bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting the Production of Hydrogen from an Overall Urea Splitting Reaction Using a Tri‐Functional Scandium–Cobalt Electrocatalyst
Authors: Tamilarasi S , Kumar Ramasamy Santhosh , Kim Ae Rhan , Kim Hyun Jin , Yoo Dong Jin
Published: September 2024

The creation of highly efficient and economical electrocatalysts is essential to the massive electrolysis of water to produce clean energy. The ability to use urea reaction of oxidation (UOR) in place of the oxygen/hydrogen evolution process (OER/HER) during water splitting is a significant step toward the production of high‐purity hydrogen with less energy usage. Empirical evidence suggests that the UOR process consists of two stages. First, the metal sites undergo an electrochemical pre‐oxidation reaction, and then the urea molecules on the high‐valence metal sites are chemically oxidized. Here, the use of scandium‐doped CoTe supported on carbon nanotubes called Sc@CoTe/CNT is reported and CoTe/CNT as a composite to efficiently promote hydrogen generation from highly durable and active electrocatalysts for the OER/UOR/HER in urea and alkali solutions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the UOR facilitates charge transfer across the interface. Furthermore, the Sc@CoTe/CNT nanocatalyst has high performance in KOH and KOH‐containing urea solutions as demonstrated by the HER, OER, and UOR (215 mV, 1.59, and 1.31 V, respectively, at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH) and CoTe/CNT shows 195 mV, 1.61 and 1.3 V, respectively. Consequently, the total urea splitting system achieves 1.29 V, whereas the overall water splitting device obtaines 1.49 V of Sc@CoTe/CNT and CoTe/CNT shows 1.54, 1.48 V, respectively. This work presents a viable method of combining HER with UOR for maximally effective hydrogen production.
Supervision: A Tool for Good Health and Well-Being
Authors: Bårdsgjerde Elise Kvalsund , Landstad Bodil J. , Hole Torstein , Kvangarsnes Marit , Dahl Berit Misund
Published: September 2024

This chapter presents supervision with the intention of strengthening good health and well-being. Supervision strategies for patients and service users and in groups amongst health professionals are described. Supervision aims to make individuals and organisations aware of the knowledge, experiences, and values underpinning their practice. This will enable them to become aware of their practical theory and increase the possibilities for change and development. Health-literate people and organisations are important for sustainable health services and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Supervision is a tool for healthcare professionals to empower individuals and organisations for lifelong learning, as it enables people’s engagement in health promotion and treatment. Supervision is a valuable strategy for reaching the SDGs Good health and well-being (3) and Quality education (4).
Schur-Concavity of Certain Set-Valued Means
Authors: Nikodem Kazimierz
Published: September 2024

The notion of set-valued means is investigated. It is proved that set-valued counterparts of the classical arithmetic, quasi-arithmetic and Lagrangian means are Schur-concave.
Sexualaufklärung für Jugendliche und Erwachsene – Max Hodann (1894–1946) in Aktion
Authors: Mildenberger Florian , Hansson Nils , Bergkvist Göran , Moll Friedrich H.
Published: September 2024

Bis in die 1970er-Jahre hinein tobte in Deutschland ein Kulturkampf über die Frage der Sinnhaftigkeit einer sexuellen Aufklärung der Jugend. Doch ein Arzt erkannte frühzeitig, dass es mehr Sinn machen würde, auch die Erwachsenen über ihren Körper und seine genitalen Leiden aufzuklären. Damit spülte Max Hodann (1894–1946) während der Weimarer Republik ungewollt zahllose Patienten in die Praxen der „neuen Fachärzte“.
MTX Osteopathy Versus Osteoporosis Including Response to Treatment Data—A Retrospective Single Center Study Including 172 Patients
Authors: von Brackel Felix N. , Grambeck Jonathan , Barvencik Florian , Amling Michael , Oheim Ralf
Published: September 2024

MTX is an effective and widely used immunomodulatory drug for rheumatoid diseases. MTX osteopathy is a very rare and specific side effect, characterized by stress fractures at multiple locations in the lower extremity, hampering the patient’s mobility by pain and loss of function. In clinical practice, osteoporosis and MTX osteopathy are repeatedly confused and a comparative workup is needed to clarity it’s specifics. Furthermore, specific treatment options for MTX osteopathy need to be established. We compared patients suffering from MTX osteopathy to patients with osteoporosis (OPO). Patients underwent an extensive clinical workup including blood sampling, bone mineral density measurements, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and muscular performance testing. Furthermore, treatment regimes in MTX osteopathy were compared with respect to regain of mobility and pain reduction. 83 patients with MTX osteopathy and 89 with OPO were included. Patients with MTX osteopathy did exhibit fractures predominantly at the lower extremity and pain scores were significantly higher (MTX: 6.75 ± 1.86 vs. OPO: 3.62 ± 2.95, p < 0.0001). MTX-caused mobility restriction was successfully reduced by treatment only if MTX was discontinued (pre-treatment: 2.16 ± 1.19 vs. post-treatment: 1.04 ± 0.87, p < 0.0001). Most mobility gain was achieved by involving anabolic treatment (anabolic: 2.1 ± 1.02 vs. antiresorptive: 1.09 ± 0.94, p < 0.05). In summary, MTX osteopathy is characterized by distinct lower extremity stress fractures leading to severe pain and immobility. Discontinuation of MTX is essential to enable treatment success and involving anabolic treatment seems to be more effectively in mobility regain as antiresorptive treatment alone.
Preventing OsteoPorosis in Spinal Cord Injury (POPSCI) Study—Early Zoledronic Acid Infusion in Patients with Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kumar Shejil , Doyle Jean , Wood Cameron , Heriseanu Roxana , Weber Gerard , Nier Lianne , Middleton James W. , March Lyn , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J. , Girgis Christian M.
Published: September 2024

Accelerated sub-lesional bone loss is common in the first 2–3 years after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), particularly in the distal femur and proximal tibia. Few studies have explored efficacy of antiresorptives for acute bone loss prevention post-TSCI, with limited data for knee bone mineral density (BMD) or beyond two years follow-up. An open-label non-randomized study was performed at Royal North Shore Hospital and Royal Rehab Centre, Sydney between 2018 and 2023. An ‘acute interventional cohort’ (n = 11) with TSCI (duration ≤ 12-weeks) received a single infusion of 4 mg zoledronic acid (ZOL) at baseline. A ‘chronic non-interventional cohort’ (n = 9) with TSCI (duration 1–5-years) did not receive ZOL. All participants underwent baseline and 6-monthly blood tests (including CTx and P1NP) and 12-monthly DXA BMD scans (including distal femur and proximal tibia). Participants were predominantly Caucasian and male (mean age 38.4 years). At baseline, the ‘acute’ cohort had higher serum CTx, P1NP and sclerostin concentrations, while the ‘chronic’ cohort had lower left hip and knee BMD. Majority with acute TSCI experienced an acute phase reaction after ZOL (9/11; 82%). In the acute cohort, left hip BMD fell by mean ~ 15% by 48 months. Left distal femoral and proximal tibial BMD declined by mean ~ 6–13% at 12 months and ~ 20–23% at 48 months, with a tendency towards greater BMD loss in motor-complete TSCI. A single early ZOL infusion in acute TSCI could not attenuate rapidly declining hip and knee BMD. Prospective controlled studies are required to establish the optimal strategy for preventing early bone loss after acute TSCI.
How does heat generation affect the cut and chip wear of rubber?
Authors: Ryzí Nikolas , Stoček Radek , Maloch Jaroslav , Stěnička Martin
Published: September 2024

Tire wear is a fracture process that has a decisive impact on tire life and on the environment. When a tire rolls, a heating process occurs due to friction caused by the viscoelastic rubber sliding over uneven road. This process occurs globally in the contact patch area and locally around the asperity tips, heating the tread and transferring heat to the surrounding material. On roads with a good quality pavement, the stress, and therefore the heat, is evenly distributed throughout the rubber material of the tire, which has a direct effect on fatigue wear. In contrast, unevenly distributed stress, and therefore heat, is generated in the tread when the tire rolls and slides over sharp asperities in rough terrain. This leads to very pronounced, unstable fracture processes that cause unevenly distributed wear, known as cut and chip (CC). The extent of heat generation or temperature evolution and its effect on CC wear have not yet been investigated and described in scientific publications. Therefore, this study firstly presents the detailed characterization of the influence of temperature development on the CC wear of a styrene–butadiene rubber, which commonly is used in treads of consumer tires. The investigations were carried out using the unique instrumented cut and chip technique in combination with a high-speed thermography.
Ovarian reserve alteration in premenopausal women with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Pecher A. C. , Henes J. C. , Demin A. , Staufenberg E. M. , Henes M.
Published: September 2024

Anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) is produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles. It serves as a sensitive laboratory parameter for assessing ovarian reserve. A reduced ovarian reserve has been observed in patients with various autoimmune diseases. To compare serum levels of AMH as a surrogate parameter for ovarian reserve in female patients with systemic sclerosis compared to healthy controls and thereby assess fertility. In this single centre study from the University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany, we used serum samples to determine concentrations of AMH via an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We analysed 30 premenopausal female patients with systemic sclerosis and 30 age-matched healthy controls from 18 to 40 years. Patients who had received cyclophosphamide were excluded from this study. AMH levels were significantly reduced in patients with systemic sclerosis (955 ng/l versus 1.940 ng/L, p < 0.01). Interestingly, in contrast to healthy controls, we observed no significant correlation between age and AMH levels in patients. For women diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, especially at a younger age, regular assessment of AMH levels should be considered to improve guidance with regard to optimal pregnancy timepoint, fertility preservation and treatment options.
Levinson–Smith Dissipative Equations and Geometry of GENERIC Formalism and Contact Hamiltonian Mechanics
Authors: Cariñena José F. , Choudhury A. Ghose , Guha Partha
Published: September 2024

We apply Jacobi’s Last Multiplier theory to construct the non-standard Lagrangian and Hamiltonian structures for the Levinson–Smith equations satisfying the Chiellini integrability condition. Then after a brief exposition of the contact geometry, we explore its connection with the non-standard Hamiltonian structures. We present the formulation of the Levinson–Smith equation in terms of General Equation for the Non-Equilibrium Reversible-Irreversible Coupling (GENERIC) method and also study the gradient-type flow. We give a geometric formulation of GENERIC and apply this to general Levinson–Smith equations.
Transrectal versus transperineal prostate fusion biopsy: a pair-matched analysis to evaluate accuracy and complications
Authors: Oderda Marco , Diamand Romain , Abou Zahr Rawad , Anract Julien , Assenmacher Gregoire , Barry Delongchamps Nicolas , Bui Alexandre Patrick , Benamran Daniel , Calleris Giorgio , Dariane Charles , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Fiard Gaelle , Taha Fayek , Fourcade Alexandre , Fournier Georges , Guenzel Karsten , Halinski Adam , Marra Giancarlo , Ploussard Guillaume , Rysankova Katerina , Roche Jean-Baptiste , Simone Giuseppe , Windisch Olivier , Gontero Paolo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To evaluate biopsy-related complications and detection rates of any PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa, intended as grade group ≥ 2) between MRI-targeted TP fusion biopsies (TPBx) and TR ones (TRBx).

Methods

We performed a multicentric study on 4841 patients who underwent fusion biopsy between 2016 and 2023. A case–control matching was performed to find comparable cohorts of 646 TPBx and 646 TRBx. Mean T test and Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the cohorts, except for target location with a higher rate of anterior lesions in TPBx group. Complications were rare and no difference was found between the groups, with similar rates of infections after TRBx and TPBx (N = 5 (0.8%) vs N = 2 (0.3%), p 0.45). All patients in TRBx and 90.1% in TPBx group received antibiotic prophylaxis. A higher csPCa detection rate was found in TPBx over the group (50.5% vs 36.2%, p < 0.001). On average, positive targeted cores were increased in TPBx group, for any PCa (1.6 vs 1.4, p 0.04) and csPCa (1.0 vs 0.8, p 0.02). Among the limitations of study, we acknowledge the retrospective design and the possible under-reporting of complications.

Conclusions

MRI-targeted fusion TPBx achieves a significantly higher csPCa detection than TRBx, with a diagnostic advantage for apical and anterior lesions. No significant differences were found in terms of complications that were rare in both groups, considering a widespread adoption of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Assessment of acute radial artery injury after distal transradial access for coronary intervention: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Niu Dan , Wang Yuntao , Wu Yongxia , Li Zixuan , Liu Hao , Guo Jincheng
Published: September 2024

There is a paucity of data on acute radial artery (RA) injuries using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients undergoing coronary intervention via distal transradial coronary access (dTRA). To evaluate the incidence of acute RA injury following dTRA for coronary intervention using OCT. We retrospectively analyzed 200 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent coronary intervention guided by OCT and RA-OCT after dTRA at our center between June 2021 and November 2022. Total length of RA was divided into three segments based on the sheath location during dTRA: no sheath protection portion (proximal RA segment) and sheath protection portion (divided into mid- and distal segments). Acute RA injuries, including tears, dissections, perforations, thrombi, and spasms, were analyzed. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) was assessed using ultrasonography 24 h after dTRA. Acute RA injury was observed in 45.5% of patients after dTRA. The incidence of tear, dissection, perforation, thrombi, and spasm in all the patients was 11.5%, 16.5%, 1.5%, 17.5%, and 17.5%, respectively. In segment-level analysis, dissection and spasm were significantly more frequent in the proximal segment, followed by the mid and distal segments (11.0% vs. 5.5% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.015; 13.0% vs. 4.0% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.002). The rate of RAO at 24-h follow-up was 3.0%. Acute RA injuries were observed in nearly half of the patients using OCT via dTRA; dissection and spasm occurred more frequently in the proximal segment. Hydrophilic-coated sheaths have the potential advantage of preventing radial artery spasm and dissection.
Archimedean solids in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries
Authors: Viana Vera
Published: September 2024

Several artists, artisans, and mathematicians described fascinating solid bodies in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The knowledge they developed on the subject was so progressive that it is considered a milestone in the history of polyhedra. In the first part of this study we analyze, from a chronological and comparative perspective, the consistent studies developed between 1460 and 1583 on those that came to be recognized as Archimedean Solids. The authors who engaged in such studies were Piero della Francesca, Luca Pacioli, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, Augustin Hirschvogel, an Anonymous Author who accomplished remarkable studies between 1538 and 1556, Wentzel Jamnitzer, Daniele Barbaro, Lorenz Stöer, Rafael Bombelli, and Simon Stevin. In the second part, we discuss how the revolutionary method of describing solid bodies with planar nets contributed to the rediscovery of the Archimedean Solids. We also present our interpretation of some of the studies by the Anonymous Author and our conclusions on his identity and influence on other authors.
Bulk universality for complex non-Hermitian matrices with independent and identically distributed entries
Authors: Maltsev Anna , Osman Mohammed
Published: September 2024

We consider $$N\times N$$

N
×
N

matrices with complex entries that are perturbed by a complex Gaussian matrix with small variance. We prove that if the unperturbed matrix satisfies certain local laws then the bulk correlation functions are universal in the large N limit. Assuming the entries are independent and identically distributed (iid) with a common distribution that has finite moments, the Gaussian component is removed by the four moment theorem of Tao and Vu.
Inverse analysis for the computation of growth and boundary conditions in elastic bodies
Authors: Olivesi Cécilia , Muñoz José J.
Published: September 2024

A common approach for modelling growth processes in tissues and organs is the decomposition of the deformation gradient into elastic and growth contributions. The latter is usually deduced from empirically motivated laws, and validated by comparing the simulated and experimental final shapes. We here solve the associated inverse problem: deduce the growth distribution that best fits the measured deformation of an elastic body. Since in practical problems, boundary conditions are also in general unknown, we extend our methodology and optimality conditions to the inference of the boundary reaction forces. The system of equations is guaranteed to have a solution by resorting to an iterative regularisation process that we numerically analyse in order to deduce suitable parameters. Uniqueness of the solution is analysed as a function of the given measured positions, and ensured when the measured data encompass all the nodes of the mesh. In other situations, uniqueness can be guaranteed under some conditions on the data and elasticity stiffness matrix. We test and demonstrate the effectiveness of our methodology to capture arbitrary deformed shapes with a set of three-dimensional synthetic problems.
On the generalization of PINNs outside the training domain and the hyperparameters influencing it
Authors: Bonfanti Andrea , Santana Roberto , Ellero Marco , Gholami Babak
Published: September 2024

Generalization is a key property of machine learning models to perform accurately on unseen data. Conversely, in the field of scientific machine learning (SciML), generalization entails not only predictive accuracy but also the capacity of the model to encapsulate underlying physical principles. In this paper, we delve into the concept of generalization for Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) by investigating the consistency of the predictions of a PINN outside of its training domain. Through the lenses of a novel metric and statistical analysis, we study the scenarios in which a PINN can provide consistent predictions outside the region considered for training and hereinafter assess whether the algorithmic setup of the model can influence its potential for generalizing. Our results highlight why overparametrization is not a crucial component in SciML while encouraging overfitting on the training data. Despite being counterintuitive, the outcome of our analysis serves as a guideline for training PINNs for engineering applications.
Die Bedeutung des psychischen Strukturniveaus und dessen Auswirkung auf die Behandlungsplanung in humanistischen Psychotherapien
Authors: Kaisler Raphaela E. , Schaffler Yvonne , Fede Manfred , Keil Sylvia , Hintermeier Sonja
Published: September 2024

Die Berücksichtigung des psychischen Strukturniveaus in der humanistischen Psychotherapie gewinnt in den letzten Jahren immer mehr an Bedeutung. In diesem Artikel beleuchten wir die Bedeutung der psychischen Struktur und Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik nach der Operationalisierten Psychodynamischen Diagnostik. Aus Sicht von fünf humanistischen Schulen (Integrative Gestalttherapie, Integrative Therapie, Existenzanalyse und Logotherapie, Personzentrierte Psychotherapie, Psychodrama) diskutieren wir die Einbettung der Strukturniveaus in die jeweiligen Persönlichkeitstheorien. Gemeinsamkeiten ihrer theoretischen Fundierungen legen nahe, dass die Strukturdiagnostik als Orientierungssystem für die Persönlichkeitsdiagnostik herangezogen werden kann, da sie vergangene und aktuelle (Beziehungs‑)Erfahrungen phänomenologisch erfasst und dadurch die Selbstentwicklung der Person hermeneutisch verstehbar macht. Die Strukturachse trägt dazu bei, das Beziehungsgeschehen systematisch zu erfassen und kann daher als diagnostisches Instrument in der Arbeit und Forschung der humanistischen Psychotherapien eingesetzt werden.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene polymorphisms (rs2542151, rs7234029) in Egyptian Behçet’s disease patients: a preliminary report
Authors: Attia Doaa H. S. , Alkaffas Marwa , Eissa Mervat , Rashed Laila , Khattab Rasha A. M. , Elzanaty Radwa , Khattab Rabab A. , Samy Lamees A.
Published: September 2024

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene have been documented to be linked with several autoimmune disorders including Behçet’s disease (BD). PTPN2 SNPs rs2542151 and rs7234029 have been assessed using real-time PCR in 96 BD patients and 50 controls matched by age and gender. Patients were categorized into groups according to the disease phenotypes and severity. A total of 94.8% of patients were males. The patients’ mean age at onset was 26.1 ± 8 years. The median (IQR) disease duration was 8.5(4–13) years. No difference was observed between the patients and controls concerning the frequency of the two SNPs’ different genotypes, models, and alleles. Moreover, neither disease phenotypes nor severity were associated with rs2542151 or rs7234029 SNPs. PTPN2 rs2542151 and rs7234029 SNPs do not seem to have associations with BD occurrence, phenotypes, or severity in the Egyptian patients.

Key Points

• PTPN2 rs2542151 and rs7234029 SNPs do not seem to have associations with BD occurrence, phenotypes, or severity in the Egyptian patients.• Further studies involving a larger sample size with variable clinical diversity are recommended to verify the results.
On Füredi’s conjecture
Authors: Hegedüs G.
Published: September 2024

We confirmed the following special case of Füredi’s conjecture:
Let $$t$$
t
be a non-negative integer. Let $$ \mathcal{ P}=\{(A_i,B_i)\}_{1\leq i\leq m}$$

P
=

{

(

A
i

,

B
i

)

}

1
≤
i
≤
m

be a set-pair family satisfying $$|A_i \cap B_i|\leq t$$

|

A
i

∩

B
i

|
≤
t

for $$1\leq i \leq m$$

1
≤
i
≤
m

and $$|A_i\cap B_j|>t$$

|

A
i

∩

B
j

|
>
t

for all $$1\leq i\neq j \leq m$$

1
≤
i
≠
j
≤
m

.
Define $$a_i:=|A_i|$$

a
i

:
=

|

A
i

|

and $$b_i:=|B_i|$$

b
i

:
=

|

B
i

|

for each $$i$$
i
.
Assume that there exists a positive integer $$N$$
N
such that $$a_i+b_i=N$$

a
i

+

b
i

=
N

for each $$i$$
i
. Then
$$\sum_{i=1}^m \frac{1}{{a_i+b_i-2t \choose a_i-t}}\leq 1.$$

∑

i
=
1

m

1

a
i

+

b
i

-
2
t

a
i

-
t

≤
1
.
Lessons learned from designing an open-source automated feedback system for STEM education
Authors: Steinert Steffen , Krupp Lars , Avila Karina E. , Janssen Anke S. , Ruf Verena , Dzsotjan David , Schryver Christian De , Karolus Jakob , Ruzika Stefan , Joisten Karen , Lukowicz Paul , Kuhn Jochen , Wehn Norbert , Küchemann Stefan
Published: September 2024

As distance learning becomes increasingly important and artificial intelligence tools continue to advance, automated systems for individual learning have attracted significant attention. However, the scarcity of open-source online tools that are capable of providing personalized feedback has restricted the widespread implementation of research-based feedback systems. In this work, we present RATsApp, an open-source automated feedback system (AFS) that incorporates research-based features such as formative feedback. The system focuses on core STEM competencies such as mathematical competence, representational competence, and data literacy. It also allows lecturers to monitor students’ progress. RATsApp can be used at different levels of STEM education or research, as it allows the creation and customization of the educational content. We present a specific case of its implementation in higher education, where we report the results of a usability survey (N=64), using the technology acceptance model 2 (TAM2), to evaluate the user experience of undergraduate students. Our findings confirm the applicability of the TAM2 framework, revealing that factors such as the relevance to the course of study, output quality, and ease of use significantly influence the perceived usefulness. We also found a linear relation between the perceived usefulness and the intention to use, which in turn is a significant predictor of the frequency of use. Moreover, the formative feedback feature of RATsApp received positive feedback, indicating its potential as an educational tool. Furthermore, as an open-source platform, RATsApp encourages public contributions to its ongoing development, fostering a collaborative approach to improve educational tools.
Findings of tobacco ringspot virus in ornamentals in the Netherlands from 1997 to 2020 indicate a need for evaluation of its European Union quarantine status
Authors: Schoen R. , de Krom C. E. , Westenberg M. , Botermans M. , van Bruggen A. S. , Meekes E. T. M. , Didden L. , Hooftman M. , Roenhorst J. W.
Published: September 2024

Occasional findings of tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) in the Netherlands since 1997, were the reason for large-scale surveys for TRSV in vegetatively propagated ornamental plants and for its vector, Xiphinema americanum sensu lato in soil. TRSV was identified in thirteen ornamental species, comprising over 30 cultivars, while X. americanum s.l. was not found. This report also describes a newly designed and validated real-time RT-PCR and includes phylogenetic analyses of (near) complete genome sequences from available TRSV isolates and NCBI GenBank accessions in relation to their metadata of host and origin. Overall, the results suggest that TRSV entered the Netherlands on multiple occasions and was further spread by vegetative propagation. Furthermore, TRSV seems to be more widespread in the European Union (EU) than previously assumed, indicating that the current regulatory measures do not guarantee the absence of TRSV. Alternative strategies to protect the crops at risk are discussed, and reconsideration of the regulatory status of TRSV in the EU is recommended.
Exploring user privacy awareness on GitHub: an empirical study
Authors: Alfieri Costanza , Di Rocco Juri , Inverardi Paola , T. Nguyen Phuong
Published: September 2024

GitHub provides developers with a practical way to distribute source code and collaboratively work on common projects. To enhance account security and privacy, GitHub allows its users to manage access permissions, review audit logs, and enable two-factor authentication. However, despite the endless effort, the platform still faces various issues related to the privacy of its users. This paper presents an empirical study delving into the GitHub ecosystem. Our focus is on investigating the utilization of privacy settings on the platform and identifying various types of sensitive information disclosed by users. Leveraging a dataset comprising 6,132 developers, we report and analyze their activities by means of comments on pull requests. Our findings indicate an active engagement by users with the available privacy settings on GitHub. Notably, we observe the disclosure of different forms of private information within pull request comments. This observation has prompted our exploration into sensitivity detection using a large language model and BERT, to pave the way for a personalized privacy assistant. Our work provides insights into the utilization of existing privacy protection tools, such as privacy settings, along with their inherent limitations. Essentially, we aim to advance research in this field by providing both the motivation for creating such privacy protection tools and a proposed methodology for personalizing them.
Refractive Index Resolved Imaging Enabled by Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Ellipsometry
Authors: Alibeigloo Pooya , Kubiczek Tobias , Aqlan Basem , Damyanov Dilyan , Schultze Thorsten , Weimann Nils , Balzer Jan C.
Published: September 2024

Material characterization in the terahertz range is an interesting topic of research due to its great applications in material science, health monitoring, and security applications. Advances in terahertz generation, detection, and data acquisition have contributed to improved bandwidth, signal power, and signal-to-noise ratio. This enables advanced material characterization methods such as ellipsometry, which has been little explored in the terahertz frequency range, yet. Here, we introduce a comparison between material characterization with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in transmission geometry and ellipsometry reflection geometry. Terahertz ellipsometry images were taken, showing spatially resolved refractive index estimation in the far field and higher image quality compared to single-polarization imaging.
Fostering technologies literacy: integrating technical vocabulary into the primary school Technologies curriculum for young learners
Authors: Cerovac Milorad , Keane Therese
Published: September 2024

Technologies curriculum is synonymous with practical learning opportunities that provide students with vocational pathways, apprenticeships, and/or traineeships, in addition to tertiary education. As with any curriculum learning area, a base set of terms that reflect the key knowledge and skills are crucial for students to communicate effectively their understanding and achievement in that learning area. Technologies curriculum is no different. Vocabulary and language acquisition has been well researched in English and non-English language studies, and while there is some understanding of the use of technical language and vocabulary development in the research literature, this has been more prevalent in the vocational educational space. There remains limited understanding of the development and use of technical language, specifically technical vocabulary or terminology, which is posited by the authors to be central to successful problem-solving in the Technologies school curriculum. This paper provides an early insight into the use of technical language and vocabulary by young primary school students (ages 8–10), while working collaboratively on practical Design and Technologies problem-solving activities. By exposing students to three practical problem-solving activities involving students working collaboratively, the authors strove to understand how technical language/vocabulary influenced students’ collaborative problem-solving outcomes. The three activities were models of machines of varying difficulty: simple windmill, complicated tower crane, and complex steerable boat. This study found that the effectiveness of language use, technical vocabulary and problem comprehension strategies should be considered important factors in producing higher quality models and enhancing students collaborative problem-solving skills, especially in complex design-based engineering activities.
Gigartina skottsbergii Setchell & N.L.Gardner (Rhodophyta) Incorporated Organic@Inorganic Hybrid Cu3(PO4)2 Nanoflowers with an Intrinsic Antioxidant and Catalytic Activities
Authors: Halici Mehmet Gökhan , Muhy Haydar Matz , Koca Fatih Doğan
Published: September 2024

In this study, the extract of one of the red algae, Gigartina skottsbergii was used for synthesis of organic@inorganic hybrid nanoflower (hNFs) for the first time. hNFs were sytematically synthesized with different concentrations of algal extract (from 0.5 to 1.65 ml) and Cu2+ in different pHs (7.4 and 9) of PBS. Hierarchical synthesis of hNFs in the PBS buffer did not occur in the acidic medium (pH: 5). The morphological structures of hNFs were detailed with FE-SEM images. hNFs synthesized in morphology closest to the ideal flower structure with variable algal extract concentrations and pH were determined by FE-SEM. Organic and inorganic groups (structural components of hNFs), crystallinity of optimum synthesized hNFs were detailed by FT-IR, EDX and XRD analysis, respectively. It has been recorded that synthesized hNFs have antioxidant properties. hNFs have captured catalytic dyes with peroxidase-like activity. The ability of hNFs in destroying the dye in the presence of H2O2 has been attributed to the Fenton reaction. As a result, an easily applicable, inexpensive, one-step catalyst was synthesized using the Fenton mechanism. It is foreseen that the study data can be applied for nanotechnology field and basic sciences.
Shared decision-making and detection of comorbidities in an online acromegaly consultation with and without the Acromegaly Disease Activity Tool ACRODAT® using the simulated person approach
Authors: Friedel Anna Lena , Schock Lisa , Siegel Sonja , Fritz Angelika Hiroko , Unger Nicole , Harbeck Birgit , Dammann Philipp , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka
Published: September 2024

Objective

A patient-centered approach to the management of acromegaly includes disease activity control, shared decision-making and identification of comorbidities. The Acromegaly Disease Activity Tool (ACRODAT®) is intended to assist physicians in providing such holistic management. The present study investigated this claim using the simulated person (SP) approach.

Methods

We studied patient-doctor interaction via online video consultation in a randomized prospective study design with SPs trained to simulate a specific acromegaly profile. We analyzed the proportion of conversation time devoted to health content and the specific acromegaly and comorbidity relevant categories mentioned in the conversation. We collected physicians’ feedback on the usefulness of ACRODAT®, SPs subjective perception of the quality of the conversation and compared consultations with and without ACRODAT® using a qualitative approach.

Results

The sample (N = 30) consisted of endocrinologists treating patients with acromegaly in Germany. For SP-physician interactions (N = 60), the proportion of time spent on conversation content (e.g. IGF-I, quality of life) was distributed according to the focus of the patient profile. Comorbidities were less well identified than the need for a change in therapy. Only 18.3% of the SPs were actively asked to participate in the decision-making process. ACRODAT® did not lead to any significant differences in the course of the discussion.

Conclusions

Shared decision-making was underrepresented in this SP-physician interaction in acromegaly management. Physicians adapted the content of the discussion to the SP’s needs, but did not adequately address comorbidities. According to the analysis criteria used, ACRODAT® did not contribute to a more holistic patient management in the present study.
Exploring similarities and differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs
Authors: Morganti Giulia , Rigamonti Giulia , Brustenga Leonardo , Calgaro Valentina , Angeli Giovanni , Moretta Iolanda , Diaferia Manuela , Veronesi Fabrizia
Published: September 2024

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs are predominantly manifest asymptomatic. However, these infections can also present highly varied and potentially severe clinical signs. This is due to the parasites’ ability to replicate in a number of cell types within the host organism, with N. caninum exhibiting a particular tropism for the central and peripheral nervous systems, and T. gondii targeting the central nervous system and musculature. In clinical practice, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are often considered to be closely related diseases, despite their distinct epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics. The present review analyses the similarities and differences between these two protozoan infections, since an accurate and timely aetiological diagnosis is essential for establishing effective therapeutic protocols and control strategies.
Interplay of education and DNA methylation age on cognitive impairment: insights from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Ware Erin B. , Higgins Tejera César , Wang Herong , Harris Sean , Fisher Jonah D. , Bakulski Kelly M.
Published: September 2024

Few studies have assessed the association of educational attainment on dementia and cognitive impairment through DNA methylation age acceleration, while accommodating exposure-mediator interaction effects. We evaluated the mediation role of six epigenetic clocks with dementia, cognitive impairment non-dementia, and normal cognition, while accommodating exposure-mediator interaction effects. To understand the joint association of low education (≤12 years) and DNA methylation age acceleration (yes/no) in relation to cognitive impairment, we used weighted logistic regression, adjusting for chronological age, sex, race/ethnicity, and cell type composition. We performed four-way mediation and interaction decomposition analysis. Analyses were conducted on 2016 venous blood study participants from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 3724). Both GrimAge acceleration (OR = 1.6 95%CI 1.3–2.1) and low educational attainment (OR = 2.4 95%CI 1.9–3.0) were associated with higher odds of cognitive impairment in a mutually adjusted logistic model. We found additive interaction associations between low education and GrimAge acceleration on dementia. We observed that 6–8% of the association of education on dementia was mediated through GrimAge acceleration. While mediation effects were small, the portion of the association of education on dementia due to additive interaction with GrimAge acceleration was between 23.6 and 29.2%. These results support the interplay of social disadvantage and biological aging processes on impaired cognition.
Traffic Accidents: The Contrasting Roles of Life Satisfaction and Anxiety
Authors: Boardman Kirsten , Grimes Arthur
Published: September 2024

It is well established that people with low subjective wellbeing have heightened traffic accident risk. However, the roles of particular mental states, including overall evaluative subjective wellbeing and specific forms of mental distress such as depression or anxiety, have not hitherto been disentangled. Using an official representative population survey, we show that different forms of mental distress are associated with single versus multiple accident prevalence within a year. Anxiety (a lack of calmness) is strongly associated with having an accident. By contrast, conditional on having had at least one accident, overall life satisfaction is more strongly associated with having multiple accidents than are anxiety, depression or overall mental health. The relationship is n-shaped so that people with moderately low wellbeing have the highest multiple accident probability. These results are robust to the exclusion of respondents for whom reverse causality may be present and to the inclusion of variables representing other risky behaviours and representing social isolation. The findings imply that specific forms of intervention are likely to be needed to reduce accidents for people with moderately low subjective wellbeing who may engage in habitual risky behaviours that result in multiple accidents.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of segmental adrenal venous sampling with radiofrequency ablation for primary aldosteronism in Japan
Authors: Yanagaki Satoru , Omata Kei , Oguro Sota , Ota Hideki , Sato Tomomi , Kamada Hiroki , Tannai Hiromitsu , Tezuka Yuta , Ono Yoshikiyo , Sato Miho , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Takase Kei
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive treatment strategy, including segmental adrenal venous sampling (sAVS) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), versus medication-only strategy for primary aldosteronism.

Materials and methods

A Markov decision model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment strategy and a medication-only strategy for 50-year-old men and women with stage I–III hypertension. The comprehensive treatment strategy included aldosterone/renin ratio measurement, two loading tests, computed tomography, sAVS, drugs, surgery, and RFA. We built a model with a yearly cycle over 32- and 38-year time horizons for men and women, respectively, and four health states: hypertension, heart failure, stroke, and death. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as Japanese yen per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), was estimated, and strategy preference was determined on the basis of 5 million Japanese yen per QALY societal willingness-to-pay threshold.

Results

The ICERs of the comprehensive treatment strategy over the medication-only strategy were 201,482 and 3,399 JPY per QALY for men and women, respectively. The resultant ICER was less than the 5 million JPY societal willingness-to-pay threshold. Deterministic sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed that the results varied with the input values, but the comprehensive strategy was likely to be more cost-effective than the medication-only strategy.

Conclusion

This cost-effectiveness study revealed that a comprehensive treatment strategy including sAVS and RFA was favorable compared with the medication-only strategy for managing stage I–III hypertension in 50-year-old men and women, with acceptable willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Secondary abstract

This cost-effectiveness study revealed that a comprehensive treatment strategy for primary aldosteronism that included segmental adrenal sampling and radiofrequency ablation was favorable compared with the medication-only strategy for managing stage I–III hypertension in 50-year-old men and women, with acceptable willingness-to-pay thresholds.
Navigating Regime Complexes in Turbulent Times—The EU’s Interaction with Other International Organizations in Crises
Authors: Daßler Benjamin , Bandemer Sandra , Rittberger Berthold , Weiß Moritz
Published: September 2024

Over the past decades, the European Union (EU) has confronted multiple crises, which have prompted swift political responses from the EU’s member states and institutions. While there is a broad literature about the EU’s internal responses to crises, we know much less about the EU’s interactions with external actors. Because the EU is part of issue-specific regime complexes, it has cultivated relationships with international organizations (IOs) across a multitude of issues. We argue that during crises, the EU has heightened incentives to complement its internal crisis response by interactions with other IOs that vary in their qualities. How can the EU’s external engagement during crises be conceptualized and theoretically explained? Drawing on the regime complexity literature, we identify three different types of interactions among IOs to conceptualize the EU’s varying external engagements during crises periods: pooling, division of labor, and competition. We further argue that under the condition of regime complexity, the choice of interorganizational interaction is shaped by the convergence of means and ends among the respective dyads of IOs. To illustrate the usefulness of our typology for the study of the EU’s external responses to crises, as well as the plausibility of our argument, we analyze three instances of EU–IO relationships in crisis contexts: pooling between the EU and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address the sovereign debt crisis, division of labor between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and competition between the EU and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) during the “migration crisis.”
Cerebellum and basal ganglia connectivity in isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder and Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory study
Authors: Firbank Michael J. , Pasquini Jacopo , Best Laura , Foster Victoria , Sigurdsson Hilmar P. , Anderson Kirstie N. , Petrides George , Brooks David J. , Pavese Nicola
Published: September 2024

REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterised by dream-enacting behaviour with loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep and is a prodromal feature of α-synucleinopathies like Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Although cortical-to-subcortical connectivity is well-studied in RBD, cerebellar and subcortical nuclei reciprocal connectivity is less established. Nonetheless, it could be relevant since RBD pathology involves brainstem structures with an ascending gradient. In this study, we utilised resting-state functional MRI to investigate 13 people with isolated RBD (iRBD), 17 with Parkinson’s disease and 16 healthy controls. We investigated the connectivity between the basal ganglia, thalamus and regions of the cerebellum. The cerebellum was segmented using a functional atlas, defined by a resting-state network-based parcellation, rather than an anatomical one. Controlling for age, we found a significant group difference (F4,82 = 5.47, pFDR = 0.017) in cerebellar-thalamic connectivity, with iRBD significantly lower compared to both control and Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, cerebellar areas involved in this connectivity reduction were related to the default mode, language and fronto-parietal resting-state networks. Our findings show functional connectivity abnormalities in subcortical structures that are specific to iRBD and may be relevant from a pathophysiological standpoint. Further studies are needed to investigate how connectivity changes progress over time and whether specific changes predict disease course or phenoconversion.