bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A shell element for design‐oriented elasto‐plastic analysis of reinforced concrete wall structures using convex optimization
Authors: Vestergaard Daniel , Poulsen Peter Noe , Hoang Linh Cao , Larsen Kasper Paaske , Feddersen Bent
Published: August 2022

The iterative nature of the design processes for building structures requires computational models to be robust, efficient, and accessible while reflecting the actual structural behavior with sufficient accuracy. For limit state analysis of reinforced concrete structures, efficient linear‐elastic models are generally inaccurate, while the modeling and computational complexity of most high‐accuracy nonlinear models inhibit their use in design processes for large‐scale structures. A recently proposed framework for elasto‐plastic analysis of cracked reinforced concrete panels was demonstrated to be capable of analyzing models with more than 10,000 finite elements within minutes on a standard personal computer. This paper proposes an extension of this work in terms of a finite shell element for elasto‐plastic analysis of fully cracked reinforced concrete wall structures subjected to monotonic loading. Using nonlinear‐elastic constitutive models to imitate elasto‐plasticity, the proposed shell element couples the in‐plane section force variation to the nonlinear through‐thickness stress variation in a stress‐based formulation using a layer‐based submodel. The method is validated with exact solutions, and its applicability in design processes involving large‐scale structures is demonstrated using a finite element model of a four‐story stairwell with more than three million variables, which is solved within minutes on a personal computer.
Review of the research on hydropolitics in Cambodia
Authors: Chu Ta‐Wei
Published: August 2022

Research on hydropolitics in Cambodia emerged in the early 2000s. Since then, scholars in the field have diversified their analytical approaches and broadened the scope of the issues being examined. However, no systematic review of this body of research has been published until now. Correspondingly and quite simply, the objective of this paper is to review the research on hydropolitics in Cambodia. Through the lens of human security, I argue that the research has relied on a human‐centered analytical approach and has, thus, acquired three central characteristics: (1) the human‐centered analytical approach gives the research a stronger connection to the reality on the ground than is the case with research rooted in the conventional security approach, which adheres to the Westphalian practice of statism and a militaristic focus; (2) the research has generated some valuable findings (e.g., dam‐affected villagers can be their own security contributors; not all environmental nongovernmental organizations are anti‐dam); and (3) the research has generally overlooked the Cambodian People's Party government's alternately pro‐dam and anti‐dam stances.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Rights to Water
Policy options to reduce patient visits in specialized service centers: A case study in speciality and subspeciality clinics in Iran
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Doshmangir Parinaz , Beyrami Hossein Jabbari , Alizadeh Gisoo , Gordeev Vladimir Sergeevich
Published: August 2022

Hospital congestion, delayed discharge, and bypassing primary care facilities are challenges facing the Iranian health‐care sector. We conducted a case study at the Sheikh al‐Rais Specialty Clinic, Tabriz, Iran, to find plausible, practical policy options for designing and implementing a referral system to reduce and regulate referral volumes to this clinic. We first reviewed the evidence on existing options of hospital congestion and unnecessary referral reduction by conducting a scoping literature review and then supplemented the findings with 18 semistructured interviews. We examined the perspectives of service users and experts in the field. Six practical policy options were identified: institutionalization of the referral system and family physician program, reinforcing gatekeeping system, use of telemedicine, utilization of educational algorithms, implementation of electronic health records, and establishing specialized clinics in different city areas. Local context adaptation, ensuring the availability of resources, political support, and feasibility are critical factors for successful policy implementation.
Unexpected C−F activation during redox transmetallation with silverN,N′‐bis(2,6‐difluorophenyl)formamidinate
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: August 2022

The trivalent lanthanoid formamidinates, [Yb2(DFForm)4F2(py)2] ⋅ CH3CN (1) (DFForm=N,N′‐bis(2,6‐difluorophenyl)formamidinate), and [La6(DFForm)8F8O(CH3CN)2] ⋅ 6CH3CN (2) have been prepared from redox transmetallation (RT) reactions employing lanthanoid metals and silver formamidinate (AgDFForm) in CH3CN. C−F activation was observed in both reactions. The structure of1is a fluorine bridged dimer with two seven‐coordinate ytterbium metal ions. Surprisingly the lanthanum complex is a trivalent cage with an unexpected central oxygen atom. [La6(DFForm)8F8O(CH3CN)2] ⋅ 6CH3CN (2) formed a 15 membered ring cage of six La atoms, eight F and one O at the centre. There are three different La3+ions in2with two different coordination numbers. All the La atoms are coordinated by four bridging fluorides and the central oxygen.
Correction to: A New Conversion Method to Evaluate the Hazard Potential of Collaborative Robots in Free Collisions
Authors: Herbster Sebastian , Behrens Roland , Elkmann Norbert
Published: August 2022

The original version of the chapter “A New Conversion Method to Evaluate the Hazard Potential of Collaborative Robots in Free Collisions” was previously published as non-open access. This has now been changed to the copyright holder “The Author(s)” and Open Access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The chapter and the book have been updated with the change.
Scattered Data Approximation by LR B-Spline Surfaces: A Study on Refinement Strategies for Efficient Approximation
Authors: Skytt Vibeke , Dokken Tor
Published: August 2022

Locally refined B-spline (LRB) surfaces provide a representation that is well suited to scattered data approximation. When a data set has local details in some areas and is largely smooth elsewhere, LR B-splines allow the spatial distribution of degrees of freedom to follow the variations of the data set. An LRB surface approximating a data set is refined in areas where the accuracy does not meet a required tolerance. In this paper we address, in a systematic study, different LRB refinement strategies and polynomial degrees for surface approximation. We study their influence on the resulting data volume and accuracy when applied to geospatial data sets with different structural behaviour. The relative performance of the refinement strategies is reasonably coherent for the different data sets and this paper concludes with some recommendations. An overall evaluation indicates that bi-quadratic LRB are preferable for the use cases tested, and that the strategies we denote as “full span" have the overall best performance.
Mappings, Models, Abstraction, and Imaging: Mathematical Contributions to Modern Thinking Circa 1900
Authors: Ferreirós José
Published: August 2022

1921, Vienna and Leipzig: the journal Annalen der Naturphilosophie, edited by chemist Wilhelm Ostwald, publishes a hard-to-classify paper, an essay written in aphorisms about knowledge and its limits, about the world and “what cannot be spoken of,” polished during the Great War by Ludwig Wittgenstein. In this terse and difficult writing, barely 78 pages, one finds an attempt to definitively clarify main philosophical questions. At the core of this reflection is logic and its link with the world, a topic articulated around the notions of Bild, image or figure, and Abbildung, figuration or representation, mapping. Wittgenstein’s entire attempt is unequivocally modernist in spirit, an exemplary specimen of a cultural shift intensified by the horrendous war. In those years one started to talk about structures in different fields, not least within mathematics, and the new architectonic efforts look for purity of lines, a purist functionalism linked (surprisingly or not) to an intense search for transcendence. This can be applied, e.g., to Wassily Kandinsky’s canvases or the scores of Anton Webern but applies in no lesser degree to the beautiful “Tractatus logico-philosophicus.”
Thinking with Notations: Epistemic Actions and Epistemic Activities in Mathematical Practice
Authors: Gelfert Axel
Published: August 2022

In a text that has become an instant favorite among physicists and mathematicians alike, Eugene P. Wigner expressed his sense of wonder at “the enormous usefulness of mathematics in the natural sciences,” which he likened to “something bordering on the mysterious.”
Matrices—Compensating the Loss of Anschauung
Authors: Gramelsberger Gabriele
Published: August 2022

In the nineteenth century, critical comments against the eighteenth century Kantian turn to Anschauung in mathematical science emerged. Immanuel Kant’s concept of intuition (Anschauung) guaranteed mathematics’ ontological relevance when referring to the world. This was particularly the case as the basis for the experimental science ex datis of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton.
Knowing by Drawing: Geometric Material Models in Nineteenth Century France
Authors: Brechenmacher Frédéric
Published: August 2022

The university collections of mathematical models have aroused a growing interest since the turn of the 21th century.
Wilhelm Fiedler and His Models—The Polytechnic Side
Authors: Volkert Klaus
Published: August 2022

In this article I will present some information on the history of mathematical models.
Modeling Parallel Transport
Authors: Sauer Tilman
Published: August 2022

In 1918, the Dutch geometer Jan Arnoldus Schouten used plaster models of standard curved surfaces to illustrate a novel geometric concept of the geodesic transport of reference frames in curved spaces. This paper discusses Schouten’s use of material modeling in the context of an emerging abstract geometric concept of parallel transport.
The Great Yogurt Project: Models and Symmetry Principles in Early Particle Physics
Authors: Borrelli Arianna
Published: August 2022

According to the received view of the development of particle physics, mathematics, and more specifically group theory, provided the key which, between the late 1950s and the early 1960s, allowed scientists to achieve both a deeper physical understanding and an empirically successful modeling of particle phenomena. Indeed, a posteriori it has even been suggested that just by looking at diagrams of observed particle properties (see Fig. 1) one could have recognized in them the structures of specific groups (see Fig. 2). However, a closer look at theoretical practices of the 1950s and early 1960s reveals a tension between the employment of advanced mathematical tools and the “modeling” of observation, if the term “model” is understood as a construction allowing for the fitting and predicting of phenomena. As we shall see, the most empirically successful schemes, such as the “Gell-Mann and Nishijima model” or the “eightfold way”, were mathematically very simple, made no use of group-theoretical notions and for quite a time resisted all attempts to transform them into more refined mathematical constructs. Indeed, the theorists who proposed them had little or no interest in abstract approaches to mathematical practice. On the other hand, there were a number of particle theorists who did care about and employ group-theoretical notions, yet not primarily as tools to fit phenomena, but rather as a guide to uncover the fundamental principles of particle interactions. Moreover, these theorists did not regard all groups as epistemically equivalent, and instead clearly preferred those transformations related to space-time invariances over all others. These authors also often made a distinction between purely descriptive “models” and the “theories” they were (unsuccessfully) trying to build and which in their opinion would provide a deeper understanding of nature. Nonetheless, they expected their “theories”, too, to be empirically successful in describing observation, and thus to also function as “models”. In this sense, like their less mathematically-inclined colleagues, they also saw no clear-cut distinction between “modeling” and “theorizing” particle phenomena. In my paper I will discuss the development of these theoretical practices between the 1950s and the early 1960s as examples of the complex relationship between mathematics and the conceptualization of physical phenomena, arguing that, at least in this case, no general statements are possible on the relationship of mathematics and models. At that time, very different mathematical practices coexisted and the epistemic attitudes of physicists towards theoretical constructs could depend both on the assumptions and goals of the individual authors and on the specific mathematical methods and concepts linked to the constructs.
GWAS to Identify SNPs Associated with Common Diseases and Individual Risk: Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to Identify SNPs Associated with Common Diseases and Individual Risk
Authors: Hettiarachchi Gaya , Komar Anton A.
Published: August 2022

Association studies have enabled the exploration of alternative, more efficient methods for early detection, prevention and treatment of diseases by providing valuable insight into their genetic foundation. Genome wide association studies (GWASs) have been particularly informative with respect to complex diseases whose manifestation depends on a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. In these studies, common Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are used to locate and identify regions of the genome that may be causative of common complex diseases. These studies have uncovered a number of loci of interest for several diseases and have also allowed for the development of genetic counseling with improved individual disease risk assessment. With the more accurate prediction of the probability of disease development, progression and treatment success, GWASs have also brought about the age of personalized medicine. Despite these promising outcomes, skepticism concerning the power of these studies and their impact on patient care exists. This uncertainty stems from the many inherent limitations of this relatively young technique. This chapter explores the underlying concepts of GWASs, their contributions to research, clinical and commercial development, and their limitations with the hopes of providing a better understanding of the impact of these SNP-based association studies can have on public health.
Hidden symmetries and large N factorisation for permutation invariant matrix observables
Authors: Barnes George , Padellaro Adrian , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Permutation invariant polynomial functions of matrices have previously been studied as the observables in matrix models invariant under SN, the symmetric group of all permutations of N objects. In this paper, the permutation invariant matrix observables (PIMOs) of degree k are shown to be in one-to-one correspondence with equivalence classes of elements in the diagrammatic partition algebra Pk (N). On a 4-dimensional subspace of the 13-parameter space of SN invariant Gaussian models, there is an enhanced O(N) symmetry. At a special point in this subspace, is the simplest O(N) invariant action. This is used to define an inner product on the PIMOs which is expressible as a trace of a product of elements in the partition algebra. The diagram algebra Pk (N) is used to prove the large N factorisation property for this inner product, which generalizes a familiar large N factorisation for inner products of matrix traces invariant under continuous symmetries.
Infinite families of manifolds of positive $$k\mathrm{th}$$-intermediate Ricci curvature with k small
Authors: Domínguez-Vázquez Miguel , González-Álvaro David , Mouillé Lawrence
Published: August 2022

Positive $$k\mathrm{th}$$

k
th

-intermediate Ricci curvature on a Riemannian n-manifold, to be denoted by $${{\,\mathrm{Ric}\,}}_k>0$$

Ric

k

>
0

, is a condition that interpolates between positive sectional and positive Ricci curvature (when $$k =1$$

k
=
1

and $$k=n-1$$

k
=
n
-
1

respectively). In this work, we produce many examples of manifolds of $${{\,\mathrm{Ric}\,}}_k>0$$

Ric

k

>
0

with k small by examining symmetric and normal homogeneous spaces, along with certain metric deformations of fat homogeneous bundles. As a consequence, we show that every dimension $$n\ge 7$$

n
≥
7

congruent to $$3\,{{\,\mathrm{mod}\,}}4$$

3

mod

4

supports infinitely many closed simply connected manifolds of pairwise distinct homotopy type, all of which admit homogeneous metrics of $${{\,\mathrm{Ric}\,}}_k>0$$

Ric

k

>
0

for some $$k<n/2$$

k
<
n
/
2

. We also prove that each dimension $$n\ge 4$$

n
≥
4

congruent to 0 or $$1\,{{\,\mathrm{mod}\,}}4$$

1

mod

4

supports closed manifolds which carry metrics of $${{\,\mathrm{Ric}\,}}_k>0$$

Ric

k

>
0

with $$k\le n/2$$

k
≤
n
/
2

, but do not admit metrics of positive sectional curvature.
A delay induced nonlocal free boundary problem
Authors: Du Yihong , Fang Jian , Sun Ningkui
Published: August 2022

We study the dynamics of a population with an age structure whose population range expands with time, where the adult population is assumed to satisfy a reaction–diffusion equation over a changing interval determined by a Stefan type free boundary condition, while the juvenile population satisfies a reaction–diffusion equation whose evolving domain is determined by the adult population. The interactions between the adult and juvenile populations involve a fixed time-delay, which renders the model nonlocal in nature. After establishing the well-posedness of the model, we obtain a rather complete description of its long-time dynamical behaviour, which is shown to follow a spreading–vanishing dichotomy. When spreading persists, we show that the population range expands with an asymptotic speed, which is uniquely determined by an associated nonlocal elliptic problem over the half line. We hope this work will inspire further research on age-structured population models with an evolving population range.
Facultative and persistent offspring sex-ratio bias in relation to the social environment in cooperatively breeding red-winged fairy-wrens (Malurus elegans)
Authors: Pot Morrison T. , Brouwer Lyanne
Published: August 2022

Females should facultatively bias offspring sex ratio when fitness returns vary among sexes. In cooperative breeders, where individuals help raise others’ young, overproducing the philopatric sex will be adaptive when helpers are absent, whereas overproducing the dispersive sex may be adaptive to reduce intrasexual competition. Thus, fitness returns are expected to vary with the social environment. However, any offspring sex-ratio biases may also result from consistent among-female differences (e.g. quality) and/or environmental variables (e.g. food availability). Yet, few studies have disentangled facultative from persistent biases. We investigated offspring sex-ratio biases in relation to the social environment in cooperatively breeding red-winged fairy-wrens (Malurus elegans). Repeated observations of the same females over nine years allowed for disentanglement of facultative from persistent biases. Females without help did not overproduce daughters, despite female helpers being associated with higher fledgling survival (resource enhancement hypothesis). Instead, females without helpers facultatively overproduced sons —the slower dispersing sex— thereby ensuring long-term helper availability. Furthermore, offspring sex ratio was not biased towards the rarer sex of helpers present in the group or population (resource competition hypothesis). However, females with sex-biased helping produced similarly skewed offspring sex ratios. This among-female association may not be surprising, because helpers are previous seasons’ offspring. Thus, in addition to facultative responses to prevailing social conditions, we found evidence for persistent biases among females. This could potentially explain previous evidence for resource competition/enhancement that have typically been interpreted as facultative responses, highlighting the need for a within-female approach to better understand the adaptiveness of sex-ratio biases.

Significance statement

Under certain conditions, females may benefit from producing a biased offspring sex ratio, but evidence for such effects in vertebrates is weak and inconsistent. Here, using observations of the same females under different social conditions, we show that cooperatively breeding red-winged fairy-wrens facultatively biased offspring sex ratio towards sons when living in pairs, thereby ensuring the availability of a workforce to assist in raising future offspring. However, biased offspring sex ratio patterns may also be the result of consistent differences among females. Indeed, we also found evidence for such patterns and suggest that this could be an explanation for previous findings which are often interpreted as facultative responses.
Preoperative Risk Score for Early Mortality After Up‐Front Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Bereza‐Carlson Paulina , Nilsson Johan , Andersson Bodil
Published: August 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly fatal malignancy. The aim was to identify preoperative factors for early mortality in up‐front resectable patients following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and develop an early mortality risk score.

Methods

Patients registered in the Swedish National Registry for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer were included. Relevant preoperative factors (n = 21) were investigated. Early mortality was defined as death within 12 months after surgery. Based on the identified risk factor odds ratios (ORs), the Score Predicting Early Mortality (SPEM) was developed.

Results

In total, 2183 PDs were performed, and 926 patients met the study criteria. The mean age was 68 (SD ± 8.8) years, and 48% were female. A total of 233 (24%) patients died within 12 months. In the multivariable analyses, age > 75 years (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p = 0.008), CRP ≥ 15 mg/L (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.3–3.1; p = 0.001), CA 19‐9 > 500 U/mL (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0–3.2; p = 0.040), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00–2.1; p = 0.042), and active smoking (OR 1.47; 95%CI 1.00–2.00; p = 0.050) were found to be independent risk factors for early mortality.

Conclusion

Five independent preoperative risk factors for early mortality following PD were identified and together formed SPEM. The score might be a useful tool in establishing individualized treatment plans.
New-onset dermatomyositis following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination: a case-based review
Authors: Holzer Marie-Therese , Krusche Martin , Ruffer Nikolas , Haberstock Heinrich , Stephan Marlene , Huber Tobias B. , Kötter Ina
Published: August 2022

Dermatomyositis is a rare, type I interferon-driven autoimmune disease, which can affect muscle, skin and internal organs (especially the pulmonary system). In 2021, we have noted an increase in new-onset dermatomyositis compared to the years before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in our center. We present four cases of new-onset NXP2 and/or MDA5 positive dermatomyositis shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Three cases occurred within days after vaccination with Comirnaty and one case after SARS-CoV-2 infection. All patients required intensive immunosuppressive treatment. MDA5 antibodies could be detected in three patients and NXP2 antibodies were found in two patients (one patient was positive for both antibodies). In this case-based systematic review, we further analyze and discuss the literature on SARS-CoV-2 and associated dermatomyositis. In the literature, sixteen reports (with a total of seventeen patients) of new-onset dermatomyositis in association with a SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination were identified. Ten cases occurred after infection and seven after vaccination. All vaccination-associated cases were seen in mRNA vaccines. The reported antibodies included for instance MDA5, NXP2, Mi-2 and TIF1γ. The reviewed literature and our cases suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may be considered as a potential trigger of interferon-pathway. Consequently, this might serve as a stimulus for the production of dermatomyositis-specific autoantibodies like MDA5 and NXP2 which are closely related to viral defense or viral RNA interaction supporting the concept of infection and vaccination associated dermatomyositis.
Validating the screening criteria for bone metastases in treatment-naïve unfavorable intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer - the prevalence and location of bone- and lymph node metastases
Authors: Rud Erik , Noor Daniyal , Galtung Kristina Flor , Ottosson Fredrik , Jacewicz Maciej , Baco Eduard , Lauritzen Peter Mæhre
Published: August 2022

Objective

The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends a bone scan for newly diagnosed unfavorable intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. We aimed to validate the screening criteria for bone metastases in patients with treatment-naïve prostate cancer.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included all patients with treatment-naïve unfavorable intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer. All underwent MRI of the lumbar column (T2Dixon) and pelvis (3DT2w, DWI, and T2 Dixon). The presence and location of lymph node and bone metastases were registered according to risk groups and radiological (rad) T-stage. The risk of lymph node metastases was assessed by odds ratio (OR).

Results

We included 390 patients, of which 68% were high-risk and 32% were unfavorable intermediate-risk. In the high-risk group, the rate of regional- and non-regional lymph node metastases was 11% and 6%, respectively, and the rate of bone metastases was 10%. In the unfavorable intermediate-risk group, the rate of regional- and non-regional lymph node metastases was 4% and 0.8%, respectively, and the rate of bone metastases was 0.8%. Metastases occurred exclusively in the lumbar column in 0.5% of all patients, in the pelvis in 4%, and the pelvis and lumbar column in 3%. All patients with bone metastases had radT3-4, and patients with radT3-4 showed a four-fold increased risk of lymph node metastases (OR 4.48, 95% CI: 2.1–9.5).

Conclusion

Bone metastases were found in 10% with high-risk prostate cancer and 0.8% with unfavorable intermediate-risk. Therefore, we question the recommendation to screen the unfavorable intermediate-risk group for bone metastases.

Key Points

• The rate of bone metastases was 10% in high-risk patients and 0.8% in the unfavorable intermediate-risk group.

• The rate of lymph-node metastases was 17% in high-risk patients and 5% in the unfavorable intermediate-risk group.

• No bone metastases were seen in radiologically localized disease.
On the closure of Collar’s triangle by optical diagnostics
Authors: Saiz Gabriel González , Sciacchitano Andrea , Scarano Fulvio
Published: August 2022

An experimental methodology is proposed to study aeroelastic systems with optical diagnostics. The approach locally evaluates the three physical mechanisms that produce the forces involved in Collar’s triangle, namely aerodynamic, elastic, and inertial forces. Flow and object surface tracers are tracked by a volumetric particle image velocimetry (PIV) system based on four high-speed cameras and LED illumination. The images are analysed with Lagrangian particle tracking techniques, and the flow tracers and surface markers are separated based on the different properties of their images. The inertial and elastic forces are obtained solely analysing the motion and the deformation of the solid object, whereas the aerodynamic force distribution is obtained with pressure from PIV techniques. Experiments are conducted on a benchmark problem of fluid–structure interaction, featuring a flexible panel installed at the trailing edge of a cylinder. Data are collected in the resonant regime, where the panel exhibits a two-dimensional motion. The estimation of inertial and elastic forces is obtained enforcing a high-order polynomial fit to the surface motion and deformation. The aerodynamic loads on the panel are challenged by the need to devise adaptive boundary conditions complying with the panel motion. The closure of Collar’s triangle yields overall residuals of about one-half of the inertial force taken as reference. The simultaneous measurement of the three forces paves the way to assessing the equilibrium of forces closing the Collar’s triangle. The latter can be intended for uncertainty evaluation or, when only two forces are measured, for estimation of the remaining Collar element.

Graphical Abstract
Systemic inflammatory biomarkers as predictive and prognostic factors in men with metastatic castration-refractory prostate cancer treated with docetaxel therapy: a comprehensive analysis in a German real-world cohort
Authors: Neuberger Manuel , Goly Nora , Skladny Janina , Milczynski Veronica , Weiß Christel , Wessels Frederik , Nitschke Katja , Grüne Britta , Haney Caelán M. , Hartung Friedrich , Herrmann Jonas , Jarczyk Jonas , Kowalewski Karl F. , Waldbillig Frank , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Westhoff Niklas , Worst Thomas S. , Nuhn Philipp
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Advances in therapy of metastatic castration-refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC) resulted in more therapeutic options and led to a higher need of predictive/prognostic biomarkers. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers could provide the basis for personalized treatment selection. This study aimed to assess the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), the neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in men with mCRPC under docetaxel.

Methods

Patients with mCRPC and taxane chemotherapy at a tertiary care centre between 2010 and 2019 were screened retrospectively. The biomarkers mGPS, NLR, PLR and SII were assessed and analyzed for biochemical/radiologic response and survival.

Results

We included 118 patients. Of these, 73 (61.9%) had received docetaxel as first-line, 31 (26.2%) as second-line and 14 (11.9%) as third-line treatment. For biochemical response, mGPS (odds ratio (OR) 0.54, p = 0.04) and PLR (OR 0.63, p = 0.04) were independent predictors in multivariable analysis. SII was significant in first-line cohort only (OR 0.29, p = 0.02). No inflammatory marker was predictive for radiologic response. In multivariable analysis, mGPS and NLR (hazard ratio (HR) 1.71 and 1.12, both p < 0.01) showed significant association with OS in total cohort and mGPS in the first-line cohort (HR 2.23, p < 0.01). Haemoglobin (Hb) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) showed several significant associations regarding 1 year, 3 year, OS and biochemical/radiologic response.

Conclusions

Pre-treatment mGPS seems a promising prognostic biomarker. A combination of mGPS, NLR and further routine markers (e.g., Hb and AP) could yield optimized stratification for treatment selection. Further prospective and multicentric assessment is needed.
Qualitative robustness of utility-based risk measures
Authors: Koch-Medina Pablo , Munari Cosimo
Published: August 2022

We contribute to the literature on statistical robustness of risk measures by computing the index of qualitative robustness for risk measures based on utility functions. This problem is intimately related to finding the natural domain of finiteness and continuity of such risk measures.
Diagnostic value of regional myocardial flow reserve measurements using Rubidium-82 PET
Authors: Koenders Sabine S. , van Dalen Jorn A. , Jager Pieter L. , Mouden Mohamed , Slump Cornelis H. , van Dijk Joris D.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Visual assessment of Rubidium (Rb-82) PET myocardial perfusion images is usually combined with global myocardial flow reserve (MFR) measurements. However, small regional blood flow deficits may go unnoticed. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic value of regional with global MFR in the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (oCAD).

Methods

We retrospectively included 1519 patients referred for rest and regadenoson-induced stress Rb-82 PET/CT without prior history of oCAD. MFR was determined globally, per vessel territory and per myocardial segment and compared using receiver-operating characteristic analysis. Vessel MFR was defined as the lowest MFR of the coronary territories and segmental MFR as the lowest MFR of the 17-segments. The primary endpoint was oCAD on invasive coronary angiography.

Results

The 148 patients classified as having oCAD had a lower global MFR (median 1.9, interquartile range [1.5–2.4] vs. 2.4 [2.0–2.9]), lower vessel MFR (1.6 [1.2–2.1] vs. 2.2 [1.9–2.6]) and lower segmental MFR (1.3 [ 0.9–1.6] vs. 1.8 [1.5–2.2]) as compared to the non-oCAD patients (p < 0.001). The area under the curve for segmental MFR (0.81) was larger (p ≤ 0.005) than of global MFR (0.74) and vessel MFR (0.78).

Conclusions

The use of regional MFR instead of global MFR is recommended as it improves the diagnostic value of Rb-82 PET in the detection of oCAD.
New application to remediate drinkable groundwater from excess of hardness ions by using sodalite bearing modified illite
Authors: Mohamed Atef Mohamed Gad , Ali Al-Shimaa Roshdy Mohamed , Farrag Abd El Hay Ali , Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Calcium Hardness (Ca. H) and total Hardness ions in drinkable groundwater cause great problems for the entire world especially, the population communities which are located far from surface water sources. The present study investigates the use of Sodalite Bearing Modified Illite (SBMI) as a sustainable and new technique to eliminate these ions from drinkable groundwater to compatible with the instruction of the World Health Organization. The methodology was achieved by using a new method to remove these ions’ excess calcium Hardness and total Hardness depending on two main processes; the adsorption as a first step and the coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation process as a second step. The results of this study were achieved through conducting three tasks; (1) Chemical analysis surveys for all the groundwater wells, to determine the areas which are more affected by these salts, and plot them on the location maps. (2) Conducting the alkaline modification of the Illite ore to obtain the (SBMI) which has a high surface area and high adsorption ability, and it had been characterized by using XRD, XRF, SEM, and FTIR techniques. (3) The experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the modified Illite on raw groundwater containing a high concentration of hardness ions, through the batch studies to determine the factors which affected its ability for removing these ions from groundwater. The present study illustrated that the removing efficiency for both total hardness (Ca. H + Mg. H) and calcium hardness (Ca. H) reached about 98%. Finally, the present study recommended using this technique, when there is a requirement for large quantities of treated water at a low cost.
Humans, Neanderthals, robots and rights
Authors: Mamak Kamil
Published: August 2022

Robots are becoming more visible parts of our life, a situation which prompts questions about their place in our society. One group of issues that is widely discussed is connected with robots’ moral and legal status as well as their potential rights. The question of granting robots rights is polarizing. Some positions accept the possibility of granting them human rights whereas others reject the notion that robots can be considered potential rights holders. In this paper, I claim that robots will never have all human rights, even if we accept that they are morally equal to humans. I focus on the role of embodiment in the content of the law. I claim that even relatively small differences in the ontologies of entities could lead to the need to create new sets of rights. I use the example of Neanderthals to illustrate that entities similar to us might have required different legal statuses. Then, I discuss the potential legal status of human-like robots.
Willingness to compete, gender and career choices along the whole ability distribution
Authors: Buser Thomas , Peter Noemi , Wolter Stefan C.
Published: August 2022

We expand the scope of the literature on willingness to compete by asking how it varies with academic ability and whether and how it predicts career choices at different ability levels. The literature so far has mainly focused on career choices made by students at the top of the ability distribution, particularly in academic institutions. We experimentally elicit the willingness to compete of 1500 Swiss lower-secondary school students at all ability levels and link it to the study choice that students make upon finishing compulsory school. Our analysis of the relationship between willingness to compete and the study choice considers the full set of study options, including the options in vocational education. We find that willingness to compete predicts which study option high-ability students choose, not only among academic specializations but also among vocational careers, and, importantly, it also predicts whether low-ability boys pursue upper-secondary education upon finishing compulsory schooling. Our second main contribution is to systematically explore how willingness to compete varies with academic ability. We find that high-ability boys, but not girls, are substantially more willing to compete compared to all other children. As a consequence, the gender gap in willingness to compete is significantly lower among low-ability students than among high-ability students. Overall, our study highlights that insights from the literature on willingness to compete are relevant for a broader set of policy questions, populations and choices.
Teachers’ cognitive beliefs about their assessment and use of tools when evaluating students’ learning of technological systems: a questionnaire study
Authors: Schooner Patrick , Höst Gunnar , Klasander Claes , Hallström Jonas
Published: August 2022

In technology education, assessment is challenging and underdeveloped as it is a nascent practice and teachers do not have a well-defined subject tradition to lean on when assessing students. The aim of this study is to explore Swedish secondary technology teachers’ cognitive beliefs about assessing students’ learning of technological systems, in relation to the assessment tools they use. Data for the study were collected through a questionnaire which was completed by 511 Swedish technology teachers in lower secondary education (grades 7–9). The data were analysed statistically in three main steps. Exploratory factor analysis revealed underlying dimensions in teachers’ cognitive beliefs, which was followed by correlation analysis to discern associations between dimensions of cognitive beliefs. Finally, comparisons were made between groups of teachers to discern how teachers’ cognitive beliefs are influenced by their experience and educational background. The results show that additional education in the technology and engineering fields relates to more positive cognitive beliefs concerning teachers’ ability to assess students’ learning of technological systems. Teachers’ cognitive beliefs about assessment therefore did not primarily relate to the content of technological systems per se but to increased engineering and technology competence more broadly, which may indicate the importance of a comprehensive technological knowledge base in order to be confident in assessment. Furthermore, strong cognitive beliefs about assessment were connected specifically to local, regional and national technological systems, which are generally well-known and visible types of systems, and to the human, socio-technical dimensions of the systems. Cognitive beliefs about knowledge for assessment were also associated with positive attitudes to assessment tools that followed the formative tradition, which may be explained by the prevalence of procedural epistemic practices and modelling in the design and understanding of technological systems. Technology teachers would need additional in-service courses in engineering to broaden their knowledge and increase their cognitive beliefs about assessment. Formative assessment should also be preferred, and it might be appropriate to begin teaching and assessment with well-known local and regional infrastructural systems with a clear socio-technical dimension.
A systematic literature review of empirical research on technology education in early childhood education
Authors: Eliasson Sara , Peterson Louise , Lantz-Andersson Annika
Published: August 2022

Technology education in early childhood education (ECE) has only recently been established internationally as a curriculum content area. The interdisciplinary character of technology education and its status as a field under development occasion a need to distinguish and define technology in the merging of disciplines. This literature review presents an overview of technology education in ECE in recent empirical studies. The literature review was carried out systematically, resulting in 23 studies that were scrutinised to present an overall picture regarding study design, findings and how technology is characterised. The analysis of the nature of technology in the reviewed studies builds on DiGironimo’s (Int J Sci Education, 33(10):1337–1352. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2010.495400, 2011) conceptual framework, representing five distinct but merging dimensions of an ever-changing human technological creation process. In the synthesised findings, four subthemes derived from the studies’ overall themes were identified: two focusing on preschool teachers and pre-service teachers, and two focusing on technology activities with children. The aligned outcomes are discussed concerning the conceptual dimensions of technology, along with possibilities, challenges and implications for the current field of research on technology education in ECE.
The Influence of Environmental Values on Consumer Intentions to Participate in Agritourism—A Model to Extend TPB
Authors: Zhao Zinan , Xue Yongji , Geng Lili , Xu Ye , Meline Nyingone Ndongo
Published: August 2022

This study examines the influence of environmental values on consumer intentions to participate in agritourism through the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and value-belief-norm (VBN) theory. It proposes an integrative model by adding two variables, i.e., environmental benefits and the human-nature coordination concept, to the TPB. The study employs a questionnaire survey method and a sample of 640, which was statistically analysed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results reveal that the “environmental values-attitudes-behavioural intentions” framework has scientific applicability in agritourism. Environmental values, measured through the variables environmental benefits and the human-nature coordination concept, are positively correlated directly or indirectly with agritourism consumption intentions, while attitudes and subjective norms serve as mediators. However, the mediating effect of perceived behavioural control is not statistically significant, indicating making efforts to influence attitudes and subjective norms is more useful for and effective in stimulating the public’s intentions towards agritourism. As this study tests the hypotheses with empirical data, it provides practical implications for policy-makers and programme managers.
Music preferences as an instrument of emotional self-regulation along the business cycle
Authors: de Lucio Juan , Palomeque Marco
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the influence of macroeconomic conditions on subjective well-being and music preferences. The macroeconomic cycle exerts an effect on happiness and well-being that consumers counterbalance by modifying music consumption. We use machine learning techniques to make a weekly classification of the top 100 songs of Billboard Hot 100 into positive and negative lyrics over the period 1958–2019. When unemployment is high, society generally prefers more positive songs. Other macroeconomic indicators such as high inflation, high interest rates or low stock market prices also affect musical preferences. These results provide initial evidence regarding the use of cultural consumption to offset business cycle oscillations.
“Will it Work as Well on Zoom?” A Natural Experiment During the Covid-19 Pandemic of Delivering Parenting Groups Via Video Conferencing or in Person
Authors: van Leuven Livia , Lalouni Maria , Forster Martin
Published: August 2022

While rates of child maltreatment increased during the Covid-19-pandemic, face-to-face interventions to support families got difficult to carry out due to restrictions. Meanwhile, many services do not have access to parenting programs designed for digital or remote delivery. A solution employed by some services was to use video conferencing (VC) to deliver their regular parenting programs. This study examined the effectiveness of the universal group-based parenting program ABC offered through VC instead of on-site meetings during the pandemic. Pre and post measurements were collected from 469 parents participating in either 1) ABC with VC meetings only, 2) on-site meetings only, or 3) blended – a combination of VC and on-site sessions. In addition, 74 group leaders completed a survey about their experiences of VC groups. Analyses showed general improvements in parent practices and child conduct over time, but no differences in effectiveness depending on the format of the parent group (VC, blended, or on-site). Qualitative analyses of group leaders’ experiences revealed four key-themes pertaining to both challenges (e.g., concerns about parents’ ability to benefit and learn parenting skills) and benefits (e.g., reaching parents who would not have been able to attend physical meetings) of VC groups. Overall, this study showed no significant differences in outcomes between the VC, blended, or on-site format of delivery. There are however limitations of this trial, and results should be considered preliminary. Effectiveness and potential negative consequences of replacing interventions intended to be delivered on-site with VC alternatives need to be further investigated in future trials.
Instant flow distribution network optimization in liquid composite molding using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Szarski Martin , Chauhan Sunita
Published: August 2022

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) manufacturing cycle time is a major driver of production rate and cost for aerospace manufacturers. In vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) where liquid thermoset resin is infused into dry carbon reinforcement under vacuum pressure, the design of a resin distribution network to minimize fill time while ensuring the preform is completely full of resin is critical to achieving acceptable quality and cycle time. Complex resin distribution networks in aerospace composites increase the need for quick, optimized virtual design feedback. Framing the problem flow media placement in terms of reinforcement learning, we train a deep neural network agent using a 3D Finite Element based process model of resin flow in dry carbon preforms. Our agent learns to place flow media on thin laminates in order to avoid resin starvation and reduce total infusion time. Due to the knowledge the agent has gained during training on a variety of thin laminate geometries, when presented with a new thin laminate geometry it is able to propose a good flow media layout in less than a second. On a realistic aerospace part with a complex 12-dimensional flow media network, we demonstrate our method reduces fill time by 32% when compared to an expert designed placement, while maintaining the same fill quality.