone of the building. It is suggested that wind is the dominating factor in these accident scenarios, which represent the conditions resulting in the highest toxicity levels.
A comprehensive bibliometric overview: antibiotic resistance and Escherichia coli in natural water
Authors: Şahin Semanur , Sivri Nüket , Akpinar Isil , Çinçin Zeynep Birsu , Sönmez Vildan Zülal
Published: May 2021

The environment is the most important reservoir for both resistance mechanisms and gene transfer in biological science studies. This study gives a bibliometric overview of studies of “antibiotic resistance” and “Escherichia coli” in the field of “Agricultural and Biological Sciences” from 2015 to 2019 to assess both research trends and scholarly networks in diverse research disciplines. The two keywords of “antibiotic resistance” and “Escherichia coli” were selected to search in the Scopus database. Each review article was categorized into materials, natural waters (i.e., seawater, freshwater) and wastewater, journal name, and quartile in category of the journal, the year of publication, and the country. Bibliometric indicators and visualization maps were utilized to analyse the retrieved data quantitatively and qualitatively. A total of 1376 publications in the field of agricultural and biological sciences over the last 5 years were obtained using the keywords of antibiotic resistance and Escherichia coli. With additional keywords of freshwater and wastewater, 4 and 24 studies were obtained, respectively. Wastewater was found to be the most common working environment for the keywords of antibiotic resistance and Escherichia coli. It is also found that the studies of antibiotic resistance are mainly conducted in wastewater environments, focusing on human and food health. Working under “One Health” consisting of human, animal and agriculture, and environmental health could be the only permanent and effective approach to solving antibiotic resistance-related issues.
The farm effect revisited: from β-lactoglobulin with zinc in cowshed dust to its application
Authors: Mayerhofer Hanna , Pali-Schöll Isabella
Published: May 2021

Background

Numerous factors such as microbiota and their products are discussed in the context of the hygiene hypothesis and the associated allergy-preventive farm effect. Besides inhalation of dust from farms, consumption of raw milk also counteracts the development of asthma and allergies. Since cattle barns and cow’s milk in particular have been described as effective, the involvement of a bovine protein seems likely. β‑Lactoglobulin (BLG) is a major protein in milk and, as a member of the lipocalin family, has an intramolecular pocket that allows binding to hydrophobic ligands.

Results

Our in vitro and in vivo studies show that unloaded BLG promotes the development of allergy, while loaded, so-called holo-BLG, prevents allergies. BLG associated with zinc could also be detected in stable dust and ambient air of cattle farms.

Conclusion

It seems obvious that in addition to microbes and their products, holo-BLG also plays an important role in the protective farm effect. Therefore, in a newly developed lozenge for dietary management of allergies, based on the farm effect, zinc attached to holo-BLG is one of the key ingredients.
AA5083 (Al–Mg) plates produced by wire-and-arc additive manufacturing: effect of specimen orientation on microstructure and tensile properties
Authors: Tonelli Lavinia , Laghi Vittoria , Palermo Michele , Trombetti Tomaso , Ceschini Lorella
Published: May 2021

Among various additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, wire-and-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is one of the most suitable for the production of large-scale metallic components, also suggesting possible applications in the construction field. Several research activities have been devoted to the WAAM of steels and titanium alloys and, recently, the application of WAAM to aluminum alloys has also been explored. This paper presents the microstructural and mechanical characterization of WAAM plates produced using a commercial ER 5183 aluminum welding wire. The aim is to evaluate the possible anisotropic behavior under tensile stress of planar elements, considering three different extraction directions in relation to the deposition layer: longitudinal (L), transversal (T) and diagonal (D). Compositional, morphological, microstructural and fractographic analyses were carried out to relate the specific microstructural features induced by WAAM to the tensile properties. An anisotropic behavior was found in regard to the specimen orientation, with the lowest strength and ductility found on T specimens. Reasoning to this was found in the presence of microstructural discontinuities unfavorably oriented with regard to the tensile direction. The results of tensile tests also highlighted an overall good mechanical behavior, comparable to that of conventional AA5083-O sheets, suggesting future use in the realization of very complex geometries and optimized shapes for lightweight structural applications.
Mothers constructing six-year-olds: how ‘linguistic and domestic capital’ work through school–home correspondence, making ethnicity and social class visible
Authors: Røsvik Kjersti , Haldar Marit
Published: May 2021

Research on ethnicity and social class in primary school has shown how school produces social inequality and seems to suffer from a lack of professional diversity competence. Less work has examined how a democratic, equality-oriented curriculum puts hierarchies and differences into play. Our study is based on an ethnographic text material in form of a home–school correspondence from two ethnically and socioeconomically different parts of Oslo, Norway. We examine how families (children and mothers, as co-writers) portray their domestic family life. Our aim is to explore how ethnicity and social class become visible through what we call ‘linguistic habitus’, ‘linguistic negotiation’ and ‘domestic capital’ in an apparently conform school programme. Drawing on a Bourdieu-inspired focus on power in language use, we argue that this home–school correspondence functions as a linguistic market: a system of distinction, operating with internal rules regarding what to say, how to say it and what not to say. Building on 319 family entries from a home–school correspondence, this study demonstrates how a corpus of saturated and intertwined texts reveals hegemonic middle-class preferences, values and identities. Mothers from the middle-class areas, co-writing with their children, reap symbolic benefits more easily than mothers and children from socio-economical diverse areas, who lose ground in this linguistic market. Despite the fact that the majority of the entries are similar and conform to a standard, some counter-discourses emerge. The study identifies the development of three linguistic trajectories:counteroffensive,rectifyingand‘hyper-correct’ deviance. A central argument in this article is that this well-meaning home–school correspondence, which aims to be inclusive and democratic, demonstrates that access is socially skewed and that language capital is crucial. Our study reveals that the school system in Norway, situated in a very equality-oriented and strong welfare state, is based on two opposing ideologies, diversity on the one hand and sameness on the other.
Indoor Bouldering—A Prospective Injury Evaluation
Authors: Auer Jonas , Schöffl Volker R. , Achenbach Leonard , Meffert Rainer H. , Fehske Kai
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Bouldering has become a sport of growing interest, but little prospective evidence exists about injury proportions and patterns. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the cause of injuries sustained during indoor bouldering, proportion of affected body location, and injury severity.

Methods

Proportions and patterns of injury among German-speaking indoor boulderers were evaluated prospectively in an explorative cohort study. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire assessing anthropometric data and sport-specific potential preventive and risk factors, followed by monthly injury questionnaires including injury location and injury severity over a period of 12 mo.

Results

Out of 507 boulderers, 222 (44%) sustained 305 injuries. Of those, 78% (n=238) were classified as Union Internationale de Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) 1, 19% (n=57) as UIAA 2, and 3% (n=10) as UIAA 3. Injuries of the upper extremities accounted for 63% (n=191) of all injuries. Injuries of the lower extremities accounted for 23% (n=71) but were more often classified as UIAA≥2 ( P=0.0071; odds ratio [OR] 2.23; 95% CI 1.23–4.04) and were more often caused by falling ( P=0.0005; OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.57–5.42) and jumping off the wall ( P<0.0001; OR 4.39; 95% CI 2.25–8.56) than injuries of other body locations. There was no statistically significant protective effect of the evaluated potential preventive measures. Participants who used heavily downturned climbing shoes had a higher risk of sustaining a UIAA ≥2 injury ( P=0.0034; OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.34–4.95).

Conclusions

Injuries in indoor bouldering are common. Lower extremity injuries are associated with higher injury severity. Preventive measures need to be established to reduce bouldering injuries, especially during falls and landings.
The Metaphysics of Biology
Authors: Dupré John
Published: May 2021

This Element is an introduction to the metaphysics of biology, a very general account of the nature of the living world. The first part of the Element addresses more traditionally philosophical questions - whether biological systems are reducible to the properties of their physical parts, causation and laws of nature, substantialist and processualist accounts of life, and the nature of biological kinds. The second half will offer an understanding of important biological entities, drawing on the earlier discussions. This division should not be taken too seriously, however: the topics in both parts are deeply interconnected. Although this does not claim to be a scientific work, it does aim to be firmly grounded in our best scientific knowledge; it is an exercise in naturalistic metaphysics. Its most distinctive feature is that argues throughout for a view of living systems as processes rather than things or, in the technical philosophical sense, substances.
LEVEL THEORY, PART 1: AXIOMATIZING THE BARE IDEA OF A CUMULATIVE HIERARCHY OF SETS
Authors: BUTTON TIM
Published: May 2021

The following bare-bones story introduces the idea of a cumulative hierarchy of pure sets: ‘Sets are arranged in stages. Every set is found at some stage. At any stage S: for any sets found before S, we find a set whose members are exactly those sets. We find nothing else at S’. Surprisingly, this story already guarantees that the sets are arranged in well-ordered levels, and suffices for quasi-categoricity. I show this by presenting Level Theory, a simplification of set theories due to Scott, Montague, Derrick, and Potter.
REDUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR PROVING DECIDABILITY IN LOGICS AND THEIR MEET–COMBINATION
Authors: RASGA JOÃO , SERNADAS CRISTINA , CARNIELLI WALTER
Published: May 2021

Satisfaction systems and reductions between them are presented as an appropriate context for analyzing the satisfiability and the validity problems. The notion of reduction is generalized in order to cope with the meet-combination of logics. Reductions between satisfaction systems induce reductions between the respective satisfiability problems and (under mild conditions) also between their validity problems. Sufficient conditions are provided for relating satisfiability problems to validity problems. Reflection results for decidability in the presence of reductions are established. The validity problem in the meet-combination is proved to be decidable whenever the validity problem for the components are decidable. Several examples are discussed, namely, involving modal and intuitionistic logics, as well as the meet-combination of$\textrm {K}$modal logic and intuitionistic logic.
Secondary attack rates from asymptomatic and symptomatic influenza virus shedders in hospitals: Results from the TransFLUas influenza transmission study
Authors: Tamò Raphaël , Turk Teja , Böni Jürg , Kouyos Roger D. , Schmutz Stefan , Huber Michael , Shah Cyril , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. , Distler Oliver , Battegay Edouard , Giovanoli Pietro , Guckenberger Matthias , Kohler Malcolm , Müller Rouven , Petry Heidi , Ruschitzka Frank , McGeer Allison , Sax Hugo , Weber Rainer , Trkola Alexandra , Kuster Stefan P.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Nosocomial transmission of influenza is a major concern for infection control. We aimed to dissect transmission dynamics of influenza, including asymptomatic transmission events, in acute care.

Design:

Prospective surveillance study during 2 influenza seasons.

Setting:

Tertiary-care hospital.

Participants:

Volunteer sample of inpatients on medical wards and healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods:

Participants provided daily illness diaries and nasal swabs for influenza A and B detection and whole-genome sequencing for phylogenetic analyses. Contacts between study participants were tracked. Secondary influenza attack rates were calculated based on spatial and temporal proximity and phylogenetic evidence for transmission.

Results:

In total, 152 HCWs and 542 inpatients were included; 16 HCWs (10.5%) and 19 inpatients (3.5%) tested positive for influenza on 109 study days. Study participants had symptoms of disease on most of the days they tested positive for influenza (83.1% and 91.9% for HCWs and inpatients, respectively). Also, 11(15.5%) of 71 influenza-positive swabs among HCWs and 3 (7.9%) of 38 influenza-positive swabs among inpatients were collected on days without symptoms; 2 (12.5%) of 16 HCWs and 2 (10.5%) of 19 inpatients remained fully asymptomatic. The secondary attack rate was low: we recorded 1 transmission event over 159 contact days (0.6%) that originated from a symptomatic case. No transmission event occurred in 61 monitored days of contacts with asymptomatic influenza-positive individuals.

Conclusions:

Influenza in acute care is common, and individuals regularly shed influenza virus without harboring symptoms. Nevertheless, both symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission events proved rare. We suggest that healthcare-associated influenza prevention strategies that are based on preseason vaccination and barrier precautions for symptomatic individuals seem to be effective.
Treatment outcome and associated factors for severely malnourished children (1–5 years) admitted to Lacor Hospital and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Muwanguzi E. , Oboi J. Eros , Nabbamba A. , Wanyama R.
Published: May 2021

Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) accounts for >1/3–0⋅5 of deaths in children <5 years, and approximately 54 % deaths in developing countries. The minimum international standard set for the management of SAM is a cure rate of at least 75 % and death rate <10 %. The present study was conducted to determine treatment outcome and associated factors among children 1–5 years hospitalised with SAM in Lacor and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) in 2017. A retrospective observational method supplemented with a qualitative inquiry was done. A total of 317 patients’ records were reviewed in either hospital; checklist data were analysed using SPSS version 16 with P-values <0⋅05 considered for statistical significance. The case fatality rate (CFR) was 12⋅6 % (GRRH) and 9⋅5 % (Lacor). The average length of stay (LOS) was 14⋅69 d (GRRH) and 14⋅10 d (Lacor). There was statistical significance between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status, blood transfusion, type of SAM, treatment provision at admission, antibiotics, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), hospital category and treatment outcome. In total, ten key informants were interviewed and they reported the presence of co-infections and severity of SAM complications as having an important bearing on treatment outcome. A significant proportion of patients were discharged not cured 19⋅9 % (Lacor) v. 16⋅4 % (GRRH). The CFR in GRRH was higher than the WHO recommendation. The LOS in both hospitals was within recommended. These results provide a generalisable problem in most African hospitals and could explain the persistently high rates of SAM in Africa.
Water content of firn at Lomonosovfonna, Svalbard, derived from subsurface temperature measurements
Authors: Marchenko Sergey A. , van Pelt Ward J. J. , Pettersson Rickard , Pohjola Veijo A. , Reijmer Carleen H.
Published: May 2021

The potential of capillary forces to retain water in pores is an important property of snow and firn at glaciers. Meltwater suspended in pores does not contribute to runoff and may refreeze during winter, which can affect the climatic mass balance and the subsurface density and temperature. However, measurement of firn water content is challenging and few values have been reported in the literature. Here, we use subsurface temperature and density measured at the accumulation zone of Lomonosovfonna (1200 m a.s.l.), Svalbard, to derive water content of the firn profiles after the 2014 and 2015 melt seasons. We do this by comparing measured and simulated rates of freezing front propagation. The calculated volumetric water content of firn is ~1.0–2.5 vol.% above the depth of 5 m and <0.5 vol.% below. Results derived using different thermistor strings suggest a prominent lateral variability in firn water content. Reported values are considerably lower than those commonly used in snow/firn models. This is interpreted as a result of preferential water flow in firn leaving dry volumes within wetted firn. This suggests that the implementation of irreducible water content values below 0.5 vol.% within snow/firn models should be considered at the initial phase of water infiltration.