bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact Internal Controllability for a Problem with Imperfect Interface
Authors: Monsurrò S. , Nandakumaran A. K. , Perugia C.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the internal exact controllability for a second order linear evolution equation defined in a two-component domain. On the interface, we prescribe a jump of the solution proportional to the conormal derivatives, meanwhile a homogeneous Dirichlet condition is imposed on the exterior boundary. Due to the geometry of the domain, we apply controls through two regions which are neighborhoods of a part of the external boundary and of the whole interface, respectively. Our approach to internal exact controllability consists in proving an observability inequality by using the Lagrange multipliers method. Eventually, we apply the Hilbert Uniqueness Method, introduced by Lions, which leads to the construction of the exact control through the solution of an adjoint problem. Finally, we find a lower bound for the control time depending not only on the geometry of our domain and on the matrix of coefficients of our problem but also on the coefficient of proportionality of the jump with respect to the conormal derivatives.
Radiographic and clinical outcome of tibial plateau fractures treated with bone allograft
Authors: Meiser Sarah , Arora Rohit , Petersen Johannes , Keiler Alexander , Liebensteiner Michael C. , Pallua Johannes Dominikus , Wurm Alexander
Published: May 2022

Background

To determine the clinical outcome of patients who had been treated with bone allografts during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial head fractures.

Methods

Patients who suffered a medial, lateral, or bicondylar fracture of the tibial plateau and underwent surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using human femoral head bone allografts were included. Patients were invited to provide information for the following: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), EuroQol Five Dimension score (EQ-5D), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Parker Mobility Score. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the allograft area and the healthy human bone tissue were measured by quantitative computed tomography.

Results

A total of 22 patients with a mean follow-up time of 2.88 ± 2.46 years were included in our study. The most common fractures observed in this study were classified as Schatzker II (11 patients, 50.0%) or AO/OTA 41.B3 (12 patients, 54.5%) fractures. Postoperative WOMAC total was 13.0 (IQR = 16.3, range 0–33). Median quality of life (EQ-5D) score was 0.887 ± 0.121 (range 0.361–1.000). Median Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score was 57.5 ± 19.0 (range 33–79). Mean Parker Mobility Score was 9 (range 6–9). Median bone mineral density (BMD) for the whole group was 300.04 ± 226.02 mg/cm3 (range − 88.68 to 555.06 mg/cm3) for region of interest (ROI 5) (central), 214.80 ± 167.45 mg/cm3 (range − 7.16 to 597.21 mg/cm3) for ROI 1–4 (marginal zones: medial, lateral, ventral, dorsal) and 168.14 ± 65.54 mg/cm3 (range 17.47–208.97 mg/cm3) for healthy bone tissue (femur and tibia).

Conclusion

Based on WOMAC scores, LEFS, ambulatory status, and quality of life findings, it can be concluded that following tibial head ORIF with allograft bone patients has promising results.
Effects of short or long biliopancreatic limb length after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obesity: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Eckharter Christoph , Heeren Nickolaus , Mongelli Francesco , Sykora Martin , Fenner Hartwig , Scheiwiller Andreas , Metzger Jürg , Gass Jörn-Markus
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Although recent studies reported superior weight reduction in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with long biliopancreatic limb (BPL), no recommendation regarding limb lengths exists. This study compares weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities in patients undergoing RYGB with either long or short BPL.

Methods

A retrospective data search from medical records was performed. A total of 308 patients underwent laparoscopic RYGB with a BPL length of either 100 cm or 50 cm. Data was analyzed before and after propensity score matching.

Results

No statistically significant difference in weight reduction between long and short BPL RYGB in terms of percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) (86.4 ± 24.5 vs. 83.4 ± 21.4, p = 0.285) and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) (32.4 ± 8.4 vs. 33.0 ± 8.3, p = 0.543) was found 24 months after surgery. Propensity score–matched analysis did not show any statistically significant difference between groups in both %EWL and %TWL. No significant difference between long and short BPL RYGB in the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities was noted 24 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities were not significantly different between long and short BPL RYGB 24 months after surgery.
New solvent systems to separate some estrogenically active compounds by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)
Authors: Spangenberg Bernd
Published: May 2022

Two solvent mixtures for high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) separation of some compounds showing estrogenic activity in the yeast estrogen screen (YES) assay are presented. The new method, planar yeast estrogen screen (pYES) combines the YES assay and a chromatographic separation on silica gel HPTLC plates with the performance of the YES assay. For separation, the analytes were applied bandwise to HPTLC plates (10 × 20 cm) with fluorescent dye (Merck, Germany). The plates were developed in a vertical developing chamber after 30 min of chamber saturation over a separation distance of 70 mm, using cyclohexane‒methyl-ethyl ketone (2:1, V/V) or cyclohexane‒CPME (3:2, V/V) as solvents. Both solvents allow separation of estriol, daidzein, genistein, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinyl estradiol, estrone, 4-nonylphenol and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Influence of flow rate and different size of suction cannulas on splatter contamination in dentistry: results of an exploratory study with a high-volume evacuation system
Authors: Graetz Christian , Hülsbeck Viktor , Düffert Paulina , Schorr Susanne , Straßburger Martin , Geiken Antje , Dörfer Christof E. , Cyris Miriam
Published: May 2022

Objectives

SOPs recommend high-volume evacuation (HVE) for aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) in dentistry. Therefore, in the exploratory study, the area of splatter contamination (SCON in %) generated by high-speed tooth preparation (HSP) and air-polishing (APD) was measured when different suction cannulas of 6 mm diameter (saliva ejector (SAE)), 11 mm (HC11), or 16 mm (HC16) were utilized versus no-suction (NS).

Materials and methods

Eighty tests were performed in a closed darkened room to measure SCON (1m circular around the manikin head (3.14 m2) via plan metrically assessment through fluorescence technique. HSP (handpiece, turbine (Kavo, Germany)) or APD (LM-ProPowerTM (Finland), Airflow®-Prophylaxis-Master (Switzerland)) for 6 min plus 5 s post-treatment were performed either without suction or with low-flow (150 l/min for SAE) or high-flow rate (250 l/min/350 l/min for HC11/HC16) suction. All tests were two-tailed (p≤0.05, Bonferroni corrected for multi-testing).

Results

Irrespective the AGP, SCON was higher for NS (median [25th; 75th percentiles]: 3.4% [2.6; 5.4]) versus high-flow suction (1.9% [1.5; 2.5]) (p=0.002). Low-flow suction (3.5% [2.6; 4.3]) versus NS resulted in slightly lower but not statistically significantly lower SCON (p=1.000) and was less effective than high-flow suction (p=0.003). Lowest contamination values were found with HC16 (1.9% [1.5; 2.5]; p≤0.002), whereat no significant differences were found for HC11 (2.4% [1.7; 3.1]) compared to SAE (p=0.385) or NS (p=0.316).

Conclusions

Within study’s limitations, the lowest splatter contamination values resulted when HC16 were utilized by a high-flow rate of ≥250 l/min.

Clinical relevance

It is strongly recommended to utilize an HVE with suction cannulas of 16mm diameter for a high-flow rate during all AGPs and afterwards also to disinfect all surface of patients or operators contacted.
Discrete cyclic systems and circle congruences
Authors: Hertrich-Jeromin Udo , Szewieczek Gudrun
Published: May 2022

We discuss integrable discretizations of 3-dimensional cyclic systems, that is, orthogonal coordinate systems with one family of circular coordinate lines. In particular, the underlying circle congruences are investigated in detail and characterized by the existence of a certain flat connection. Within the developed framework, discrete cyclic systems with a family of discrete flat fronts in hyperbolic space and discrete cyclic systems, where all coordinate surfaces are discrete Dupin cyclides, are investigated.
Linear approximation of the Threshold AutoRegressive model: an application to order estimation
Authors: Giordano Francesco , Niglio Marcella , Vitale Cosimo Damiano
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a linear approximation of the nonlinear Threshold AutoRegressive model. It is shown that there is a relation between the autoregressive order of the threshold model and the order of its autoregressive moving average approximation. The main advantage of this approximation can be found in the extension of some theoretical results developed in the linear setting to the nonlinear domain. Among them is proposed a new order estimation procedure for threshold models whose performance is compared, through a Monte Carlo study, to other criteria largely employed in the nonlinear threshold context.
The Impact of Trimetazidine on Cardiac Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Function in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patients
Authors: El-khodary Noha M. , Ghoneim Asser I. , El-tayaar Ahmed A. , El-touny Eman M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that Trimetazidine (TMZ) improves vascular endothelial function and reduces the inflammatory process progression. However, limited data have been available regarding its effects on myocardial fibrosis following ischemia and causing left ventricular dysfunction.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of TMZ adjuvant therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) on cardiac fibrosis, vascular endothelial function, inflammation, and myocardial functions.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial included 48 patients (aged 59.4 ± 9 years) with ICM who were randomly assigned to two groups: TMZ 35 mg twice daily and placebo in addition to conventional ICM medications. All patients received the tablets for 3 months. Both groups were then compared in terms of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and some echocardiographic indices, weekly angina attacks and nitrate consumption before and after treatment.

Results

No significant differences between CTGF, ET-1, and TNF-α levels, in addition to some echocardiographic indices, were observed between both groups before treatment. After treatment, the TMZ group had significantly lower ET-1 than the placebo group, with both groups exhibiting a substantial decrease in TNF-α and CTGF. The TMZ group had lower mean ± SD levels for TNF-α and CTGF and showed significant improvement in echocardiographic indices and weekly angina attacks after treatment.

Conclusion

Adjunctive TMZ therapy for ICM effectively improved vascular endothelial function and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, our exploratory findings may be used to provide new information on the potential effects of TMZ on myocardial fibrosis by downregulating CTGF.
Energetically motivated crack orientation vector for phase-field fracture with a directional split
Authors: Steinke Christian , Storm Johannes , Kaliske Michael
Published: May 2022

The realistic approximation of structural behavior in a post fracture state by the phase-field method requires information about the spatial orientation of the crack surface at the material point level. For the directional phase-field split, this orientation is specified by the crack orientation vector, that is defined perpendicular to the crack surface. An alternative approach to the determination of the orientation based on standard fracture mechanical arguments, i.e. in alignment with the direction of the largest principle tensile strain or stress, is investigated by considering the amount of dissipated strain energy density during crack evolution. In contrast to the application of gradient methods, the analytical approach enables the determination of all local maxima of strain energy density dissipation and, in consequence, the identification of the global maximum, that is assumed to govern the orientation of an evolving crack. Furthermore, the evaluation of the local maxima provides a novel aspect in the discussion of the phenomenon of crack branching. As the directional split differentiates into crack driving contributions of tension and shear stresses on the crack surface, a consistent relation to Mode I and Mode II fracture is available and a mode dependent fracture toughness can be considered. Consequently, the realistic simulation of rock-like fracture is demonstrated. In addition, a numerical investigation of$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence for an AT-2 type crack surface density is presented in a two-dimensional setup. For the directional split, also the issues internal locking as well as lateral phase-field evolution are addressed.
Cardioprotective effect of silicon-built restraint device (ASD), for left ventricular remodeling in rat heart failure model
Authors: Nawaz Waqas , Naveed Muhammad , Zhang Jing , Noreen Sobia , Saeed Muhammad , Sembatya Kiganda Raymond , Ihsan Awais Ullah , Mohammad Imran Shair , Wang Gang , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and cardio-protective effects of biocompatible silicon-built restraint device (ASD) in the rat’s heart failure (HF) model. The performance and compliance characteristics of the ASD device were assessed in vitro by adopting a pneumatic drive and ball burst test. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (n = 6); control, HF, HF + CSD, and HF + ASD groups, respectively. Heart failure was developed by left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation in all groups except the control group. The ASD and CSD devices were implanted in the heart of HF + ASD and HF + CSD groups, respectively. The ASD’s functional and expansion ability was found to be safe and suitable for attenuating ventricular remodeling. ASD-treated rats showed normal heart rhythm, demonstrated by smooth -ST and asymmetrical T-wave. At the same time, hemodynamic parameters of the HF + ASD group improved systolic and diastolic functions, reducing ventricular wall stress, which indicated reverse remodeling. The BNP values were reduced in the HF + ASD group, which confirmed ASD feasibility and reversed remodeling at a molecular level. Furthermore, the HF + ASD group with no fibrosis suggests that ASD has significant curative effects on the heart muscles. In conclusion, ASD was found to be a promising restraint therapy than the previously standard restraint therapies.
A Qualitative Study of Men’s Experience of Being a Father in Families with Childhood Disability
Authors: Vatne Torun Marie , Dahle Sigurd Skjeggestad , Haukeland Yngvild Bjartveit , Fjermestad Krister Westlye
Published: May 2022

Fathers in families with childhood disability have an important role in fostering coping and resilience in children. Insight into men’s thoughts about fathering is necessary to provide family-centered interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore men’s experience of being a father in families with childhood disability. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven fathers in families with childhood disability. Content analysis was applied to analyze the data. The participants described their thoughts about children’s needs; mastery, secure attachment, clear boundaries, positive emotions, and role models. Creating a father-child unity, being active, playful, fearless, and sometimes restraint was described as fathering behaviors aiming to meet these needs. However, personal, family, and social factors were described as influencing fathers’ behaviors. Fathers’ psychological wellbeing was described to be affected by the childhood disability to different degrees, and emotional triggers related to the disability were described. Participants described using a variety of emotion regulation strategies, but somewhat restraint support seeking behavior. We conclude that the health and social welfare system should involve fathers in the provision of services to children, empower them in their role as fathers, and provide support tailored to their needs.
Inspection of Radiation Shielding Proficiency and Effect of Gamma-Ray on ESR and Thermal Characteristics of Copper Oxide Modified Borate Bioglasses
Authors: Abdelghany A. M. , Diab H. M. , Madbouly A. M. , Ezz-ElDin F. M.
Published: May 2022

Samples of copper-modified bioactive borate glasses were synthesized and their radiation shielding properties including gamma-ray and neutron radiation shielding were investigated. Further, the glasses’ mass attenuation coefficients were measured with a NaI(Tl) detector while their gamma-ray shielding parameters were estimated using Phy-X/PSD program. Free-radical densities were measured via electron spin resonance to estimate the absorbed doses during accidental irradiation. The extensive reduction of the dose detection threshold (2 Gy) required the estimation of the signal of the non-irradiated sample. In addition, the effects of applied microwave power and absorbed dose on synthesized samples were studied. Finally, the thermal annealing of the emerging peaks, which were due to the irradiation signal-to-noise ratio and energy dependence, was studied to estimate the stabilities of such peaks. This modified material is recommended to detect and monitor the gamma-radiation dose because of its good dosimetric properties. Finally, regarding the presence of the two borate groups, triangular and the tetrahedrally coordinated, in their definite and typical wavenumbers, the FTIR spectra displayed simplified vibrations that were close to those of many bioglasses. This paper provides complementary results for the author's previous research examining this glass for low photon dose measurements using luminescence characteristics.
Large-scale assessment of artificially coated seeds for forest regeneration across Sweden
Authors: Domevscik Matej , Häggström Bodil , Lim Hyungwoo , Öhlund Jonas , Nordin Annika
Published: May 2022

We report the results of two years’ field performance of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings regenerated using artificially coated seeds. The coated seeds were used for regeneration on 12 clearcut sites, covering a 1000 km latitudinal gradient across Sweden. The coating was either combined with arginine-phosphate fertilizer (10 mg N per seed) or had no additions. Interactions with environmental variables associated with sites were also assessed. Coated seeds were deployed in May–June 2017 and surveyed in August–September of 2018 and 2019. After two years, the mean establishment rate of seedlings from coated seeds was 56 ± 4% across the 12 sites. The fertilizer addition did not affect survival, and the biomass response to fertilizer varied significantly between sites. Maximum precipitation and wind speed during the first six weeks after deployment were correlated with seedling survival, regardless of fertilization treatment. Establishment increased with increasing precipitation and decreased with increasing wind speed. This highlights the importance of initial weather conditions for the seeds’ establishment. Our data suggest that Scots pine regeneration using coated seeds can be practiced in boreal forests, but also that the method is sensitive to the weather conditions at the time of deployment of the seeds.
Transferrin Receptor Binding BBB-Shuttle Facilitates Brain Delivery of Anti-Aβ-Affibodies
Authors: Faresjö Rebecca , Lindberg Hanna , Ståhl Stefan , Löfblom John , Syvänen Stina , Sehlin Dag
Published: May 2022

Affibodies targeting amyloid-beta (Aβ) could potentially be used as therapeutic and diagnostic agents in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Affibodies display suitable characteristics for imaging applications such as high stability and a short biological half-life. The aim of this study was to explore brain delivery and retention of Aβ protofibril-targeted affibodies in wild-type (WT) and AD transgenic mice and to evaluate their potential as imaging agents. Two affibodies, Z5 and Z1, were fused with the blood–brain barrier (BBB) shuttle single-chain variable fragment scFv8D3. In vitro binding of 125I-labeled affibodies with and without scFv8D3 was evaluated by ELISA and autoradiography. Brain uptake and retention of the affibodies at 2 h and 24 h post injection was studied ex vivo in WT and transgenic (tg-Swe and tg-ArcSwe) mice. At 2 h post injection, [125I]I-Z5 and [125I]I-Z1 displayed brain concentrations of 0.37 ± 0.09% and 0.46 ± 0.08% ID/g brain, respectively. [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z5 and [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z1 showed increased brain concentrations of 0.53 ± 0.16% and 1.20 ± 0.35%ID/g brain. At 24 h post injection, brain retention of [125I]I-Z1 and [125I]I-Z5 was low, while [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z1 and [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z5 showed moderate brain retention, with a tendency towards higher retention of [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z5 in AD transgenic mice. Nuclear track emulsion autoradiography showed greater parenchymal distribution of [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z5 and [125I]I-scFv8D3-Z1 compared with the affibodies without scFv8D3, but could not confirm specific affibody accumulation around Aβ deposits. Affibody-scFv8D3 fusions displayed increased brain and parenchymal delivery compared with the non-fused affibodies. However, fast brain washout and a suboptimal balance between Aβ and mTfR1 affinity resulted in low intrabrain retention around Aβ deposits.
Sobolev Embeddings for Fractional Hajłasz-Sobolev Spaces in the Setting of Rearrangement Invariant Spaces
Authors: Martín Joaquim , Ortiz Walter A.
Published: May 2022

We obtain symmetrization inequalities in the context of Fractional Hajłasz-Sobolev spaces in the setting of rearrangement invariant spaces and prove that for a large class of measures our symmetrization inequalities are equivalent to the lower bound of the measure.
Primary aldosteronism in pregnancy
Authors: Forestiero Vittorio , Sconfienza Elisa , Mulatero Paolo , Monticone Silvia
Published: May 2022

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Although hypertensive disorders seem to affect around 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide, literature counts less than 80 cases of PA diagnosed during the peri-partum period. In this review we discuss about current knowledge on pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment of PA in pregnancy. Because of the physiologic changes in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and the contraindication to both confirmatory test and subtype differentiation, diagnosis of PA during pregnancy is challenging and relies mostly on detection of low/suppressed renin and high aldosterone levels. The course of pregnancy in patients with PA is highly variable, ranging from progesterone-induced amelioration of blood pressure (BP) control to severe and resistant hypertension with potential maternal and fetal complications. Mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) are the recommended and most effective drugs for treatment of PA. As the anti-androgenic effect of spironolactone can potentially interfere with sexual development, their prescription is not recommended during pregnancy. On the other side, eplerenone, has proven to be safe and effective in 6 pregnant women and may be added to conventional first line drug regimen in presence of resistant hypertension or persistent hypokalemia. Ideally, patients with unilateral forms of PA should undergo adrenalectomy prior to conception, however, when PA is diagnosed during pregnancy and medical therapy fails to adequately control hypertension or its complications, adrenalectomy can be considered during the second trimester in case of unilateral adrenal mass at MRI-scan.
Conversion of waste into organo-mineral fertilizers: current technological trends and prospects
Authors: Bouhia Youness , Hafidi Mohamed , Ouhdouch Yedir , Boukhari Mohammed El Mehdi El , Mphatso Chango , Zeroual Youssef , Lyamlouli Karim
Published: May 2022

One of agriculture’s most important goals is finding the proper equilibrium between sustainability and intensification of production. The exponential growth of the world population, climate variability, and soil degradation are essential factors that require the development of novel agricultural practices to achieve food security. In this context, organo-mineral fertilization has been proposed as a promising approach. Such a concept is based on novel fertilizers formulations combining organic and mineral resources features, which could simultaneously address soil fertility and health issues. The manufacturing processes of organo-mineral fertilizers (OMF) are highly versatile and revolve around the co-processing of organic and mineral matrices. OMF’s peculiarity resides in using systemic methodologies for waste valorization to generate cost-effective and eco-friendly products in alignment with the bio-circular economy. Despite their advantages, OMF adoption by farmers is still not satisfactory, which could be attributed to the difficulty of accessibility and a stagnant market. This work critically reviews recent advances in the organo-mineral fertilization concept. Our review provides an in-depth understanding of the chemical, biological, and thermal methodologies used for OMF generation through mineral and organic matrices co-processing. We also discuss the positive effect of such products on the plant-soil system by focusing on the mechanism of action. Furthermore, this review scrutinizes the innovation profile of OMF based on trends of patent submission during the last 20 years. It also provides future research and development pathways based on current drawbacks and limitations of the industry.

Graphical abstract
Organizational behavior in international strategic alliances and the relation to performance – a literature review and avenues for future research
Authors: Gehrisch Marius G. , Süß Stefan
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the research on behavioral factors influencing the performance of international strategic alliances. After capturing the relevance of the research field, we observe the distribution of publications and derive quantitative metrics. Further, we focus on the terms related to alliance performance used in this research domain. Then, the results regarding the behavioral factors of influence on the individual, group-related and organizational level and their relation to alliance performance are stated. Our analysis ascertains that some factors are present on at least two behavioral levels and are understood differently on each level, leading to a certain multidimensionality. Therefore, we develop a categorization that cross all behavioral levels based on four broad categories: relational factors, learning and knowledge, conflict, and other (unrelated) factors. Based on this analysis, we identify avenues for future research. Beside methodological needs for research, gaps concerning the multidimensionality we recognized and various influencing factors are identified, as ambiguous results are apparent or other factors have been scarcely analyzed so far.
Effect of the Series Resistance on the Current Response of a HgCdTe Avalanche Photodiode Under High-intensity Nanosecond Irradiation
Authors: Storebø Asta Katrine , Brudevoll Trond , Selvig Espen , Hansen Runar Wattum , Lorentzen Torgeir , Haakenaasen Randi
Published: May 2022

We investigate the nonlinear signal current response of a Hg0.72Cd0.28Te avalanche photodiode (APD) irradiated by high-intensity, finite-duration laser pulses. At high irradiation levels and/or high gains, carrier-induced perturbations in the junction electric field and avalanche gain strongly influence the temporal behavior of the APD current. The total series resistance will play a major role here, and four values of the series resistance were used for mapping out the APD response. When striving for maximum achievable bandwidth, the internal junction capacitance and the internal series resistance set the ultimate limits for an APD. A signal analysis of these high-intensity nonlinear gain effects should therefore begin with an intrinsic APD, and proceed with adding appropriate external series resistances. A simultaneous modeling of the entire external circuit is then required. To this end, we have combined full-band Monte Carlo (MC) transport simulation in the active multiplication zone with conventional circuit modeling outside. We demonstrate how overshoot/undershoot and rapid oscillations in the signal current evolve in time as a function of the chosen external series resistances at two different high-intensity irradiation levels. Oscillations are shown to persist slightly beyond the duration of the laser pulse when operating the diode within the junction transit time-limited regime. The periodicity of the oscillations is related to the junction transit time and remains only weakly dependent on irradiation levels and external resistance values until we enter the resistance–capacitance (RC)-limited case. Here, a change occurs where oscillations are smoothed out as external series resistances are increased further.
So flexibel wie möglich?!
Authors: Kochskämper Dorothee , Lips Anna
Published: May 2022

Die Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Corona-Pandemie haben das Studieren und die Studienorganisation massiv verändert. Doch: Wie nachhaltig werden und sollen diese Veränderungen sein? Was wünschen sich Studierende? Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich anhand der Daten der bundesweiten Studierendenbefragung Stu.diCo II (N = 2527) aus dem Sommersemester 2021 mit der Frage, was von den Studierenden während der vorrangig online stattgefundenen Semester besonders vermisst wurde und was aus Sicht der Studierenden aus den Formaten an der Hochschule in Zukunft beibehalten werden sollte. Der Fokus wird dabei auf Studierende der (Sozial‑)Pädagogik und Erziehungs- und Bildungswissenschaften (n = 548) gerichtet. Es wird die Frage gestellt, was sich aus den Ergebnissen der bundesweiten Studierendenbefragung Stu.diCo II für den „Blick in die Zukunft“ entnehmen lässt und Visionen für ein „Studium 2035 der Sozialen Arbeit“ entworfen.
Scalpel Morcellation During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Large Uterine Fibroids. Is It a Safe Alternative to Power-Morcellation?
Authors: Abouzid Amr , Shetiwy Mosab , Hassan Amany , Elghaffar Mohamed Abd
Published: May 2022

Background

Laparoscopic hysterectomy has many surgical advantages. Specimen retrieval options after a laparoscopic hysterectomy include laparotomy or “mini-laparotomy,” vaginal delivery, and removal through a laparoscopic port using intracorporeal power morcellation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-two lady patients underwent (manual) scalpel morcellation of the uterus through the anterior abdominal wall after laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uterine fibroids, to facilitate specimen delivery through the vagina without employing any abdominal incisions; this study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt.

Results

The mean operative time was 140 min; the mean scalping time was 17.21 min. The estimated blood loss was 105.29 ml. Extensive intraoperative adhesions were noted in 67.3% of the patients. The postoperative uterine weight had a median of 450 g (range 320–740 g). The median uterine length was 14 cm (range 9–23 cm), while its width was 9 cm (range 6–18 cm). Leiomyoma was the common postoperative pathology in most of the cases (96.15%) with a median size of 8 cm (range 5–12 cm).

Conclusion

Scalpel morcellation of large uterine leiomyomas after laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe and cheap method. Its merits include no intraperitoneal dissemination, spillage, and intact specimens’ delivery for proper postoperative pathological examination.
Alcoholgebruik en zwangerschap: prevalentie, risico’s en beweegredenen
Authors: Sartorius Daan , Smit Koen , Voogt Carmen
Published: May 2022

Samenvatting

Alcoholgebruik rond de zwangerschap kan negatieve consequenties hebben voor het (on)geboren kind. Voor vrouwen die zwanger willen worden, zwanger zijn of borstvoeding geven luidt het advies dan ook om geen alcohol te drinken – de nulnorm. Dit artikel gaat in op hoe vaak alcoholgebruik rond de zwangerschap voorkomt, risico’s van alcoholgebruik vóór, tijdens en na de zwangerschap, en factoren die samenhangen met alcoholgebruik rond de zwangerschap. Ten slotte wordt besproken hoe (geboortezorg)professionals deze kennis het beste kunnen toepassen en welke (beleids)maatregelen ingezet kunnen worden.
Voor elke naaste van een probleemdrinker een passend aanbod
Authors: Basemans Sonja , de Jong Mary
Published: May 2022

Samenvatting

Binnen het programma Vroegsignalering Alcohol van Verslavingskunde Nederland draait momenteel het project Naasten. Problematisch alcoholgebruik raakt namelijk niet alleen de drinkers zelf, maar heeft ook een grote impact op de mensen om hen heen. Omdat we elke naaste een passend aanbod gunnen, is het landelijke project Naasten opgezet. In dit artikel leest u wat de aanleiding en de doelen zijn van dit project en hoe het is opgebouwd.
Deep learning based regime-switching models of energy commodity prices
Authors: Mari Carlo , Mari Emiliano
Published: May 2022

We discuss a deep learning based approach to model the complex dynamics of commodity prices observed in real markets. A regime-switching model is proposed to describe the time evolution of market prices. In this model, the base regime is described by a mean-reverting diffusion process and the second regime is driven by the predictions of a deep neural network trained on the market log-returns time series. A statistical technique, based on the method of simulated moments, is proposed to estimate the model on market data. We applied this methodology to energy commodity price time series with very different characteristics, namely the US wholesale electricity, natural gas and crude oil price daily time series. The obtained results show a good agreement with empirical data. In particular, the model seems to reproduce in a very interesting way the first four central moments of the empirical distributions of log-returns as well as the shape of the observed price time series.
Cultural Theory’s contributions to climate science: reply to Hansson
Authors: Verweij Marco , Ney Steven , Thompson Michael
Published: May 2022

In his article, ‘Social constructionism and climate science denial’, Hansson claims to present empirical evidence that the cultural theory developed by Dame Mary Douglas, Aaron Wildavsky and ourselves (among others) leads to (climate) science denial. In this reply, we show that there is no validity to these claims. First, we show that Hansson’s empirical evidence that cultural theory has led to climate science denial falls apart under closer inspection. Contrary to Hansson’s claims, cultural theory has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing climate change. Second, we discuss various features of Douglas’ cultural theory that differentiate it from other constructivist approaches and make it compatible with the scientific method. Thus, we also demonstrate that cultural theory cannot be accused of epistemic relativism.
Patient-self-reported history of restraint among 17-year-olds: a retrospective study of records by non-specialist dentists in the public dental service in Hordaland, Norway
Authors: Aarvik R. S. , Svendsen E. J. , Agdal M. L.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The primary purposes were to examine dental records of Norwegian adolescents’ with and without self-reported history of restraint for information about oral health (DMFT), total scheduled time in the Public Dental Service (PDS) (dental appointments, cancelled and missed appointments), and reluctant behaviour and/or dental fear and anxiety (DFA). Another purpose was to explore their dental records for information recorded by the dentist concerning the use of restraint.

Methods

Data on patient-self-reported history of restraint and DFA were collected in a population-based cross-sectional survey of 17-year-olds in the PDS in Hordaland, Norway, 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: self-reported restraint group (N1 = 26) and self-reported non-restraint group (N2 = 200). Data on oral health and dental treatment, total scheduled time of the PDS, reluctant behaviour or DFA, and information on the use of restraint were extracted from the dental records written by non-specialist dentists using a pre-set protocol covering the period from 2002 to 2019.

Results

A total of 206 dental records were analysed. Adolescents with self-reported history of restraint (n1 = 18) had higher DMFT and greater descriptions of reluctant behaviour and/or DFA, and total scheduled time compared with the self-reported non-restraint group (n2 = 188). The use of restraint was recorded in the dental records of one patient from the self-reported restraint group and in two patients from the self-reported non-restraint group.

Conclusions

The adolescents with self-reported history of restraint had higher DMFT, higher scheduled time attending the PDS, and had more descriptions of reluctant behaviour and/or signs of DFA compared with the self-reported non-restraint group. The patient records contained limited information concerning restraint, and there were significant discrepancies between patient-self-reported history of restraint and the recording of restraint by the dentist in the patients’ records.
Prediction of failures in the project management knowledge areas using a machine learning approach for software companies
Authors: Taye Gizatie Desalegn , Feleke Yibelital Alemu
Published: May 2022

In this paper we propose a novel machine-learning model to predict project management knowledge areas failure for software companies using ten knowledge areas in project management based solely on the criteria of unambiguity, measurability, consistency, and practicability. The majority of software projects fail in software companies due to a lack of software project managers who are unfamiliar with the Project Management Knowledge Areas (PMKAs) that are used without considering the company's conditions or project contexts. By distributing questionnaires, we use an experimental methodology and the snowball sampling method to collect data from software businesses. We employ machine learning techniques including Support Vector Machines (92.13%), Decision Trees (90%), K-Nearest Neighbors (87.64%), Logistic Regression (76.4%), and Naive Bayes (66%) to adapt data from failed software projects. When we look at the results, Support Vector Machine outperforms the other four machine learning methods. High dimensional data is more efficient and contains nonlinear changes since Support Vector Machines deal with categorical data. The study's purpose is to improve project quality and decrease software project failure. Finally, we recommend collecting more failed project datasets from software businesses and comparing them to our findings to predict knowledge domain failure.
Bayesian spatial econometrics: a software architecture
Authors: Kuschnig Nikolas
Published: May 2022

Bayesian approaches play an important role in the development of new spatial econometric methods, but are uncommon in applied work. This is partly due to a lack of accessible, flexible software for the Bayesian estimation of spatial models. Established probabilistic software struggles with the specifics of spatial econometrics, while classical implementations do not harness the flexibility of Bayesian modelling. In this paper, I present a layered, objected-oriented software architecture that bridges this gap. An implementation in thebsregpackage allows quick and easy estimation of spatial econometric models, while remaining maintainable and extensible. I demonstrate the benefits of the Bayesian approach and using a well-known dataset on cigarette demand. First, I show that Bayesian posterior densities yield better insights into the uncertainty of non-linear models. Second, I find that earlier studies overestimate spillover effects for distance-based connectivities due to a scaling error, highlighting the need for tried and tested software.
Reconstructing the Potential of the Generalized Heat Equation
Authors: Khanfer Ammar
Published: May 2022

We reconstruct the potentialq(x) for the generalized heat equation of the form$$u_{t}-b(x)u_{xx}-a(x)u_{x}-q(x)u=0$$ut-b(x)uxx-a(x)ux-q(x)u=0under general conditions, and by means of a Carleman’s estimate.
Earthopolis
Authors: Nightingale Carl H.
Published: May 2022

This is a biography of Earthopolis, the only Urban Planet we know of. It is a history of how cities gave humans immense power over Earth, for good and for ill. Carl Nightingale takes readers on a sweeping six-continent, six-millennia tour of the world's cities, culminating in the last 250 years, when we vastly accelerated our planetary realms of action, habitat, and impact, courting dangerous new consequences and opening prospects for new hope. In Earthopolis we peek into our cities' homes, neighborhoods, streets, shops, eating houses, squares, marketplaces, religious sites, schools, universities, offices, monuments, docklands, and airports to discover connections between small spaces and the largest things we have built. The book exposes the Urban Planet's deep inequalities of power, wealth, access to knowledge, class, race, gender, sexuality, religion and nation. It asks us to draw on the most just and democratic moments of Earthopolis's past to rescue its future.
Is It Bad to Prefer Attractive Partners?
Authors: D'ALESSANDRO WILLIAM
Published: May 2022

Philosophers have rightly condemned lookism—that is, discrimination in favor of attractive people or against unattractive people—in education, the justice system, the workplace, and elsewhere. Surprisingly, however, the almost universal preference for attractive romantic and sexual partners has rarely received serious ethical scrutiny. On its face, it is unclear whether this is a form of discrimination we should reject or tolerate. I consider arguments for both views. On the one hand, a strong case can be made that preferring attractive partners is bad. The idea is that choosing partners based on looks seems essentially similar to other objectionable forms of discrimination. (In particular, the preference for attractive partners is arguably both unfair and harmful to a significant degree.) One can try to resist this conclusion in several ways. I consider three possible replies. The first has to do with the possibility of controlling our partner preferences. The second pertains to attractiveness and ‘good genes’. The last attempts to link certain aspects of attractiveness to a prospective partner's personality and values. I argue that the first two replies fail conclusively, while the third only amounts to a limited defense of a particular kind of attractiveness preference. The idea that we should often avoid preferring attractive partners is thus compelling.
Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Health-Risk Behaviours in Adolescents
Authors: Singh Parwinder , Singh Amandeep
Published: May 2022

Health-Risk Behaviours (HRBs) are significantly associated with avoidable mortality in adolescents, and preventing HRBs requires an adequate understanding of related factors. Among associated factors, emotion regulation difficulties may impact youths’ engagement in HRBs. Researchers explored the relation of emotion regulation with HRBs; however, specific emotion regulation difficulties for less severe and more prevalent HRBs, such as self-harming behaviour, risky-driving, violence, unhealthy dietary behaviour, and poor adherence to prescribed medication, has not been much explored. The current study aimed to explore the predictability of adolescents’ specific difficulties in emotion regulation in relation to their engagement in HRBs. For this purpose, six different HRBs, that is, self-harm, violence, risky-driving, unhealthy dietary behaviour, inadequate physical activity, and lack of medication adherence, were studied. A total of 617 (Males = 356) adolescents (Mage = 15.77) from five districts of Punjab state (India) provided required information on standardised self-report measures. The data were subjected to regression analysis, and the findings show that the participants who scored high on emotion regulation difficulties reported engagement in HRBs more than their counterparts. Some specific difficulties are more important than others for different forms of HRBs. It implies that the intervention programmes targeting specific HRBs should address specific facets of emotional dysregulation.
Denialism and Populism: Two Sides of a Coin in Jair Bolsonaro's Brazil
Authors: von Bülow Marisa , Abers Rebecca Neaera
Published: May 2022

This article analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazil's populist radical right (PRR), as well as the responses of PRR actors to the pandemic, during the period from March 2020 to October 2021. Despite high death rates and declining popularity in the final months of that period, the Brazilian president consistently maintained a denialist narrative that incorporated key aspects of populist ideology. Based on the analysis of opinion surveys, documents, online messages and secondary sources, we argue that explaining this denialism requires understanding Brazil's radical-right populism as more than an ideology: it is a social movement. The impacts of the pandemic on Bolsonaro's PRR government and its responses can only be understood by simultaneously analysing the top-down actions of the leader and the bottom-up role of bolsonarismo – that is, the broad coalition of actors who actively support the radical-right project. The case of bolsonarismo suggests that literature on populism in general would profit from taking right-wing movements more seriously as co-producers of populist rhetoric and practices.
Trans Women Are (or Are Becoming) Female: Disputing the Endogeneity Constraint
Authors: Carter Matilda
Published: May 2022

The dispute between the transgender-rights movement and “gender-critical” activists represents a stark division in British public discourse. Although the issues of contention are numerous and require their own philosophical treatment, a core metaphysical concern underlies them. Gender-critical activists, such as Kathleen Stock, tend to argue that recognizing trans women as women requires erasing the category of biological sex. This implies that all trans women are male, and thus recognizing them as women rips female biology from the root of the category “woman.” In this article, I argue that this view is mistaken. As exogenously produced sex characteristics should count toward a person's sex classification, all trans women are (or are becoming) female.
Casting light on shadow Somos sequences
Authors: Hone Andrew N. W.
Published: May 2022

Recently Ovsienko and Tabachnikov considered extensions of Somos and Gale-Robinson sequences, defined over the algebra of dual numbers. Ovsienko used the same idea to construct so-called shadow sequences derived from other nonlinear recurrence relations exhibiting the Laurent phenomenon, with the original motivation being the hope that these examples should lead to an appropriate notion of a cluster superalgebra, incorporating Grassmann variables. Here, we present various explicit expressions for the shadow of Somos-4 sequences and describe the solution of a general Somos-4 recurrence defined over the
$\mathbb{C}$
-algebra of dual numbers from several different viewpoints: analytic formulae in terms of elliptic functions, linear difference equations, and Hankel determinants.