bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of product attributes for farmed oysters: A hedonic price analysis of US restaurant menus
Authors: Botta Robert , Garlock Taryn , Asche Frank , Camp Edward V. , Ropicki Andrew
Published: May 2023

The price of most food products is a function of attributes related to the product itself and signals associated with product features. Using a novel data source, online restaurant menus, this study examines the impact of various attributes on raw, half shell oyster prices in the United States. We find that oyster value is significantly affected by region, as well as the amount and type of information provided. West coast oysters, oysters sold in the Pacific region, and oysters sold on menus with additional information receive the highest price premiums. These findings suggest significant market segmentation exists within the United States.
Luminescent bis‐alkynylgold(III) complexes with bidentate cyclometalating ligands: A comparison study with related tridentate cyclometalated complexes
Authors: Au Vonika Ka‐Man , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: May 2023

Background

There has been a continuous interest in the development of luminescent gold(III) complexes as emitters for OLED applications in recent years.

Objective

To design and synthesize a series of luminescent bis‐alkynylgold(III) complexes with bidentate C^N‐type ligands and to compare their properties with related tridentate cyclometalated complexes.

Methods

A series of bis‐alkynylgold(III) complexes with bidentate C^N‐type ligands derived from 2‐phenylpyridine and 7,8‐benzoquinoline has been designed and synthesized. The photophysical properties of the complexes have been studied by electronic absorption and emission spectroscopies.

Results

All of the complexes were observed to exhibit rich photophysical and electrochemical properties. In particular, the complexes were strongly emissive at ambient conditions, showing vibronic‐structured emission bands peaked at 433–557 nm in dichloromethane solutions at 298 K.

Conclusions

By comparing the structural features, luminescence properties and electrochemistry of the bidentate complexes with related tridentate C^N^C and C^N^N‐type alkynylgold(III) complexes, a better understanding on the structure‐property relationship of the alkynylgold(III) system has been obtained.
Bioethanol production from sorghum grain with Zymomonas mobilis: increasing the yield and quality of raw distillates
Authors: Szambelan Katarzyna , Szwengiel Artur , Nowak Jacek , Frankowski Jakub , Jeleń Henryk
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to demonstrate the superiority of bioethanol yield and its quality from sorghum using the granular starch degrading enzyme Stargen™ 002 over simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and separate hydrolysis and fermentation using Zymomonas mobilis CCM 3881 and Ethanol Red® yeast.

RESULTS

Bacteria were found to produce ethanol at higher yield than the yeast in all fermentations. The highest ethanol yield was obtained with Z. mobilis during 48 h of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (83.85% theoretical yield) and fermentation with Stargen™ 002 (81.27% theoretical yield). Pre‐liquefaction in fermentation with Stargen™ 002 did not improve ethanol yields for both Z. mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Chromatographic analysis showed twice less total volatile compounds in distillates obtained after bacterial (3.29–5.54 g L−1) than after yeast (7.84–9.75 g L−1) fermentations. Distillates obtained after bacterial fermentation were characterized by high level of aldehydes (up to 65% of total volatiles) and distillates obtained after yeast fermentation of higher alcohols (up to 95% of total volatiles). The process of fermentation using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme cocktail Stargen™ 002 resulted in low amounts of all volatile compounds in distillates obtained after bacterial fermentation, but the highest amounts in distillates obtained after yeast fermentation.

CONCLUSION

The present study emphasizes the great potential of bioethanol production from sorghum with Z. mobilis using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme Stargen™ 002, which leads to reduced water and energy consumption, especially when energy sources are strongly related to global climate change. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Method validation for detection of afidopyropen and M440I007 in tea
Authors: Guo Mingming , Qin Yujie , Sun Hezhi , Li Zhaoqun , Zhang Xinzhong , Wang Xinru , Yang Mei , Luo Fengjian , Chen Zongmao , Zhou Li
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Afidopyropen is a novel biorational insecticide for controlling piercing pests with great potential for application in tea gardens that can form the metabolite M440I007 when utilized for crops. However, because of a lack of analytical method for afidopyropen and M440I007 in tea, there is no means of monitoring the residues. Therefore, method development, validation and simultaneous determination of afidopyropen and M440I007 in fresh tea leaves, dried tea and tea infusion is of prime significance.

RESULTS

A TPT cartridge‐based method was developed for the solid phase extraction of afidopyropen and M440I007 from tea matrices. Extraction and clean‐up conditions, including the composition, volume and temperature of elutions, were optimized to achieve the best results. Both targets were extracted using water and acetonitrile, with a water:acetonitrile (v/v) ratio of 4:10 for fresh leaves and 8:10 for dried tea, which were then cleaned and analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Both analytes demonstrated excellent linearity with a correlation coefficient above 0.998. The optimized analytical method offered limits of quantifications of 0.005, 0.005 and 0.002 mg kg−1 (converted to dried tea) in fresh tea shoots, dried tea and tea infusion for both targets, respectively. Average recoveries of afidopyropen and M440I007 ranged from 79.0% to 101.5%, with relative standard deviations ≤ 14.7%.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the method of determination for these insecticides in tea matrices was practical and efficient. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
In vitro coupled motions of the whole human thoracic and lumbar spine with rib cage
Authors: Orbach Mattan R. , Mahoney Jonathan , Bucklen Brandon S. , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: May 2023

Study design

In vitro biomechanical study investigating the coupled motions of the whole normative human thoracic spine (TS) and lumbar spine (LS) with rib cage.

Objective

To quantify the region‐specific coupled motion patterns and magnitudes of the TS, thoracolumbar junction (TLJ), and LS simultaneously.

Background

Studying spinal coupled motions is important in understanding the development of complex spinal deformities and providing data for validating computational models. However, coupled motion patterns reported in vitro are controversial, and no quantitative data on region‐specific coupled motions of the whole human TS and LS are available.

Methods

Pure, unconstrained bending moments of 8 Nm were applied to seven fresh‐frozen human cadaveric TS and LS specimens (mean age: 70.3 ± 11.3 years) with rib cages to elicit flexion‐extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). During each primary motion, region‐specific rotational range of motion (ROM) data were captured.

Results

No statistically significant, consistent coupled motion patterns were observed during primary FE. During primary LB, there was significant (p < 0.05) ipsilateral AR in the TS and a general pattern of contralateral coupled AR in the TLJ and LS. There was also a tendency for the TS to extend and the LS to flex. During primary AR, significant coupled LB was ipsilateral in the TS and contralateral in both the TLJ and LS. Significant coupled flexion in the LS was also observed. Coupled LB and AR ROMs were not significantly different between the TS and LS or from one another.

Conclusions

The findings support evidence of consistent coupled motion patterns of the TS and LS during LB and AR. These novel data may serve as reference for computational model validations and future in vitro studies investigating spinal deformities and implants.
Creating an Inexpensive PVC Shoulder Model for the Training of Ultrasound‐Guided Posterior Glenohumeral Joint Injections
Authors: Melanson Joshua , Davidson Skylar , McDermott Ryland , Doyle Nora
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Ultrasound‐guided injections are used to treat common shoulder pathologies and have been shown to be more accurate and effective than traditional landmark‐guided procedures. Currently, there exists no inexpensive shoulder model that accurately simulates the anatomical structures of the shoulder while also facilitating glenohumeral joint (GHJ) injection. Our model is an alternative to the traditional bedside training and provides a low‐risk training environment.

Methods

We created this model from easily accessible materials. Polyvinyl chloride pipe was used to create the skeletal infrastructure pectoral girdle. A detergent pod was used to represent the GHJ space. Steaks were used to simulate the infraspinatus and deltoid muscles, with meat glue as a fascial layer between the two simulated muscles. Total cost of materials for the model was $19.71.

Results

Our model successfully replicates known anatomical features of the GHJ. Additionally, the model facilitates injection into a GHJ space, representing a GHJ injection. Our model was replicated to train medical student practitioners during five different educational sessions. The model was validated through comparison to standardized educational ultrasound training videos. It was further validated by ultrasound experts.

Conclusions

The shoulder model we created is effective in simulating GHJ injections under ultrasound guidance. It simulates realistic muscle and bony landmarks both for ultrasound imaging and injection feel. Importantly, it is inexpensive and easy to replicate allowing more access to medical practitioners and students to be educated on the procedure.
Multidecadal changes in ocean transparency: Decrease in a coastal upwelling region and increase offshore
Authors: Kahru Mati , Lee Zhongping , Ohman Mark D.
Published: May 2023

Detection of the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems is often limited by the short duration of available time series. Here, we use ocean transparency measurements (the Secchi disk depth, ZSD) in the California Current Ecosystem since 1949 and combine them with satellite estimates. Historic in situ measurements of ZSD were irregular in space and time and are difficult to interpret in time series due to biases introduced by changing locations and timing. We normalize historic ZSD measurements with satellite‐derived mean climatology and create a merged in situ—satellite time series of ZSD for the last ~ 73 yr. Although interannual variability in ZSD is dominated by El Niño Southern Oscillation‐related variability (~ 50% of the total variance in many areas), a secular trend of decreasing transparency that is correlated with increasing productivity is detected 0–300 km from the coast in an area affected by coastal upwelling north of 27°N. In contrast, increasing transparency (correlated with decreasing productivity) is detected offshore (> 1000 km from the coast). In addition to those general trends, transparency is also increasing in coastal area off Baja California south of 27°N.
National survey finds BH workforce remains passionate, but burned out
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2023

Mental health treatment and substance use treatment providers said they are burned out, and unless there are public policy changes, they will be unable to meet the demand for mental health or substance use treatment care, according to a new survey of behavioral health workers and the general population. Adding fuel to the fire, providers warn of a potential exodus of behavioral health workers resulting from burnout.
Obesity, stigma, and person‐centered language: A serial cross‐sectional analysis of scientific literature
Authors: Griffin Zachary , Long Piper , Peña Andriana , Jacobsen Samuel , Johnson Austin L. , Ottwell Ryan , Torgerson Trevor , Walters Corbin , Ghebrehiwet Merhawit , Vassar Matt , Hartwell Micah
Published: May 2023

Objective

Language can influence societal perceptions of medical conditions. The employment of person‐centered language (PCL) in health care is reflected in many scientific publications; however, the extent of this adaptation in reference to obesity is unknown.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis included a systematic search of PubMed obesity‐related articles across four cohorts spanning January 2004 through December 2006; January 2008 through December 2010; January 2015 through December 2018; and January 2019 through May 2020, respectively. Approximately 1971 publications were screened and examined for prespecified, non‐PCL terminology set forth by the American Medical Association Manual of Style and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, of which 991 were retained. Statistical analysis demonstrating PCL and non‐PCL findings was then performed. Incidence rates and cohort classifications were reported.

Results

Of the 991 articles examined, it was found that 24.02% of publications adhered to PCL. Similar adherence was observed across obesity‐specific, general medicine, and nutrition journals. PCL adherence increased over time. The most common non‐PCL label was “obese,” occurring in 75.48% of articles.

Conclusions

This investigation showed that non‐PCL in reference to obesity is widely evident in weight‐focused journals despite recommendations for adherence to PCL guidelines. Continued use of non‐PCL in reference to obesity in research may inadvertently perpetuate weight‐based stigma and health disparities in future generations.
Moral distress and ethical climate in pediatric oncology care impact healthcare professionals' intentions to leave
Authors: Ventovaara Päivi , af Sandeberg Margareta , Blomgren Klas , Pergert Pernilla
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess perceptions of ethical climate, experiences of moral distress, and intentions to leave among healthcare professionals in Nordic pediatric oncology care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey with registered nurses, physicians, and nursing assistants at 20 Nordic pediatric cancer centers. Data were collected by using translated versions of the Swedish Hospital Ethical Climate Survey‐Shortened and the Swedish Moral Distress Scale‐Revised. Descriptive analyses and non‐parametric tests were used to describe, summarize, and compare data.

Results

According to 543 healthcare professionals (response rate 58%), the ethical climate in Nordic pediatric oncology care was positive. Inadequate staffing levels, poor continuity and lack of time were the most common causes of moral distress. Registered nurses experienced significantly higher levels of moral distress compared to physicians and nursing assistants. About 6% of the respondents considered leaving due to moral distress. Typically, they assessed the ethical climate as less positive and reported higher levels of moral distress than those who had no intention to leave.

Conclusions

Organizational actions that ensure safe staffing levels and improve the continuity of care are needed to prevent moral distress and high staff turnover.
Substrate binding in the allosteric site mimics homotropic cooperativity in the SIS‐fold glucosamine‐6‐phosphate deaminases
Authors: Marcos‐Viquez Jorge , Rodríguez‐Hernández Annia , Álvarez‐Añorve Laura I. , Medina‐García Andrea , Plumbridge Jacqueline , Calcagno Mario L. , Rodríguez‐Romero Adela , Bustos‐Jaimes Ismael
Published: May 2023

Glucosamine‐6‐phosphate (GlcN6P) deaminases from Escherichia coli (EcNagBI) and Shewanella denitrificans (SdNagBII) are special examples of what constitute nonhomologous isofunctional enzymes due to their convergence, not only in catalysis, but also in cooperativity and allosteric properties. Additionally, we found that the sigmoidal kinetics of SdNagBII cannot be explained by the existing models of homotropic activation. This study describes the regulatory mechanism of SdNagBII using enzyme kinetics, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and X‐ray crystallography. ITC experiments revealed two different binding sites with distinctive thermodynamic signatures: a single binding site per monomer for the allosteric activator N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐phosphate (GlcNAc6P) and two binding sites per monomer for the transition‐state analog 2‐amino‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucitol 6‐phosphate (GlcNol6P). Crystallographic data demonstrated the existence of an unusual allosteric site that can bind both GlcNAc6P and GlcNol6P, implying that the homotropic activation of this enzyme arises from the occupation of the allosteric site by the substrate. In this work we describe the presence of this novel allosteric site in the SIS‐fold deaminases, which is responsible for the homotropic and heterotropic activation of SdNagBII by GlcN6P and GlcNAc6P, respectively. This study unveils an original mechanism to generate a high degree of homotropic activation in SdNagBII, mimicking the allosteric and cooperative properties of hexameric EcNagBI but with a reduced number of subunits.
Nursing profession in Africa: A study on work engagement and talent management practices in South Africa
Authors: Lerotholi Mpho , Bezuidenhout Adéle
Published: May 2023

Background

The global shortage of nurses, intensified by nurses migrating to richer countries, creates a health crisis in developing countries. This study investigates how strategic talent management practices can improve the work engagement of professional nurses in public hospitals in South Africa.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey was conducted among professional nurses employed in three large public hospitals in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. We measured: (1) management commitment, (2) talent review, (3) workforce planning, (4) staffing, (5) talent acquisition, (6) talent development, (7) talent commitment and (8) talent retention. The sub‐dimensions of work engagement that were measured included: (1) vigour, (2) absorption and (3) dedication. Descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) analyses were performed. The gap analysis calculated the difference between the current and desired status means talent management item.

Results

The gap analysis revealed the biggest discrepancies between the value nurses attach to and the current status of management commitment and the talent review and staffing processes. Multiple regression analyses confirmed that current status‐rating talent acquisition impacts dedication and absorption combined (r = 0.112, p‐value = 0.012 < 0.05) and management commitment impacts absorption and vigour combined (r = 0.26, p‐value = 0.026 < 0.05). The importance‐rating revealed talent development and commitment combined influences dedication and absorption combined (r = 0.092, p‐value = 0.038 < 0.05), and talent review and planning impacts absorption and vigour combined (r = 0.115, p‐value = 0.010 < 0.05). Age and job status had a significant effect on absorption–vigour.

Conclusion

Hospital managers can improve the engagement of nurses by demonstrating their commitment to talent development, offering a diverse variety of development opportunities and ensuring a pipeline of new nurses by improving the attractiveness of the profession. The study shows how strategic talent management practices can serve to improve work engagement in the healthcare sector.
Hybrid DFM – Petri net approach for dynamic reliability analysis of smart transmitters
Authors: Garg Vipul , Vinod Gopika , Prasad Mahendra , Santhosh T. V. , Shrestha N. B. , Chattopadhyay J.
Published: May 2023

Smart transmitters are increasingly being deployed in safety critical systems. Although the processing and diagnostic features provided by digital systems are advantageous, it introduces additional complexity in reliability modelling of systems. The conventional Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method for system reliability analysis has its shortcomings in modelling digital systems, to incorporate its dynamic system interaction and failure modes in detail. This is because some of the failure modes may arise due to the dynamic interactions between the modules of the system. Dynamic Flowgraph Methodology (DFM) was identified as one of the optimistic approaches to handle these interactions. DFM approach combines multi‐valued logic modelling and analysis capabilities to handle systems consisting of components that have multiple degraded states and exhibit dynamic behaviour. However, only few DFM tools have been developed and some of them are not available in public domain. The DFM approach relies heavily on development and implementation of its decision tables. The logic information present within the decision tables can be meticulously implemented using Petri Nets. Also, there are plenty of free Petri Nets tools available online. Thus, the idea of DFM was used in this work to capture the dynamic interactions by developing decision tables. The decision tables were transformed into the Petri Net models to perform the analysis. The paper demonstrates the potential of the hybrid DFM – Petri Net approach for dynamic reliability analysis of smart transmitter.
An obstacle avoidance strategy for complex obstacles based on artificial potential field method
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Guojun , Song Yan , Wang Yagang
Published: May 2023

When there are obstacles around the target point, the mobile robot cannot reach the target using the traditional artificial potential field (APF). Besides, the traditional APF is prone to local oscillation in complex terrain such as three‐point collinear or semiclosed obstacles. Aiming at solving the defects of traditional APF, a novel improved APF algorithm named back virtual obstacle setting strategy‐APF has been proposed in this paper. There are two main advantages of the proposed method. First, by redefining the gravitational function as a logarithmic function, the proposed method can make the mobile robot reach the target point when there are obstacles around the target. Second, the proposed method can avoid falling into local oscillation for both three‐point collinear and semiclosed obstacles. Compare with APF and other improved APF, the feasibility of the algorithm is proved through software simulation and practical application.
Is Soft Carbon a More Suitable Match for SiOx in Li‐Ion Battery Anodes?
Authors: Sun Qing , Zeng Guifang , Li Jing , Wang Shang , Botifoll Marc , Wang Hao , Li Deping , Ji Fengjun , Cheng Jun , Shao Huaiyu , Tian Yanhong , Arbiol Jordi , Cabot Andreu , Ci Lijie
Published: May 2023

Silicon oxide (SiOx), inheriting the high‐capacity characteristic of silicon‐based materials but possessing superior cycling stability, is a promising anode material for next‐generation Li‐ion batteries. SiOx is typically applied in combination with graphite (Gr), but the limited cycling durability of the SiOx/Gr composites curtails large‐scale applications. In this work, this limited durability is demonstrated in part related to the presence of a bidirectional diffusion at the SiOx/Gr interface, which is driven by their intrinsic working potential differences and the concentration gradients. When Li on the Li‐rich surface of SiOx is captured by Gr, the SiOx surface shrinks, hindering further lithiation. The use of soft carbon (SC) instead of Gr can prevent such instability is further demonstrated. The higher working potential of SC avoids bidirectional diffusion and surface compression thus allowing further lithiation. In this scenario, the evolution of the Li concentration gradient in SiOx conforms to its spontaneous lithiation process, benefiting the electrochemical performance. These results highlight the focus on the working potential of carbon as a strategy for rational optimization of SiOx/C composites toward improved battery performance.
A new vision for sustainable EMS
Authors: Findon Amelia
Published: May 2023

Amelia Findon, policy and governance director, outlines BVA's new policy position on extramural studies (EMS) and our recommendations to make this valuable learning experience sustainable and effective.
Assessment of daily variation in pelvic anatomy in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: van der Steen Annemarie , Morsinkhof Lisan M. , Chen Luyun , de Vries Mirjam , Simonis Frank F. J. , Grob Anique T. M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can affect quality of life and are reported to progress during the day, although this was never objectified. The aim of this study is to determine whether the pelvic anatomy changes during the day using upright magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in POP patients and asymptomatic women.

Methods

In this prospective study 15 POP patients and 45 asymptomatic women were included. Upright MRI scans were obtained three times per day. The distances from the lowest points of the bladder and cervix to a standardized reference (pelvic inclination correction system) line were determined. A principal component analysis was performed on the levator plate (LP) shape. Statistical differences between time points and the groups were determined for the bladder, cervix, and LP shape.

Results

For all women a significant decrease in bladder and cervix height of −0.2 cm (p<0.001) was seen between morning/midday and afternoon scans. A significant difference in bladder descent during the day between POP patients and asymptomatic women was found (p=0.004). Individual differences in bladder position in the POP group of up to 2.2 cm between the morning and afternoon scan were reported. There was a significant difference in LP shape (p<0.001) between the groups but there were no significant changes during the day.

Conclusions

This study found no clinically relevant pelvic anatomy changes during the day. Still, on an individual level differences can be large, so repeating clinical examination at the end of the day can be recommended in patients when anamnesis and physical examination do not match.
A whole new world of healing: exploring medical hypnotherapy for pediatric patients
Authors: Bastek Vanessa , van Vliet Michel
Published: May 2023

This narrative review aims to unravel the potential of medical hypnotherapy for the treatment of children with a variety of diseases and symptoms. Going beyond its history and assumed neurophysiology, the chances of success for hypnotherapy will be outlined per pediatric speciality, accentuated by clinical research and experiences. Future implications and recommendations are given on extracting the positive effects of medical hypnotherapy for all pediatricians.

    Conclusion: Medical hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for children with specified conditions such as abdominal pain or headache. Studies suggest effectiveness for other pediatric disciplines, from the first line up to third line of care. In a time in which health is defined as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being’, hypnotherapy stays an underrated treatment option for children. It is a unique mind–body treatment, which true potential still needs to be unraveled.

What is Known:• Mind–body health techniques become a more relevant and accepted part of treatment in pediatric patients.• Medical hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for children with specified conditions such as functional abdominal pain.

What is New:• Studies suggest the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in a high variety of pediatric symptoms and disease.• Hypnotherapy is a unique mind–body treatment which potential goes far beyond its current utilization.
Thermal and physico-mechanical evaluation of some magmatic rocks at Homrit Waggat Area, Eastern Desert, Egypt: petrography and geochemistry
Authors: Rashwan Mohammed A. , Lasheen El Saeed R. , Azer Mokhles K.
Published: May 2023

Egypt is characterized by a wide variety of granitic rocks, making it one of the most essential ten countries producing ornamental stones worldwide. The main objective of this article is to study the effect of the chemical and mineralogical variations of the granitic rocks on their thermal expansion behaviors and physico-mechanical properties for use as dimension stones. The assessment of these rocks was performed using two main parameters: the first dealt with the petrographic investigation and chemical analysis for mineralogical and geochemical characterization. The second dealt with some essential physical and mechanical properties (e.g., water absorption, bulk density, and apparent porosity, and compressive strength), and thermal behavior in terms of linear thermal expansion coefficient. Based on the petrographic description, the samples were classified into five types: syenogranite, alkali-feldspar granite, albitized granite, granodiorite, and tonalite. The mineralogical characterization exhibited variable proportions of quartz and feldspars (plagioclase and alkali-feldspar), in addition to accessory minerals such as titanite, zircon, rutile, and iron oxide-based minerals. The thermal investigation showed insignificant changes in the thermal coefficient values and the thermal strain up to 100 °C as it did not exceed 0.049%, which indicates that they can be installed in places of high-temperature conditions. The physico-mechanical properties revealed that the water absorption ranged from 0.14 to 0.52%, the bulk density ranged from 2590.42 to 2748.23 kg/m3, and the compressive strength ranged from 314.17 to 628.75 kg/cm2. These results indicate that the studied granites could be acceptable for interior (indoor) and light-duty exterior purposes such as building cladding.
OCPP in the spotlight: threats and countermeasures for electric vehicle charging infrastructures 4.0
Authors: Alcaraz Cristina , Cumplido Jesus , Trivin̄o Alicia
Published: May 2023

Undoubtedly, Industry 4.0 in the energy sector improves the conditions for automation, generation and distribution of energy, increasing the rate of electric vehicle manufacturing in recent years. As a result, more grid-connected charging infrastructures are being installed, whose charging stations (CSs) can follow standardized architectures, such as the one proposed by the open charge point protocol (OCPP). The most recent version of this protocol is v.2.0.1, which includes new security measures at device and communication level to cover those security issues identified in previous versions. Therefore, this paper analyzes OCPP-v2.0.1 to determine whether the new functions may still be susceptible to specific cyber and physical threats, and especially when CSs may be connected to microgrids. To formalize the study, we first adapted the well-known threat analysis methodology, STRIDE, to identify and classify threats in terms of control and energy, and subsequently we combine it with DREAD for risk assessment. The analyses indicate that, although OCPP-v2.0.1 has evolved, potential security risks still remain, requiring greater protection in the future.
Diverse cropping systems lead to higher larval mortality of the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum)
Authors: Karssemeijer Peter N. , Croijmans Luuk , Gajendiran Karthick , Gols Rieta , van Apeldoorn Dirk F. , van Loon Joop J. A. , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H.
Published: May 2023

Root herbivores pose a major threat to agricultural crops. They are difficult to control and their damage often goes unnoticed until the larvae reach their most devastating late instar stages. Crop diversification can reduce pest pressure, generally without compromising yield. We studied how different diversified cropping systems affected the oviposition and abundance of the specialist cabbage root flyDelia radicum, the most important root herbivore inBrassicacrops. The cropping systems included a monoculture, pixel cropping, and four variations of strip cropping with varying intra- and interspecific crop diversity, fertilization and spatial configuration. Furthermore, we assessed whether there was a link betweenD. radicumand other macroinvertebrates associated with the same plants. Cabbage root fly oviposition was higher in strip cropping designs compared to the monoculture and was highest in the most diversified strip cropping design. Despite the large number of eggs, there were no consistent differences in the number of larvae and pupae between the cropping systems, indicative of high mortality ofD. radicumeggs and early instars especially in the strip cropping designs.D. radicumlarval and pupal abundance positively correlated with soil-dwelling predators and detritivores and negatively correlated with other belowground herbivores. We found no correlations between the presence of aboveground insect herbivores and the number ofD. radicumon the roots. Our findings indicate that root herbivore presence is determined by a complex interplay of many factors, spatial configuration of host plants, and other organisms residing near the roots.
An Alternative to the Born Rule: Spectral Quantization
Authors: Dvorak Marc
Published: May 2023

We show that there is a hidden freedom in quantum many-body theory associated with overcompleteness of the time evolution through the single-particle subspace of a many-body system. To fix the freedom, an additional constraint is necessary. We argue that the appropriate constraint on the time evolution through the subspace is to quantize the propagation of entangled pairs of particles, represented by the single-particle spectral function, instead of individual particles. This solution method creates a surface that indicates the multiplicity of every solution to the inverse problem defined by matching the freedom to the constraint. Upon measurement, the system collapses nonlocally onto a single quantized solution. In addition to a combinatoric multiplicity, each solution acquires a multiplicity due to its stability when subject to a small variation in the microscopic degrees of freedom. Numerical calculations for a two-level system show that our theory improves upon standard theory in the description of non-quasiparticle spectral features. Our reinterpretation of quantum many-body theory is not based on the Born rule and offers a more faithful representation of experiments than current theory by modeling individual, quantized events with an explicit collapse model.
Transmission-Based Muography for Ore Bodies Prospecting: A Case Study from a Skarn Complex in Italy
Authors: Beni Tommaso , Borselli Diletta , Bonechi Lorenzo , Bongi Massimo , Brocchini Debora , Ciaranfi Roberto , Cimmino Luigi , Ciulli Vitaliano , D’Alessandro Raffaello , Dini Andrea , Frosin Catalin , Gigli Giovanni , Gonzi Sandro , Guideri Silvia , Lombardi Luca , Nocentini Massimiliano , Saracino Giulio , Casagli Nicola
Published: May 2023

Transmission-based muography (TM) is an innovative imaging technique based on the measurement and analysis of the cosmic ray muons flux attenuation within the target under investigation. This technique allows imaging inner-body density differences and has successfully been applied in a wide range of research fields: geology, archaeology, engineering geology and civil engineering. The aim of this study is to show the reliability of TM as an innovative, noninvasive geophysical method for ore body prospecting and other mining related studies. The measurements were carried out at the Temperino mine in the San Silvestro Archaeological and Mining Park (Campiglia Marittima, Italy), where several magmatic and metasomatic geological units are embodied. Among them, a Cu–Fe–Zn–Pb(–Ag) sulfide skarn complex primarily composed by hedenbergite and ilvaite minerals. Using the acquired muon imaging data obtained with the MIMA (Muon Imaging for Mining and Archaeology) detector prototype (cubic detector of 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 m3), the presence of a high-density vein inside the skarn body within the rock volume above the muon detector was identified, localized and interpreted. Applying a back-projection algorithm to the obtained 2D transmission map made it possible to estimate and visualize as point cloud data, in a 2D or 3D environment, the identified high-density body and its relative distance from the detector. The results of this study highlight the potential of muography as a support tool to other geophysical methods in the field of mining exploration.
Nonprofits for Cohesive Cities: Neighborhood Characteristics, Organizational Practices, and their Effects on Social and Systemic Integration
Authors: Karner Dominik , Meyer Michael , Schmidthuber Lisa , Semper Daniel , Laryea Krystal
Published: May 2023

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) contribute to vital neighborhoods by building communities of citizens and acting as intermediaries between citizens and organizations. We investigate how NPOs’ engagement in social and systemic integration is shaped by neighborhood characteristics, and how it relates to the organizational practices of managerialism and organizational democracy. We combine survey data with administrative data from a representative sample of NPOs in a major European city. To measure the effect of neighborhood on organizational integration, we separated the city into 7,840 grid cells characterized by population, per capita income, share of immigrant population, and density of organizations. Findings indicate that managerialism positively relates with systemic integration, as organizational democracy relates with social integration. Neighborhood characteristics, however, are not related with NPOs’ engagement in integration. Our findings contribute to research on urban social cohesion by illuminating the interplay between NPOs’ organizing practices, local neighborhoods, and contributions to both forms of integration.
Whole body MRI with Diffusion Weighted Imaging versus 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT in the staging of lymphomas
Authors: Maccioni Francesca , Alfieri Giulia , Assanto Giovanni Manfredi , Mattone Monica , Gentiloni Silveri Guido , Viola Federica , De Maio Alessandro , Frantellizzi Viviana , Di Rocco Alice , De Vincentis Giuseppe , Pulsoni Alessandro , Martelli Maurizio , Catalano Carlo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of Whole Body (WB)-MRI in comparison with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in lymphoma staging and to assess whether quantitative metabolic parameters from 18F-FDG-PET/CT and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values are related.

Materials and methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with a histologically proven primary nodal lymphoma to  undergo 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WB-MRI, both performed within 15 days one from the other, either before starting treatment (baseline) or during treatment (interim). Positive and negative predictive values of WB-MRI for the identification of nodal and extra-nodal disease were measured. The agreement between WB-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the identification of lesions and staging was assessed through Cohen's coefficient k and observed agreement. Quantitative parameters of nodal lesions derived from 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WB-MRI (ADC) were measured and the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between them. The specified level of significance was p ≤ 0.05.

Results

Among the 91 identified patients, 8 refused to participate and 22 met exclusion criteria, thus images from 61 patients (37 men, mean age 30.7 years) were evaluated. The agreement between 18F-FDG-PET/CT and WB-MRI for the identification of nodal and extra-nodal lesions was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.98) and 1.00 (95% CI NA), respectively; for staging it was 1.00 (95% CI NA). A strong negative correlation was found between ADCmean and SUVmean of nodal lesions in patients evaluated at baseline (Spearman coefficient rs = − 0.61, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

WB-MRI has a good diagnostic performance for staging of patients with lymphoma in comparison with 18F-FDG-PET/CT and is a promising technique for the quantitative assessment of disease burden in these patients.
Return to work improves quality of life and reduces psychosocial distress after radical cystectomy: data from a contemporary series of 230 German patients
Authors: Bahlburg Henning , Reike Moritz , Tully Karl , Bach Peter , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Roghmann Florian , Noldus Joachim , Müller Guido
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial distress, and return to work (RTW) 2 years after radical cystectomy (RC) and inpatient rehabilitation (IR).

Material and methods

The study relied on prospectively collected data for 842 patients, who underwent 3 weeks of IR after RC and creation of an ileal conduit (IC) or ileal neobladder (INB). Validated questionnaires surveyed patients on HRQoL and psychosocial distress (EORTC QLQ-C30, QSC-R10). Furthermore, employment status was evaluated. Regression was performed to identify predictors for HRQol, psychosocial distress, and RTW.

Results

Two-hundred and thirty patients were employed pre-surgery (77.8% INB, 22.2% IC). Patients with an IC suffered significantly more often from locally advanced disease (≥ pT3: 43.1% vs 22.9%; p = 0.004). Two years after surgery, 16.1% of patients had died (median days of survival 302 (IQR 204–482). Global HRQoL improved steadily, while high psychosocial distress was present in 46.5% of patients 2 years after surgery. Employment was reported by 68.2% of patients, of which 90.3% worked full-time. Retirement was reported by 18.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age ≤ 59 years as the only positive predictor for RTW 2 years after surgery (OR 7.730; 95% CI 3.369–17.736; p < 0.001). Gender, surgical technique, tumor stage, and socioeconomic status did not influence RTW in this model. In multivariate linear regression analysis, RTW was identified as an independent predictor of better global HRQoL (p = 0.018) and lower psychosocial distress (p < 0.001), whereas younger patient age was identified as an independent predictor for higher psychosocial distress (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Global HRQoL and RTW are high among patients two years after RC. However, role and emotional, cognitive, and social functioning were significantly impaired, while high psychosocial distress persists in a material number of patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Our study highlights how a successful RTW decreases psychosocial distress and increases QoL in patients after RC for urothelial cancer. Nonetheless, additional efforts by employers and healthcare providers are needed in aftercare after creation of an INB or IC.
Data-driven approaches in predicting scour depths at a vertical seawall on a permeable shingle foreshore
Authors: Salauddin M. , Shaffrey D. , Habib M. A.
Published: May 2023

Despite recent research efforts in advancing machine learning (ML) tools to predict nearshore characteristics at sea defences, less attention has been paid to ML algorithms in predicting scouring characteristics at vertical seawalls. In this study, four ML approaches were investigated, including gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and ridge regression (RR). These approaches were utilised to predict scour depths at the toe of an impermeable vertical seawall in front of a permeable shingle slope. The developed ML algorithms were trained and tested (70% for training and 30% for testing) using the scouring datasets collected from laboratory tests performed on seawalls in a 2D wave flume at the University of Warwick. A novel hyperparameter tuning analysis was performed for each ML model to tailor the underlying dataset features while mitigating associated data overfitting risks. Additionally, the model training process demonstrated permutation feature importance analysis to reduce overfitting and data redundancy. The model predictions were compared with the observed values using the coefficient of determination (R2) score, root mean square error (RMSE), and Pearson correlation R-value. Consequently, the RF and GBDT methods accurately predicted scour depths at the toe of vertical seawalls with shingle foreshores. This study produced data, information, and a model that could directly or indirectly benefit coastal managers, engineers, and local policymakers. These benefits included forecasting scour depths and assessing the impact on the structural integrity of the sea defences in response to the threat imposed by extreme events, which are essential for the sustainable management of coastal protections and properties behind such structures in coastal areas.
Early Stage and Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treatment from Present to Future: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Juarez-Vignon Whaley Juan Jose , Afkhami Michelle , Sampath Sagus , Amini Arya , Bell Diana , Villaflor Victoria M.
Published: May 2023

Opinion statement

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy, endemic in China, that is commonly diagnosed in locally advanced scenarios. Its pathogenesis is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an infection for which measuring EBV plasma DNA levels has helped as a prognostic factor guiding treatment options, including a stronger treatment in those with high titers. Additionally, tobacco and alcohol are often implicated in EBV-negative patients. The local disease is treated with radiotherapy alone, preferentially intensity modulated radiotherapy. For locally advanced disease, the backbone treatment is concurrent chemoradiotherapy with the ongoing research dilemma being adding adjuvant chemotherapy or induction chemotherapy. The ongoing research is focused not only on identifying patients that will benefit from adjuvant or induction chemotherapy, but also on identifying the best chemotherapeutic regimen, regimen alternatives to diminish toxicity, the role that immune checkpoint inhibitors play, and the use of molecularly guided treatment targeting patients with NPC whether driven by EBV or tobacco and alcohol. Knowing the precise oncogenesis of NPC not only offers a better understanding of the role that EBV plays in this tumor but also helps create targeted therapies that could potentially block important pathways such as the NF-κB pathway. Much is yet to be done, but the prognosis and management of NPC patients have changed drastically, offering precise treatment methods and excellent control of the disease, even in locally advanced scenarios.
Energy poverty and the convergence hypothesis across EU member states
Authors: Anastasiou Athanasios , Zaroutieri Eftychia
Published: May 2023

Energy poverty is an emerging issue towards global affairs. Currently, the development of energy-related policies is becoming essential, with regard to new societies, social inclusion and social rights. In this paper, we examine the dynamic patterns of energy poverty among 27 EU member states between 2005 and 2020. We use the log-t regression test to investigate the convergence hypothesis, and the P&S data-driven algorithm to detect potential convergence clubs. The empirical results of energy poverty indicators are mixed, and the convergence hypothesis of the states is rejected. Instead, convergence clubs are exhibited, implying that groups of countries converge to different steady states in the long run. In view of the convergence clubs, we suggest that the affordability of heating services is potentially explained by structural conditions of housing, climate conditions and energy costs. Besides, the adverse financial and social conditions for the European households have significantly triggered the arrears on utility bills. Moreover, a significant proportion of households do not have basic sanitation services.
Quasicrystals: fragments of history and future outlooks
Authors: Bindi Luca , Parisi Giorgio
Published: May 2023

With this article, we briefly retrace the history of quasicrystals and introduce the Topical collection on “Quasicrystals: State of the art and outlooks”, consisting of a number of review articles published in the frame of a conference held at the Accademia dei Lincei in November 2022.