bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MRI-based radiomics nomogram for evaluation of renal function in ADPKD
Authors: Li Xiaojiao , Liu Qingwei , Xu Jingxu , Huang Chencui , Hua Qianqian , Wang Haili , Ma Teng , Huang Zhaoqin
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study is aimed to establish a fusion model of radiomics-based nomogram to predict the renal function of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Methods

One hundred patients with ADPKD were randomly divided into training group (n = 69) and test group (n = 31). The radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted fat suppression images (FS-T1WI) and T2-weighted fat suppression images (FS-T2WI). Decision tree algorithm was employed to build radiomics model to get radiomics signature. Then multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish the radiomics nomogram based on independent clinical factors, conventional MR imaging variables and radiomics signature. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Delong test were used to compare the performance of radiomics model and radiomics nomogram model, and the decision curve to evaluate the clinical application value of radiomics nomogram model in the evaluation of renal function in patients with ADPKD.

Results

Fourteen radiomics features were selected to establish radiomics model. Based on FS-T1WI and FS-T2WI sequences, the radiomics model showed good discrimination ability in training group and test group [training group: (AUC) = 0.7542, test group (AUC) = 0.7417]. The performance of radiomics nomogram model was significantly better than that of radiomics model in all data sets [radiomics model (AUC) = 0.7505, radiomics nomogram model (AUC) = 0.8435, p value = 0.005]. The analysis of calibration curve and decision curve showed that radiomics nomogram model had more clinical application value.

Conclusion

radiomics analysis of MRI can be used for the preliminary evaluation and prediction of renal function in patients with ADPKD. The radiomics nomogram model shows better prediction effect in renal function evaluation, and can be used as a non-invasive renal function prediction tool to assist clinical decision-making.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100046739. Registered 27 May 2021—retrospectively registered, http://www.ChiCTR.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=125955.

Graphical abstract
More than a simple epithelial layer: multifunctional role of echinoderm coelomic epithelium
Authors: Guatelli Silvia , Ferrario Cinzia , Bonasoro Francesco , Anjo Sandra I. , Manadas Bruno , Candia Carnevali Maria Daniela , Varela Coelho Ana , Sugni Michela
Published: September 2022

In echinoderms, the coelomic epithelium (CE) is reportedly the source of new circulating cells (coelomocytes) as well as the provider of molecular factors such as immunity-related molecules. However, its overall functions have been scarcely studied in detail. In this work, we used an integrated approach based on both microscopy (light and electron) and proteomic analyses to investigate the arm CE in the starfish Marthasterias glacialis during different physiological conditions (i.e., non-regenerating and/or regenerating). Our results show that CE cells share both ultrastructural and proteomic features with circulating coelomocytes (echinoderm immune cells). Additionally, microscopy and proteomic analyses indicate that CE cells are actively involved in protein synthesis and processing, and membrane trafficking processes such as phagocytosis (particularly of myocytes) and massive secretion phenomena. The latter might provide molecules (e.g., immune factors) and fluids for proper arm growth/regrowth. No stem cell marker was identified and no pre-existing stem cell was observed within the CE. Rather, during regeneration, CE cells undergo dedifferentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition to deliver progenitor cells for tissue replacement. Overall, our work underlines that echinoderm CE is not a “simple epithelial lining” and that instead it plays multiple functions which span from immunity-related roles as well as being a source of regeneration-competent cells for arm growth/regrowth.
Risk factors for the in-hospital mortality of CRRT-therapy patients with cardiac surgery-associated AKI: a single-center clinical study in China
Authors: Jiang Yun , Chen Jianle , Yu Yamin , Yang Fan , Hamza Mohsin , Zou Ping , Wen Ailing , Wu Huihui , Zhang Yide
Published: September 2022

Objective

We retrospectively analyzed risk factors on in-hospital mortality in CRRT-therapy patients with open cardiac surgery (CS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), to provide the clinical basis for predicting and lowering the in-hospital mortality after CS.

Methods

84 CS-AKI patients with CRRT were divided into survival and death groups according to discharge status, and the perioperative data were analyzed with R version 4.0.2.

Results

There were significant differences between the two groups, including: urea nitrogen, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) on the first day after operation; VIS just before CRRT; SOFA score and negative balance of blood volume 24 h after CRRT; the incidence rate of bleeding, severe infection and MODS after operation; and the interval between AKI and CRRT. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that SOFA score and VIS on the first day after operation; VIS just before CRRT; VIS and negative balance of blood volume 24 h after CRRT; the incidence rate of bleeding, infection and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after operation; bootstrap resampling analysis showed that SOFA score and VIS 24 h after CRRT, as well as the incidence of bleeding after operation were the independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Maintaining stable hemodynamics and active prevention of bleeding are expected to decrease the in-hospital mortality.
The Changes in Yield Response Factor, Water Use Efficiency, and Physiology of Sunflower Owing to Ascorbic and Citric Acids Application Under Mild Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Saudy Hani S. , El-Bially Mohamed E. , Hashem Fadl A. , Shahin Mostafa G. , El-Gabry Yasser A.
Published: September 2022

Under arid and semi-arid climates, adopting the appropriate tools for alleviating water deficit impacts is a critical factor that affects the physiological characteristics and yield of sunflower. Therefore, in order to find promising field practices in sunflower cultivation, the strip plots design in randomized complete block arrangement was used to examine the effects of two irrigation regimes as 100% (FI) and 85% (DI) of crop evapotranspiration and five antioxidant treatments on physiological and agronomic traits, yield response factor, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of sunflower. The antioxidant treatments involved two rates of ascorbic acid (150 and 300 mg L−1) and two rates of citric acid (250 and 500 mg L−1), in addition to the check treatment (tap water). The study was conducted for two growing seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the Experimental Farm of Ain Shams University, Egypt, located in a semi-arid environment. Findings showed that exogenous application of higher rate of ascorbic acid, i.e. 300 mg L−1 with FI exhibited the highest increase of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and the lowest proline content compared to other interaction treatments. Seed yield was significantly higher with FI plus ascorbic acid 300 mg L−1 and DI plus ascorbic acid 300 mg L−1 treatments than with their counterpart check treatment in both growing seasons. Under DI, IWUE was improved with antioxidant-treated plants compared to untreated plants. Yield response factor as an indicator of crop tolerance to drought was higher than the unit (> 1) under all ascorbic acid and citric acid levels. It could be concluded that ascorbic acid and citric acids partially mitigated the reductions in growth and yield caused by low water supply. However, yield response factor demonstrated that the crop is still sensitive to drought. Thus, other applicable patterns should be adopted to increase the yield potential of sunflower for counteracting the adverse impacts of drought.
A Two-Degree-of-Freedom Knee Model Predicts Full Three-Dimensional Tibiofemoral and Patellofemoral Joint Motion During Functional Activity
Authors: Guan Shanyuanye , Gray Hans A. , Thomeer Lucas T. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: September 2022

Six kinematic parameters are needed to fully describe three-dimensional (3D) bone motion at a joint. At the knee, the relative movements of the femur and tibia are often represented by a 1-degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) model with a single flexion–extension axis or a 2-DOF model comprising a flexion–extension axis and an internal–external rotation axis. The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy with which 1-DOF and 2-DOF models predict the 3D movements of the femur, tibia and patella during daily activities. Each model was created by fitting polynomial functions to 3D tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) kinematic data recorded from 10 healthy individuals performing 6 functional activities. Model cross-validation analyses showed that the 2-DOF model predicted 3D knee kinematics more accurately than the 1-DOF model. At the TF joint, mean root-mean-square (RMS) errors across all activities and all participants were 3.4°|mm (deg or mm) for the 1-DOF model and 2.4°|mm for the 2-DOF model. At the PF joint, mean RMS errors were 4.0°|mm and 3.9°|mm for the 1-DOF and 2-DOF models, respectively. These results indicate that a 2-DOF model with two rotations as inputs may be used with confidence to predict the full 3D motion of the knee-joint complex.
Nonhomogeneous expanding flows in hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Pipoli Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, we consider star-shaped mean convex hypersurfaces of the real, complex and quaternionic hyperbolic space evolving by a class of nonhomogeneous expanding flows. For any choice of the ambient manifold, the initial conditions are preserved and the long-time existence of the flow is proved. The geometry of the ambient space influences the asymptotic behaviour of the flow: after a suitable rescaling, the induced metric converges to a conformal multiple of the standard Riemannian round metric of the sphere if the ambient manifold is the real hyperbolic space; otherwise, it converges to a conformal multiple of the standard sub-Riemannian metric on the odd-dimensional sphere. Finally, in every case, we are able to construct infinitely many examples such that the limit does not have constant scalar curvature.
Viable healthcare supply chain network design for a pandemic
Authors: Alizadeh Mehdi , Pishvaee Mir Saman , Jahani Hamed , Paydar Mohammad Mahdi , Makui Ahmad
Published: September 2022

The recent COVID-19 pandemic revealed that healthcare networks must have a flexible and effective structure. In this study, we develop a viable healthcare network design for a pandemic using a multi-stage stochastic approach. We propose a multi-level network that includes health centers, computed tomography scan centers, hospitals, and clinics. Patients have conditions to returning to normal life or quarantining at home. Three objectives are defined: maximizing the probability of patient recovery, minimizing the costs of all centers in the network, and minimizing the Coronavirus death rate. We investigate a real case study in Iran to demonstrate the model’s applicability. Finally, we compare the healthcare supply chain network design in a pandemic with a normal situation to advise how the network can continue to remain viable.
Argumentation in Philosophical Controversies
Authors: Leal Fernando , Marraud Hubert
Published: September 2022

Anyone interested in philosophical argumentation should be prepared to study philosophical debates and controversies because it is an intensely dialogical, and even contentious, genre of argumentation. There is hardly any other way to do them justice. This is the reason why the present special issue addresses philosophical argumentation within philosophical debates. Of the six articles in this special issue, one deals with a technical aspect, the diagramming of arguments, another contrasts two moments in philosophical argumentation, Antiquity and the twentieth century, focusing on the use of refutation, and the remaining four analyze particular philosophical controversies. The controversies analyzed differ significantly in their characteristics (time, extension, media, audience,…). Hopefully, this varied sample will illuminate some salient aspects of philosophical argumentation, its representation and variations throughout history. We are fully aware that, given the scarcity of previous studies of philosophical debates from the perspective of argumentation theory, the following specimens of analysis must have several shortcomings. But it is a well-known adage that the hardest part is the beginning. That is what we tried to achieve here, no more, but no less either.
Impact of instructor on-slide presence in synchronous e-learning
Authors: Katai Zoltan , Iclanzan David
Published: September 2022

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education programs had to switch to synchronous online teaching. Teachers suddenly faced pressing unaddressed challenges, such as how to better transfer their “presence” from the traditional classroom to the online space in a way that keeps students engaged. This paper explores new venues for increasing the quality of synchronous online learning. We propose the notion of broad on-slide presence, pillared on an increased instructor expressiveness and an elevated instructor slide-content interaction. We conducted four studies to investigate the benefits of delivering lectures in this format, using a mixed methods research approach. We combined survey methodology with transversal design and structural equation modelling with qualitative methodology using discourse analysis of teacher interviews. Results revealed a significant increase in perceived knowledge gain and attentional engagement, and an improved and more personal student experience. At the same time, the instructor’s broader on-slide presence also resulted in an increased teacher satisfaction.
On $$[H^{1}]^{3 \times 3}$$, $$[H(\text {curl})]^3$$ and $$H(\text {sym Curl})$$ finite elements for matrix-valued Curl problems
Authors: Sky Adam , Muench Ingo , Neff Patrizio
Published: September 2022

In this work we test the numerical behaviour of matrix-valued fields approximated by finite element subspaces of $$[{{\,\mathrm{\textit{H}^1}\,}}]^{3\times 3}$$

[

H
1

]

3
×
3

, $$[ H (\textrm{curl}{})]^3$$

[
H

(
curl

)

]

3

and $$ H (\textrm{sym}\, \textrm{Curl}{})$$

H
(
sym

Curl

)

for a linear abstract variational problem connected to the relaxed micromorphic model. The formulation of the corresponding finite elements is introduced, followed by numerical benchmarks and our conclusions. The relaxed micromorphic continuum model reduces the continuity assumptions of the classical micromorphic model by replacing the full gradient of the microdistortion in the free energy functional with the Curl. This results in a larger solution space for the microdistortion, namely $$[ H (\textrm{curl}{})]^3$$

[
H

(
curl

)

]

3

in place of the classical $$[{{\,\mathrm{\textit{H}^1}\,}}]^{3 \times 3}$$

[

H
1

]

3
×
3

. The continuity conditions on the microdistortion can be further weakened by taking only the symmetric part of the Curl. As shown in recent works, the new appropriate space for the microdistortion is then $$ H (\textrm{sym}\, \textrm{Curl}{})$$

H
(
sym

Curl

)

. The newly introduced space gives rise to a new differential complex for the relaxed micromorphic continuum theory.
Review of the NRC Canada Studies on Fire Resistance of Walls: Results, Research Gaps and Design Guidelines
Authors: Sultan Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

The National research council Canada conducted three major fire resistance studies on the interior party walls, interior fire separation walls and exterior walls. The fire resistance results of these studies were published over the past three decades and the publications were short in suggesting design guidelines for practioners’ use and gaps for future research. This paper summaries the fire resistance results of 35 full-scale wall tests, suggests design guidelines and identifies future research gaps for interior party walls, interior fire separation walls and exterior walls. The result summary includes the effect of different design parameters on the fire resistance performance of wall assemblies such as the stud type and spacing, number of stud rows, number of gypsum board layers and thickness, mid-height blocking, resilient channels installation and spacing, screws spacing for attaching gypsum board to either wall faming or resilient channels, insulation type and exterior wall sheathing type on the fire resistance of loadbearing and non-loadbearing wall assemblies. The summary results was used as the basis for suggesting design guidelines for practioners’ use and identifying gaps for future research to improve the fire resistance performance of wall assemblies. For example, the use of a reduced screw spacing from 406 mm o.c. to 203 mm o.c. in the gypsum board field and from 406 mm o.c. to 150 mm o.c. at the board joints was suggested for future research to keep the protective gypsum board layer attached to studs or resilient channels longer for a better fire resistance performance of wall assemblies. Also, fire resistance design guidelines are suggested, for examples, the use of rock fibre insulation for non-load bearing interior party walls to achieve 1.5-h fire resistance, the use of cellulose fibre insulation for loadbearing fire separation walls to achieve 2-h fire resistance rating and the use of reduced screw spacing in attaching the gypsum board to wall framing from 406 mm o.c. to 203 mm o.c. for loadbearing exterior wall assembly with gypsum board glass mat sheathing to expand the fire resistance rating from non-useful 30-min to a useful code compliance 45-min fire resistance rating assembly. Additional suggested examples for future research gaps and design guidelines are also provided.
Do couples bunch more? Evidence from partnered and single taxpayers
Authors: Alinaghi Nazila , Creedy John , Gemmell Norman
Published: September 2022

Recent papers hypothesise that estimates of the elasticity of taxable income (ETI) for individuals may be underestimated where those individuals are taxed separately but are part of a couple. This paper investigates that issue by applying the ‘bunching at tax kinks’ approach to estimate separate ETIs for partnered and single individuals. It shows that there are opportunities for, and constraints on, bunching specific to partnered individuals. Using administrative taxable income data for the New Zealand taxpayer population over the period, 2000 to 2017, taxpayers are matched to their partners using population census data. Results strongly support the hypotheses that ETIs are larger for partnered, than for single, individuals, and where both partners are located in the same income tax bracket. Couples where one (and especially where two) partners are self-employed reveal particularly large elasticities.
Evaluation of a School-Based Headsprout Intervention for Improving Literacy
Authors: McWilliams Gerry , Leslie Julian C. , McDowell Claire
Published: September 2022

Headsprout Early Reading is a computer-based program designed on behavioral principles to enhance the basic skills that underpin the initial development of reading. In a within and between groups design, and using primary schools within Northern Ireland that had a currently high proportion of disadvantaged pupils, children who were behind their peers in progress with reading were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 79), where the target was to work through 80 reading training episodes within a school year, or a teaching as usual group (n = 44). Reading skills were assessed in all children before, at the midpoint, and after the intervention using a flashcard-based phonics identification test with three levels of difficulty, and before and after intervention using a standardized reading assessment, which generated a sentence reading age and a phonics reading age. Both groups showed increased scores on all measures over the 6 months of the study, but the intervention group showed markedly greater improvement. Importantly, the mean scores on sentence reading age and phonics reading age for the intervention group increased by over 17 months and 12.1 months, respectively, as opposed to 7.6 months and 7.8 months with the control group. These findings also validated the use of the flashcard-based phonics identification test with this population. This study indicates that widespread use of Headsprout Early Reading in mainstream education could be highly effective.
Less Restrictive Behavioral Interventions for Sleep Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Single Case Feasibility Study
Authors: Woodford Emma C. , McLay Laurie , Blampied Neville M. , France Karyn G. , Gibbs Rosina , Whitaker Charis , McCaughan Emma
Published: September 2022

Sleep problems are prevalent among autistic children and children with Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders (RGND). Behavioral interventions are commonly used to treat sleep problems, with most involving extinction. While effective, the occurrence of a response burst (i.e., temporary worsening of the behavior) can result in a temporary increase in parent and child distress, and negatively affect treatment adherence. Thus, it is important to develop less restrictive treatment options. This study used a single case multiple baseline design to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of less restrictive behavioral interventions (i.e., specifically excluding extinction) for sleep problems in ten autistic children and children with RGND (M = 7.3 years). Results demonstrated a reduction in sleep disturbance including unwanted bed-sharing, night wakings and sleep onset delay for 3/3, 5/5 and 6/7 children respectively, which were maintained at follow-up. Interventions were rated favorably by parents. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Does Consulting an Occupational Medicine Specialist Decrease Time to Return to Work Among Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients? A 12-Month Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: van Zaanen Y. , Kievit A. J. , van Geenen R. C. I. , Pahlplatz T. M. J. , Hoozemans M. J. M. , Blankevoort L. , Schafroth M. U. , Haverkamp D. , Vervest T. M. J. S. , Das D. H. P. W. , Scholtes V. A. , van der Beek A. J. , Kuijer P. P. F. M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate whether total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who consulted an occupational medicine specialist (OMS) within 3 months after surgery, return to work (RTW) earlier than patients who did not consult an OMS.

Methods

A multi-center prospective cohort study was performed among working TKA patients, aged 18 to 65 years and intending to RTW. Time to RTW was analyzed using Kaplan Meier and Mann Whitney U (MWU), and multiple linear regression analysis was used to adjust for effect modification and confounding.

Results

One hundred and eighty-two (182) patients were included with a median age of 59 years [IQR 54–62], including 95 women (52%). Patients who consulted an OMS were less often self-employed but did not differ on other patient and work-related characteristics. TKA patients who consulted an OMS returned to work later than those who did not (median 78 versus 62 days, MWU p < 0.01). The effect of consulting an OMS on time to RTW was modified by patients’ expectations in linear regression analysis (p = 0.05). A median decrease in time of 24 days was found in TKA patients with preoperative high expectations not consulting an OMS (p = 0.03), not in patients with low expectations.

Conclusions

Consulting an OMS within 3 months after surgery did not result in a decrease in time to RTW in TKA patients. TKA patients with high expectations did RTW earlier without consulting an OMS. Intervention studies on how OMSs can positively influence a timely RTW, incorporating patients’ preoperative expectations, are needed.
Image fusion for neutron tomography of nuclear fuel
Authors: Chuirazzi William , Kane Joshua , Craft Aaron , Schulthess Jason
Published: September 2022

Image fusion, the process of combining different images together, can be useful to create a more complete picture. In this work, image fusion is applied to neutron tomography of nuclear fuel with the goal of enhancing the information obtained about the fuel. Different reconstruction methods, such as Feldkamp, Davis and Kress filtered back projection and Simultaneous Reconstruction Technique, were combined to enhance image quality. This methodology was shown to reduce noise and ring artifacts without sacrificing sharp edges, allowing for a more accurate representation of sample geometry. Technique enhancements and future applications for the neutron imaging community are also discussed.
Representation learning for clustering via building consensus
Authors: Deshmukh Aniket Anand , Regatti Jayanth Reddy , Manavoglu Eren , Dogan Urun
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we focus on unsupervised representation learning for clustering of images. Recent advances in deep clustering and unsupervised representation learning are based on the idea that different views of an input image (generated through data augmentation techniques) must be close in the representation space (exemplar consistency), and/or similar images must have similar cluster assignments (population consistency). We define an additional notion of consistency,consensus consistency, which ensures that representations are learned to induce similar partitions for variations in the representation space, different clustering algorithms or different initializations of a single clustering algorithm. We define a clustering loss by executing variations in the representation space and seamlessly integrate all three consistencies (consensus, exemplar and population) into an end-to-end learning framework. The proposed algorithm, consensus clustering using unsupervised representation learning (ConCURL), improves upon the clustering performance of state-of-the-art methods on four out of five image datasets. Furthermore, we extend the evaluation procedure for clustering to reflect the challenges encountered in real-world clustering tasks, such as maintaining clustering performance in cases with distribution shifts. We also perform a detailed ablation study for a deeper understanding of the proposed algorithm. The code and the trained models are available athttps://github.com/JayanthRR/ConCURL_NCE.
Co-designed mini-games for children with visual impairment: a pilot study on their usability
Authors: Battistin Tiziana , Dalla Pozza Nadir , Trentin Silvia , Volpin Giovanni , Franceschini Andrea , Rodà Antonio
Published: September 2022

Digital games aimed at improving cognitive and/or motor-sensory skills need to be carefully designed to take into account the characteristics and needs of particular categories of users. Several novel mini-games explicitly aimed at children with visual impairment (VI) were co-designed by a multidisciplinary team which involved computer engineers and a therapy team from the Robert Hollman Foundation (Padova, Italy). These games are played by children moving within a large-scale interactive environment – i.e., a floor portion placed under a motion capture system capable of tracking one or more people – with the game linking the players movements to the audio and visual output to produce meaningful interactions. We report on a pilot study of the usability of the system involving 11 children with VI. The results allowed us to improve the system and to define a set of guidelines useful for designers and developers of similar systems.
An efficient analytical approach to assess root cause of nonlinear electric vehicle gear whine
Authors: Mughal Hamza , Sivayogan Gajarajan , Dolatabadi Nader , Rahmani Ramin
Published: September 2022

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues pose considerable challenges for electric vehicle powertrain engineers. Gear vibrations generate an intrusive gear whine noise, with significant impact on the sound quality of electric powertrains. Dynamic transmission error (DTE) is the most quantitative indicator for gear NVH. Backlash, time variable meshing stiffness and damping contribute to DTE. Hence, a better understanding of these excitation sources is essential. A gear tribodynamics model is developed using potential energy method to estimate time variable meshing stiffness (TVMS). A fully analytical time-efficient model is proposed for lubricated contact stiffness based on transitions in the regimes of lubrication. The model accounts for the combined effects of surface elasticity and lubricant stiffness. Film thickness and damping coefficients are transiently updated at each instant during meshing cycle. The predictions from this model are compared with measured results from the literature and predicted results from Hertz contact model. The lubricated contact model successfully shows the contribution of the lubricant stiffness to TVMS and its variations with elasticity and viscosity parameters during meshing cycle. Gear harmonic and super-harmonic resonances are accurately estimated in terms of amplitude, frequencies and stiffness softening nonlinearities. Time history responses and phase-displacement diagrams show good agreement with the gear dynamics response at the main harmonic and second super-harmonic frequencies. The proposed model has a reasonable accuracy, significantly better than those from Hertzian contact models, and is considerably time efficient in comparison to numerical EHL solvers.
Design of a perfect-tracking soft-landing controller for electromagnetic switching devices
Authors: Ramirez-Laboreo Edgar , Moya-Lasheras Eduardo , Sagues Carlos
Published: September 2022

Electromagnetic switching devices such as electromechanical relays and solenoid valves suffer from impacts and mechanical wear when they are activated using a constant-voltage policy. This paper presents a new control approach that aims at achieving soft landing in these devices, i.e., a movement without neither impacts nor bouncing. The hybrid nonlinear dynamics of the system is firstly described taking into account the limited range of motion that characterizes this class of devices. Then, the nonlinear expression of the control law is derived and a method to design a soft-landing reference trajectory is proposed. It is shown that, when certain conditions are met, the design methodology presented in the paper results in a controller that achieves perfect tracking of the reference trajectory and, hence, soft landing is accomplished. The theoretical analysis is validated by simulation using a dynamical model of a specific switching device.
A bifurcation of the peak: new patterns of traffic peaking during the COVID-19 era
Authors: Gao Yang , Levinson David
Published: September 2022

This paper analyzes the emergence of two well-defined peaks during the morning peak period in the traffic flow diurnal curve. It selects six California cities as research targets, and uses California employment and household travel survey data to explain how and why this phenomenon has risen during the pandemic. The final result explains that the double-humped phenomenon results from the change in the composition of commuters during the morning peak period after the outbreak.
Accounting for Context in Randomized Trials after Assignment
Authors: Brown C. Hendricks , Hedeker Donald , Gibbons Robert D. , Duan Naihua , Almirall Daniel , Gallo Carlos , Burnett-Zeigler Inger , Prado Guillermo , Young Sean D. , Valido Alberto , Wyman Peter A.
Published: September 2022

Many preventive trials randomize individuals to intervention condition which is then delivered in a group setting. Other trials randomize higher levels, say organizations, and then use learning collaboratives comprised of multiple organizations to support improved implementation or sustainment. Other trials randomize or expand existing social networks and use key opinion leaders to deliver interventions through these networks. We use the term contextually driven to refer generally to such trials (traditionally referred to as clustering, where groups are formed either pre-randomization or post-randomization — i.e., a cluster-randomized trial), as these groupings or networks provide fixed or time-varying contexts that matter both theoretically and practically in the delivery of interventions. While such contextually driven trials can provide efficient and effective ways to deliver and evaluate prevention programs, they all require analytical procedures that take appropriate account of non-independence, something not always appreciated. Published analyses of many prevention trials have failed to take this into account. We discuss different types of contextually driven designs and then show that even small amounts of non-independence can inflate actual Type I error rates. This inflation leads to rejecting the null hypotheses too often, and erroneously leading us to conclude that there are significant differences between interventions when they do not exist. We describe a procedure to account for non-independence in the important case of a two-arm trial that randomizes units of individuals or organizations in both arms and then provides the active treatment in one arm through groups formed after assignment. We provide sample code in multiple programming languages to guide the analyst, distinguish diverse contextually driven designs, and summarize implications for multiple audiences.
Legitimate Wealth? How Wealthy Business Owners are Portrayed in the Press
Authors: Waitkus Nora , Wallaschek Stefan
Published: September 2022

Germany has one of the highest levels of wealth concentration of any Western capitalist country. Research on the legitimization of economic inequality highlights that wealth elites tend to stress meritocratic arguments for legitimizing elite positions and wealth accumulation. However, whether this is also the case for wealthy business owners and how the media tends to portray those remains largely unknown. Drawing on a unique sample of 899 press articles from eight different media outlets between 2014 and 2018, we find a rather generous media debate. Based on descriptive evidence and a latent class analysis, we identify six latent frames illustrating how wealthy business owners are portrayed in the press. We show that the sources of wealth (inheritance, investment, entrepreneurship) are often used to highlight these owners’ deep economic relevance to the German economy, while the use of wealth is predominantly framed as a mean for profit-seeking. For wealthy business owners, moral evaluation of personal conduct is less present in the media and, when it is present, is rarely negative. Our study is the first analysis of press coverage of the wealthiest German business owners indicating a legitimizing media debate of high wealth concentration in an advanced capitalist society.
The effect of a postbiotic produced by stabilized non-viable Lactobacilli on the health, growth performance, immunity, and gut status of colisepticaemic broiler chickens
Authors: Abd El-Ghany Wafaa A. , Fouad H. , Quesnell R. , Sakai L.
Published: September 2022

This work was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a postbiotic compound produced by stabilized non-viable Lactobacilli on the health, growth performance, immunity, and gut status against Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge of broiler chickens. A total of 400, day-old broiler chicks were allocated into 4 equal groups (1–4) consisting of 100; each assigned into 2 equal replicates (50 each). Chickens in the 1st group were received the dry form of the compound at doses of 1 kg and 0.5 kg/ton feed for starter and grower, and the finisher diets, respectively. Chickens in the 2nd group were given the aqueous form of the compound in a dose of 4 mL/L of the drinking water during the first 3 days of life and at a day before and after each vaccination. Feed and water treatment regimens were administered to chickens in the 3rd group. Group 4 was kept without treatment. Each bird in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group was challenged with E. coli (O78) at 1-week-old. All groups were kept under observation till 5-week-old. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and other methods as described with significant differences at P ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that feed and water treatments with the postbiotic compound induced more significant (P ≤ 0.05) amelioration of a disease picture, enhancement of growth performance, boosting of immune response, improvement of bursa of Fabricius/body weight ratio, and reduction of intestinal coliform count in challenged chickens when compared with challenged non-treated chickens. In conclusion, the postbiotic compound either in a dry and/or an aqueous form is recommended for improving the health, performance, and immunity of colisepticaemic broiler chickens.
Simultaneous decolorization of anionic and cationic dyes by 3D metal-free easily separable visible light active photocatalyst
Authors: Mansor Eman S. , El Shall Fatma N. , Radwan Emad K.
Published: September 2022

To overcome the hard and costly post-treatment separation of ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (UGCN), it was supported on polyurethane foam (PUF). The ratio of PUF/UGCN was optimized for the removal of a mixture of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The characteristics of the composite photocatalyst and its photocatalytic performance were detailly studied. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared results proved the successful preparation of UGCN and PUF and that the PUF/UGCN composite combines the features of both pure materials. The transmission electron microscopy illustrated the ultrathin nanosheet shape of the UGCN, while the scanning electron microscope showed the highly porous 3D-hierarchical structure of PUF. Compared to the pure components, the composite photocatalyst with PUF/UGCN mass ratio of 4 achieved better decolorization of MO and almost same decolorization of MB as UGCN. Neutral pH and 1 g/L of the composite photocatalyst were the optimum conditions for MB/MO mixture decolorization. The composite photocatalyst kept its efficiency for five successive cycles. Hydroxyl radicals were the dominant in the degradation of MB, while superoxide radicals were the most influencer in MO degradation. Conclusively, supporting UGCN onto PUF kept the photocatalytic efficiency of UGCN toward MB decolorization and improved its efficiency toward MO. Moreover, it enabled the reuse of the composite photocatalyst and facilitated the post-treatment separation process.
Neither myonuclear accretion nor a myonuclear domain size ceiling is a feature of the attenuated hypertrophic potential of aged human skeletal muscle
Authors: Brook Matthew S. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Tarum Janelle , Mitchell Kyle W. , Lund Jonathan L. , Phillips Bethan E. , Szewczyk Nathaniel J. , Kadi Fawzi , Greenhaff Paul L. , Smith Ken , Atherton Philip J.
Published: September 2022

Ageing limits growth capacity of skeletal muscle
(e.g. in response to resistance exercise), but the role of satellite cell (SC) function in driving this phenomenon is poorly defined. Younger (Y) (~ 23 years) and older (O) men (~ 69 years) (normal-weight BMI) underwent 6 weeks of unilateral resistance exercise training (RET). Muscle biopsies were taken at baseline and after 3-/6-week training. We determined muscle size by fibre CSA (and type), SC number, myonuclei counts and DNA synthesis (via D2O ingestion). At baseline, there were no significant differences in fibre areas between Y and O. RET increased type I fibre area in Y from baseline at both 3 weeks and 6 weeks (baseline: 4509 ± 534 µm2, 3 weeks; 5497 ± 510 µm2P < 0.05, 6 weeks; 5402 ± 352 µm2P < 0.05), whilst O increased from baseline at 6 weeks only (baseline 5120 ± 403 µm2, 3 weeks; 5606 ± 620 µm2, 6 weeks; 6017 ± 482 µm2P < 0.05). However, type II fibre area increased from baseline in Y at both 3 weeks and 6 weeks (baseline: 4949 ± 459 µm2, 3 weeks; 6145 ± 484 µm2 (P < 0.01), 6 weeks; 5992 ± 491 µm2 (P < 0.01), whilst O showed no change (baseline 5210 ± 410 µm2, 3 weeks; 5356 ± 535 µm2 (P = 0.9), 6 weeks; 5857 ± 478 µm2 (P = 0.1). At baseline, there were no differences in fibre myonuclei number between Y and O. RET increased type I fibre myonuclei number from baseline in both Y and O at 3 weeks and 6 weeks with RET (younger: baseline 2.47 ± 0.16, 3 weeks; 3.19 ± 0.16 (P < 0.001), 6 weeks; 3.70 ± 0.29 (P < 0.0001); older: baseline 2.29 ± 0.09, 3 weeks; 3.01 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001), 6 weeks; 3.65 ± 0.18 (P < 0.0001)). Similarly, type II fibre myonuclei number increased from baseline in both Y and O at 3 weeks and 6 weeks (younger: baseline 2.49 ± 0.14, 3 weeks; 3.31 ± 0.21 (P < 0.001), 6 weeks; 3.86 ± 0.29 (P < 0.0001); older: baseline 2.43 ± 0.12, 3 weeks; 3.37 ± 0.12 (P < 0.001), 6 weeks; 3.81 ± 0.15 (P < 0.0001)). DNA synthesis rates %.d−1 exhibited a main effect of training but no age discrimination. Declines in myonuclei addition do not underlie impaired muscle growth capacity in older humans, supporting ribosomal and proteostasis impairments as we have previously reported.
Comparison of Simple-Summated Scoring and Toxicity Index Scoring of Symptom Bother in the NSABP B-30 Clinical Trial
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Gresham Gillian , Ganz Patricia A. , Tighiouart Mourad
Published: September 2022

Background

Level of symptom burden for cancer patients can be summarized using simple-summated scoring of multiple patient-reported symptoms. The Toxicity Index (TI) is an alternative that has been used primarily to summarize clinician-reported toxicities.

Objective

To compare the TI with simple-summated scoring of 28 patient-reported symptoms.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from a clinical trial of women with stage 2 or 3 breast cancer: baseline (n = 2156) and 6 months later (n = 1764). Study participants completed the 28-item Breast Cancer Prevention Trial symptom checklist assessing level of symptom bother in the past 7 days and four criterion items assessing general health and overall quality of life.

Results

Associations of simple-summated scoring of the 28 cancer-related symptoms with the general health and overall quality of life items tended to be larger than correlations of the TI summary scoring of the symptoms. For example, the Spearman correlation of change in quality of life was − 0.38 with change in the simple-summated score and − 0.23 with change in the TI.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that simple-summated scoring and differential weighting of the level of symptom bother yield similar results.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians can use simple-summated scoring rather than more complicated scoring algorithms to obtain an indication of overall level of symptom burden among cancer patients.
Periodic unfolding for lattice structures
Authors: Falconi Riccardo , Griso Georges , Orlik Julia
Published: September 2022

This paper deals with the periodic unfolding for sequences defined on one dimensional lattices in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

. In order to transfer the known results of the periodic unfolding in $${\mathbb {R}}^N$$

R

N

to lattices, the investigation of functions defined as interpolation on lattice nodes play the main role. The asymptotic behavior for sequences defined on periodic lattices with information until the first and until the second order derivatives are shown. In the end, a direct application of the results is given by homogenizing a 4th order Dirichlet problem defined on a periodic lattice.
Patients’ Preference for Participation in Medical Decision-Making: Secondary Analysis of the BEDSIDE-OUTSIDE Trial
Authors: Becker Christoph , Gross Sebastian , Gamp Martina , Beck Katharina , Amacher Simon A. , Mueller Jonas , Bohren Chantal , Blatter René , Schaefert Rainer , Schuetz Philipp , Leuppi Joerg , Bassetti Stefano , Hunziker Sabina
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients may prefer different levels of involvement in decision-making regarding their medical care which may influence their medical knowledge.

Objective

We investigated associations of patients’ decisional control preference (DCP) with their medical knowledge, ward round performance measures (e.g., duration, occurrence of sensitive topics), and perceived quality of care measures (e.g., trust in the healthcare team, satisfaction with hospital stay).

Design

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled multicenter trial conducted between 2017 and 2019 at 3 Swiss teaching hospitals.

Participants

Adult patients that were hospitalized for inpatient care.

Main Measures

The primary outcome was patients’ subjective average knowledge of their medical care (rated on a visual analog scale from 0 to 100). We classified patients as active, collaborative, and passive according to the Control Preference Scale. Data collection was performed before, during, and after the ward round.

Key Results

Among the 761 included patients, those with a passive DCP had a similar subjective average (mean ± SD) knowledge (81.3 ± 19.4 points) compared to patients with a collaborative DCP (78.7 ± 20.3 points) and active DCP (81.3 ± 21.5 points), p = 0.25. Regarding patients’ trust in physicians and nurses, we found that patients with an active vs. passive DCP reported significantly less trust in physicians (adjusted difference, − 5.08 [95% CI, − 8.69 to − 1.48 points], p = 0.006) and in nurses (adjusted difference, − 3.41 [95% CI, − 6.51 to − 0.31 points], p = 0.031). Also, patients with an active vs. passive DCP were significantly less satisfied with their hospital stay (adjusted difference, − 7.17 [95% CI, − 11.01 to − 3.34 points], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with active DCP have lower trust in the healthcare team and lower overall satisfaction despite similar perceived medical knowledge. The knowledge of a patient’s DCP may help to individualize patient-centered care. A personalized approach may improve the patient-physician relationship and increase patients’ satisfaction with medical care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03210987).
Exclusivity strategies for digital products across digital and physical markets
Authors: Seifert Rouven , Otten Cord , Clement Michel , Albers Sönke , Kleinen Ole
Published: September 2022

Digital technologies allow versioning a product (e.g., a movie) for different physical and digital sequential distribution channels to target heterogeneous consumer segments, thereby creating exclusive offers. Extant literature on sequential distribution for movies largely concentrates on the theater-to-home-video window length (e.g., DVD), thus, neglecting digital distribution channels, particularly the potential of exclusive digital offers when multiple subsequent home video channels are available. We empirically examine the impact of exclusive digital movie offers on demand in digital and physical distribution channels. We fit a system of equations to a unique sample of 260 movies distributed in theaters, digital purchases, digital rentals, and physical purchases channels. Overall, the results indicate substantial profits from exclusive offers. Rather than sales cannibalizations, we find positive cross-channel demand spillovers from exclusive digital offers to delayed physical purchases. Exclusive home video offers outperform mere reductions in the theatrical exclusivity period; thus, implementing exclusive digital home video releases is a promising alternative to avoid conflict-prone reductions of the overall theater-to-home-video release window. Our findings are also relevant to industries that use different online and offline release windows (book publishers) or give exclusive access across different platforms (game publishers).