bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Practices in Carotid Surgery
Authors: Jamilian Parsa , Bretfelean Luiza-Diandra , Rajagopalan Sriram , Suttenwood Helen
Published: September 2024

We outline the indications and contraindications of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and appraise four key areas still debated to this day; shunting versus non-shunting, patch angioplasty (PA) versus primary closure (PC) and local anaesthesia (LA) versus general anaesthesia (GA). Importantly, we compare CEA with Best Medical Therapy (BMT), which is an area that is still largely debated, principally because many of the studies conducted to date do not reflect the era of modern BMT practices, and these outcomes are eagerly awaited. Literature searches were conducted using Pubmed with the keywords ‘carotid’, and ‘endarterectomy’, which provided a wide variety of journals and articles. We further stratified our data by using only randomised control trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews, and then excluded studies with asymptomatic disease, diabetes, and plaque-imaging studies, including studies that did not fit our four desired topics for discussion. For each of the different domain’s, results demonstrated similar peri-operative outcomes when comparing shunting vs. non-shunting and modality of anaesthesia and therefore practice still remains dependent on operator experience and preference. Patch-angioplasty reduces the risk of subsequent stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and re-stenosis compared to PC. In carotid stenosis >50% BMT offers limited benefits without accompanying surgical intervention and BMT alone tends to be advantageous primarily for patients with <50% carotid stenosis. Where CEA is appraised in terms of superiority of the procedural components; the literature does not support wildly contrasting outcomes to change majority practice. However, the area of considerable interest is superiority of BMT to surgical intervention in terms of both carotid artery stenting (CAS) and CEA and more studies need to be conducted in this area.
Health-related quality of life influences surgical decisions in patients with rotator cuff disease
Authors: Cederqvist Sanna , Flinkkilä Tapio , Tuominen Antti , Sormaala Markus , Ylinen Jari , Kautiainen Hannu , Sirniö Kai , Pamilo Konsta , Kiviranta Ilkka , Paloneva Juha
Published: September 2024

Aims

Rotator cuff disease (RCD) can considerably decrease quality of life. Here, we investigated whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) influences the need for surgery in patients with RCD.

Methods

We performed an analysis of 417 patients with symptomatic RCD who were recruited from two hospitals between June 2008 and December 2014 to be randomized to receive non-surgical or surgical treatment. After a three-month rehabilitation period, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36), shoulder pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)), and shoulder function (Constant-Murley score) data were available from 191 still-symptomatic patients who were eligible for surgery. A control group was formed from 87 excluded patients who were no longer eligible for surgery due to relief of symptoms.

Results

Mean pain on the VAS was 51.3 (SD 20.1) in the patients eligible for surgery and 41.7 (SD 21.2) in the control group. The following domains of the SF-36 were associated with being eligible for surgery in univariate analyses: bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and emotional wellbeing. In multivariate analysis, only bodily pain was associated with pursuing surgical treatment. The RCD population’s values for physical role, bodily pain, and physical functioning were poorer compared to the values of the general population.

Conclusion

Lower HRQoL, as indicated by the lower bodily pain score on the SF-36, was associated with the decision to undergo surgical treatment in patients with RCD. Therefore, HRQoL should be considered when determining treatment options for RCD.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(9):793–799.
Moment Behavior of Laminated Beam-Column Joint with Glued-In Steel Rods Manufactured from Small-Diameter Larch Logs
Authors: Ha Been , Ogawa Keita , Yamasaki Mariko , Sasaki Yasutoshi
Published: September 2024

To promote the structural use of small-diameter logs often harvested in Korea, the use of laminated members with square timber obtained from small-diameter logs as their elements is being considered. With the objective of improved strength, elements obtained from large-diameter logs were combined with elements obtained from small-diameter logs. In this study, the authors prepared beam-column joints using these laminated members and examined their moment resistance performance. To join a laminated beam and a laminated column, the authors used glued-in steel rods. The results of a mechanical test on the moment–deformation angle relationship showed that from the initial force to the failure point, the behavior was mostly linear. Moreover, the rotational stiffness was approximately 900 kNm/rad, the maximum moment was approximately 30 kNm, and the joint efficiency for deformation was approximately 0.8. It was revealed that a significant amount of the deformation in this specimen resulted from the bending deflection of the laminated column. The authors also estimated the rotational stiffness and maximum moment through linear analysis. The slip properties of the deformed bar, compression properties perpendicular to grain of the laminated column, and bending properties of the laminated column were taken into consideration. The estimated results were mostly consistent with the experimental results. As a method to easily understand the moment resistance performance of these joints, the present proposed estimation method should be effective.
Reinforcement Effects of Microfibrillated Cellulose on Chitosan–Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite Film Properties
Authors: Solikhin Achmad , Hadi Yusuf Sudo , Massijaya Muh Yusram , Nikmatin Siti , Suzuki Shigehiko , Kojima Yoichi , Kobori Hikaru
Published: September 2024

The objective of this research was to analyze the reinforcement effect of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (chitosan-PVA) nanocomposite films in terms of their morphological, physical, chemical, thermal, biological, and mechanical properties. Chitosan-PVA blend films reinforced with MFC filler loadings at 0.5 to 5 percent had smoother, more regular, and more uniform external surface morphology compared with chitosan-PVA reinforced with MFC filler loaded at 7.5 percent. With regard to the physical properties, incorporation of MFC into chitosan-PVA polymer blends reduced nanocomposite film transparency. Furthermore, the films had three different diffraction peaks: crystalline peak, amorphous peak, and small ancillary peak. Compared with the neat chitosan-PVA blend, the addition of MFC to chitosan-PVA polymer blends shifted Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy peaks at 3,500 to 3,000, 2,918, 1,440, 1,101, and 850 cm−1, indicating a chemical interaction between chitosan-PVA polymer blends and MFC. According to differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis, the addition of MFC enhanced the thermal stability of chitosan-PVA compared with neat chitosan-PVA composite films. Most nanocomposite films reinforced with MFC had a higher tensile strength than films made from neat chitosan-PVA and chitosan-PVA-MFC 7.5 percent because of percolation formation. However, neither neat chitosan-PVA composite film nor chitosan-PVA-MFC nanocomposite films showed a zone of inhibition or had a zone of inhibition index against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Ganoderma sp.
Integrating Multiscale Studies of Adhesive Penetration into Wood*
Authors: Jakes Joseph E. , Frihart Charles R. , Hunt Christopher G. , Yelle Daniel J. , Plaza Nayomi Z. , Lorenz Linda F. , Ching Daniel J.
Published: September 2024

The development of new and improved wood adhesives is hindered by an incomplete mechanistic understanding of what makes a wood–adhesive bond able to withstand changes in moisture levels. Although common methods are established to test and report the bulk-level properties of bond lines, such as bond-line shear strength and wood failure analysis, the development of experimental tools to study wood–adhesive bond lines and the effects of moisture at the nanometer to millimeter length scales remains an active area of research. Here we introduce and briefly review four recently developed tools that, when combined, we have found capable to facilitate the study of bond lines and the effects of moisture across these length scales. The tools are X-ray computed tomography, X-ray fluorescence microscopy, nanoindentation, and small-angle neutron scattering. Their combined utility has been demonstrated by studying model bond-line systems made using loblolly pine and phenol-formaldehyde adhesives. The results led to a new insight that adhesive infiltration into cellulose microfibrils at nanometer length scales likely plays an important role in the moisture durability of wood–adhesive bond lines. A new model to facilitate the discussion of potential interactions between adhesive and wood nanostructure was also developed.
Tribological Behavior of Microtextured Cemented Carbide in Contact with Wood
Authors: Li Weiguang , Zhang Zhankuan
Published: September 2024

We used microtextures to develop a novel antifriction technology for wood cutting tools. Northeast China ash (Fraxinus spp.) was selected as the research species, and the influence of the microtexture on the friction coefficient of cemented carbide samples with and without the texture was studied using various loads and wood moisture content. The results showed that a reasonable microtexture form (d = 40 μm) can effectively reduce the friction coefficient between wood and cemented carbide regardless of the moisture content. The moisture in the wood is conducive to reducing the friction coefficient between the cemented carbide and the wood surface. Its mechanism of action is affected by the wood moisture content, the load used, and other factors. The friction coefficient significantly decreased when the wood moisture content was above the fiber saturation point.
Synthesis Process Development of Diethylene Tricarbamide as a Starting Material for Wood Composite Binder Diethylene Tricarbamide–Formaldehyde Resins
Authors: Kim Moon G.
Published: September 2024

A three-step carbamylation reaction of diethylene triamine (DA) with urea was investigated to find an efficient synthesis procedure for large-scale production of diethylene tricarbamide (D), a monomer of D-formaldehyde resin binders for wood composite boards with very low formaldehyde emission potential. n-Butanol, pyridine, and others with minor amounts of polar solvents were investigated as a reaction medium. Urea is added to the solvent in a stirred reactor and heated to the boiling point of the solvent, which is about 110°C to 130°C. This was followed by the gradual addition of DA while allowing evolved ammonia to escape through the condenser. A delicate balance exists between voluminous particles of di-substituted intermediates and the hard fine particles of tri-substituted final product, and an excessive buildup of the former often occurs, resulting in stirring difficulties, reaction stoppage, and low reaction yields, which are minimized by adding some polar solvents and also by programmed addition of DA. Free-flowing microcrystalline particles of D were obtained in yields of 90 to 98 percent based on DA in 6 to 12 hours of reaction by simple filtration, hot washing with solvents, and drying procedures. These organic solvent–based synthesis procedures appear possible to adapt to large-scale production of D. The ammonia that evolves from the reaction needs to be captured, and solvent losses should be minimized. The high current price of DA, the need to reuse ammonia, and the complexity of the reaction indicate that a company that manufactures ammonia, urea, and DA fit to adopt this technology in support of the wood composite board industry.
Impact of Molecular Weight of Kraft Lignin on Adhesive Performance of Lignin-Based Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins*
Authors: Solt Pia , Jääskeläinen Anna-Stiina , Lingenfelter Peter , Konnerth Johannes , van Herwijnen Hendrikus W. G.
Published: September 2024

This study describes the influence of improved lignin homogeneity on the adhesive properties of lignin-based phenolic resins. Softwood kraft lignin was separated by applying an ethanol-based solvent fractionation to obtain three lignin fractions with a narrow molar mass distribution (smallest [Mw 1,590 g/mol] to largest [9,570 g/mol]). Lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) adhesives were prepared by 50 percent (by weight) substitution of phenol with an adjusted formaldehyde-to-phenol molar ratio. For investigating the storage stability of the resin, viscosity was monitored, curing behavior was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and development of the bonding strength was analyzed via tensile shear strength as a function of press time. An acceleration of the condensation process for LPFs with higher molecular mass was observed. DSC signal indicated that LPFs need a slightly higher temperature for a complete curing than the phenol-formaldehyde reference resin. Furthermore, it was found that the tensile shear strength decreases with the use of fractionated kraft lignin in phenolic adhesives. No significant difference in reactivity was found for the resins making up the different lignin fractions.
Beyond the Single Story of Climate Vulnerability
Authors: Bell Sarah L , Jodoin Sébastien , Bush Tanvir N. , Crow Liz , Eriksen Siri H. , Geen Emma , Keogh Mary , Yeo Rebecca
Published: September 2024

Health. Disability. Vulnerability. These words are often used when discussing the risks of climate disruption. These discussions warn of the potential for climate impacts to “undermine 50 years of gains in public health” (as stated by the Lancet Countdown on Climate Change). Increasingly, such discussions also acknowledge climate injustice, examining who will benefit or lose out from climate change, how and why. The embodied vulnerability of disabled people is often assumed within such discussions, with less consideration of the social, economic or political conditions that create this vulnerability.

By bringing disability justice and disability studies into correspondence with care, environmental and climate justice scholarship, this reflective paper challenges the master narratives that blur differentiated experiences of disability and climate impacts into a single story of inevitable vulnerability. Recognising disabled people as knowers, makers and agents of change, it calls for transformative climate action, underpinned by values of solidarity, mutuality and care.
Elementary School Staff Perspectives on Bullying Involvement among Students with Disabilities
Authors: Forber-Pratt Anjali J. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Rose Chad A. , Hanebutt Rachel A. , Woolweaver Ashley , Robinson Luz E. , Ingram Katherine , El Sheikh America J.
Published: September 2024

Research indicates that students with disabilities (SWD) are more likely to be involved in bullying; therefore, the development of effective bullying prevention strategies need to consider the experiences of this population. Educators need the knowledge and skills to identify and intervene appropriately in bullying incidents involving SWD. Focus groups included 17 elementary school general and special education teachers, and counselors on their perceptions of bullying and the current bullying intervention landscape at their school. Results indicated teachers and counselors possess general knowledge regarding bullying and utilize a variety of intervention strategies at the classroom- and school-wide level with district support. However, participants did not express unique strategies for identifying or responding to bullying specifically for SWD. Thus, there is a need for teachers to receive additional bully prevention professional development that explicitly considers students most at risk such as SWD.
Leadership and care ethics in the voluntary sector: a tensions approach
Authors: Winchester Nik , Haslam Daniel , Jacklin-Jarvis Carol , Logan Kay
Published: September 2024

The subjects of leadership and care ethics have a limited presence in the voluntary sector literature. However, interest has grown in the former in recent years, and the latter has been suggested as a potential counter discourse to contemporary neoliberal narratives of the sector. What is missing from these accounts is an acknowledgement of the often unresolvable ethical and leadership tensions that are encountered in practice contexts. This article offers a nuanced view of how care ethics flows through leadership, using empirical data to illuminate an alternative reading of the literature. It contributes to debates around leadership in the voluntary sector by both offering a nuanced, ethically inflected theoretical understanding and providing an approach through which to inform leadership practice.
Yes, we can make a difference: evaluating the effectiveness of a brief training intervention for preventing sexual harassment in higher education
Authors: Blahopoulou Joanna , Ferrer-Pérez Victoria A. , Bosch-Fiol Esperanza , Ortiz-Bonnin Silvia
Published: September 2024

This study describes and assesses the effectiveness of a brief training intervention to prevent sexual harassment (SH) in higher education. The aim of the training is to reduce the acceptance of SH myths and to increase the sensitivity towards sexist remarks (piropos). A quasi-experimental pre-post study with Spanish university students (N=102) was carried out. Data were collected through an online survey before and after the face-to-face training took place. The results indicate positive and significant effects of the training. Repeated measures ANOVA showed lower myth acceptance and higher rejection of piropos after the training. Further, training increased rejection of piropos for male more than for female participants. This study expands the limited research on the effectiveness of SH trainings, particularly in the higher education context. Effective strategies for universities to develop SH prevention programmes and promote a safe learning environment are discussed.
Performance studies on group-velocity-matched femtosecond optical parametric generation
Authors: Pizzurro S. , Sukeert  , Sanchez A. D. , Esteban-Martín A. , Gotti R. , Agnesi A. , Pirzio F. , Chaitanya Kumar S. , Ebrahim-Zadeh M.
Published: September 2024

We present a comparative study and detailed characterization of high-power femtosecond
optical parametric generation (OPG) at 10 MHz repetition rate
in the near and mid-infrared by exploiting near-zero
group-velocity-mismatch (GVM) in the nonlinear crystals of PPLN and
MgO:PPLN. Using a microchip-started amplified Mamyshev fiber
oscillator delivering 198 fs pulses at 1064 nm as the
pump source and deploying 19-mm-long PPLN and 42-mm-long MgO:PPLN as
gain media, we study in detail the influence of crystal length and
pump pulse duration on femtosecond group-velocity-matched interaction
in the OPG process. The OPG source is tunable across
1445–1577 nm in the signal and 3318–4412 nm in the
idler, and can provide average output powers of up to 439 mW in
the signal at 1530 nm and 197 mW in the idler at
3550 nm, at slope efficiencies of ∼50% and ∼20%, respectively. Signal pulses as short
as 275 fs are obtained using the shorter crystal, while longer
signal pulses with similar output powers are generated with the longer
crystal. Experimental results are supported by theoretical
simulations, providing good agreement. The OPG source exhibits
excellent power stability with high spatial quality of M2<1.5 in the signal and idler beams.
Enhancing C+L-band transmission performance through OSNR flatting and link damage recovery algorithms
Authors: Zhou Jing , Lu Jianing , Liu Zhongxu , Wang Qing , Yu Changyuan
Published: September 2024

The rapid growth of data-intensive services has driven the need for high-capacity optical networks. C+L band optical communication systems have emerged as a potential solution by extending the operational bandwidth. However, the wider spectrum introduces significant stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effects that impact signal power profile, Kerr nonlinearity, and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an optical power control strategy designed to achieve a flat optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) across all transmitted channels, which is particularly effective in mitigating SRS effects in C+L band systems. Furthermore, a link damage recovery algorithm is developed to ensure system robustness against localized fiber degradations. Extensive simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed strategy with the conventional flat launch power approach under single-span and multi-span transmission scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy achieves a higher minimum generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR), exhibits stronger resilience to link damage across a wide range of transmission conditions.
Experimental adaptive Bayesian estimation for a linear function of distributed phases in photonic quantum networks
Authors: Liu Biyao , Yang Kui-Xing , Mao Ya-Li , Feng Lixin , Guo Bixiang , Xu Shufeng , Chen Hu , Li Zheng-Da , Fan Jingyun
Published: September 2024

The bipartite and multipartite entanglement resources of quantum networks can enhance sensitivity for estimating distributed parameters beyond the classical limits. Recent experimental studies on distributed parameter estimation based on quantum networks have achieved high precision beyond the shot-noise limit (SNL) within certain portions of the parameter space. Towards a realistic distributed parameter estimation scenario, a next key issue is how to achieve the high precision parameter independently with limited measurement data. In this work, we present a photonic experiment employing an efficient Bayesian method to estimate a linear function of four spatially distributed unknown phases. For arbitrary true phase values, our experiment shows the capability of achieving high sensitivities beyond the SNL in a post-selected regime using a restricted amount of measurement rounds. Our work gives a start for the experimental study of distributed adaptive Bayesian quantum estimation. Additionally, this method holds promising utility for more intricate or universal tasks associated with sensing distributed parameters in quantum networks.
A HypotheticalExperimental Approach to Prove the Existence of an AbsolutelyStationary Reference Frame by Using the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: zhou jiajun , Zhou Qinyan
Published: September 2024

Vacuum is an absolutely static reference system. When light propagates in a vacuum, it moves in an absolutely static reference system. The propagation speed of light in a medium is a constant, which has nothing to do with the motion state of the light source, the observer or the receiver. When light propagates in a medium, it is dragged by the inertia of the medium. While light propagates in a vacuum, the vacuum is absolutely static, which cannot drag the light to move, and the speed, position, and direction of light in a vacuum are fixed. Based on this theory, a light interference experiment can be performed as proof, using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The principle of the experiment is to split the laser into two beams of light at a half-reflecting mirror, one of which passes through a vacuum quartz tube and reaches the screen, the other does not pass through the tube; however, both of the beams converge on the screen, forming interference fringes. Because the speed, position, and direction of light in a vacuum are fixed and the absolute motion of the earth will drive the vacuum quartz tube to move,when the absolute direction of the earth's motion and the direction of light propagation are parallel to each other,light will have an extra optical path in the tube; when they are perpendicular to each other, light will not have the extra optical path in the tube, so after the instrument has turned 90 degrees, the interference fringes will move. The key to this experiment is to create a vacuum. The structure of the experiment is simple that I hope someone could make an experimental verification.
According to this theory, it can be concluded that the essence of Fizeau experiment , Sagnac effect and Hoek experiment is the same. The reverse process of Fizeau experiment is Sagnac effect, vice versa. According to this theory, the Fizeau experiment has a calculated result of movement at 0.236 fringes and a measured value at 0.23 fringes; in the case of Ruyong Wang's experiment "Generalized Sagnac Effect", the moving phase difference has a calculated result at 0.000251 and measured value at 0.000246 in the experiment. Obviously, this theory is more consistent with the experimental measurement results and the theoretical explanation is more real and natural.
The Sagnac effect, Mach-Zehnder interferometer and Michelson interferometer can all be used to conduct experiments based on this principle to verify whether there is an absolutely stationary reference system. Among them, the Sagnac effect has the highest accuracy, the Mach-Zehnder interferometer the second and the Michelson interferometer the lowest. If Michelson and Morley had used a 11m-long vacuum quartz tube for the experiment, they might have observed a movement of 0.373 interference fringesand there might have no so-called "dark clouds".
This experiment is actually to measure the Sagnac effect of the Earth's rotation by using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
Mode-switching single-pixel imaging via a high-performance perovskite-Si dual-mode photodetector
Authors: Liu Yujin , Lin Dongxu , Xing Jingyang , Zhao Hanyan , Wan Hongling , Wang Hao , Ji Zhong , Chen Xueli
Published: September 2024

Visible–near-infrared (VIS-NIR) dual-mode imaging can expand the human perception limit. However, the development of dual-mode image sensors is still challenging due to complex fabrication processes and readout circuit design. Here, we design a simple-structured (perovskite-Au/Si/Ag) dual-mode photodetector. This unique asymmetric electrode design allows the device to support two operating modes at zero bias. The device exhibits a detection range covering 400–1100 nm under top illumination mode, with a peak specific detectivity of up to 5.56×1013 Jones. Under bottom illumination mode, the device demonstrates pronounced narrowband NIR response characteristics. More importantly, we develop a dual-mode single-pixel imaging system based on this device, bypassing the fabrication processes of high-density array image sensors. The system exhibits excellent VIS-NIR dual-mode imaging results, effectively separating NIR and VIS information and enhancing infrared details in the fused images. Interestingly, we discover that the system can effectively suppress ringing artifacts, achieving infrared information perception at a low sampling rate, which can accelerate the imaging speed by ∼16 times (reduced from ∼3.2  s to ∼0.2  s). Our proposed dual-mode single-pixel imaging technology offers new means for material identification and intelligent perception.
Digitalisierung in der Bau- und Handwerksbranche – Herausforderungen für die Gestaltung digitaler End-to-End-Wertschöpfungssysteme
Authors: Schütte Reinhard , Harr Michael , Wulfert Tobias , Syfuß Dustin
Published: September 2024

Die Bau- und Handwerksbranche zeigt seit Jahren eine verhältnismäßig niedrige Produktivitätssteigerung, verbunden mit einem geringen Digitalisierungsgrad. Angesichts von Mitarbeiterknappheit, zunehmender Komplexität von Bauprojekten und steigenden Individualisierungsanforderungen der Endkunden scheint die Digitalisierung einer der Schlüsselfaktoren zur Verbesserung der Produktivität zu sein. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert aus zwei strategischen Perspektiven die sich abzeichnenden Entwicklungen in dieser Branche: eine, die bestehende Wertschöpfungslogik und akteurszentrierte Sichtweise, und eine zukunftsweisende Perspektive auf plattformbasierte, service- und informationszentrierte Dienstleistungs-Ökosysteme. Die strategischen Perspektiven werden aus institutioneller Sichtweise eines Großhandelsbetriebs untersucht, welcher als zentraler Intermediär aufgrund zahlreicher Herausforderungen durch Disintermediation gefährdet ist. Die Re-Intermediation digitaler Plattformen und der Wandel hin zu serviceorientierten Geschäftsmodellen könnten disruptiv für die Leistungserstellung sein. Wenngleich eine solche Transition neue Wertschöpfungsansätze verspricht, ergeben sich für innovative Koordinations‑, Kommunikations- und Integrationskonzepte neue Herausforderungen. Basierend auf der strategischen Analyse werden die zentralen Herausforderungen, welche die mangelnde Etablierung der Technologisierung in der Bau- und Handwerksbranche zum Teil bedingen, exemplarisch anhand der Abbildung von Variantenartikeln im Stammdatenmanagement und der Auftragserfassung analysiert. Die zunehmende Variantenvielfalt in der Bau- und Handwerksbranche kann stammdatenseitig über konfigurierbare Materialien abgebildet werden. Diese Materialart bietet für Vertriebsmitarbeiter und Kunden eine Variantenkonfiguration anhand vorab definierter Merkmale. In der Belegerfassung sind zukünftig vielfältige Geschäftsvorfälle und Kundentypen zu integrieren, um das Tagesgeschäft im Vertrieb bestmöglich zu unterstützen. Die skizzierten Herausforderungen müssen durch Standardisierung und intelligente IT-Systeme bzw. Stammdatenkonzepte gelöst werden, um die konstatierten Produktivitätsdefizite überwinden zu können und die Digitalisierung der Bauhandwerker zu stärken.
Short-Term Treatment of Melatonin Improves the Expression of Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Testis of the Mouse Cryptorchidism Model
Authors: Wanta Arunothai , Noguchi Kazuhiro , Sugawara Taichi , Sonoda Kayoko , Somsuan Keerakarn , Wakayama Tomohiko
Published: September 2024

Melatonin plays a major role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and enhancing testosterone production. We investigated the short-term effects of melatonin treatment for 14 consecutive days in the cryptorchidism model. We categorized experimental mice into Sham (S), Orchiopexy (O), Melatonin (Mel), and Orchiopexy + Melatonin (OMel) groups. Surgery involved inducing cryptorchidism in the left testis for seven days, followed by orchiopexy. The Mel group’s testes did not descend, but they received melatonin injections after seven days of cryptorchidism. The OMel group underwent both orchiopexy and melatonin treatment. Both O and Mel groups exhibited decreased sperm and round-headed sperm in the epididymis. Significant increases were observed in the numbers of giant cells and negative Nectin-3 cells at p-value<0.05. The pattern of Cadm1 expression changed, and Nectin-2 and Nectin-3 co-expression was lacking in abnormal spermatids. Sertoli cell cytoplasm in both O and Mel groups exhibited autophagosomes and multivesicular bodies, which correlated with increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression. However, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cell numbers increased significantly in all treatment groups compared to the S group. Our study found that the combination of orchiopexy and melatonin positively influenced the expression of cell adhesion molecules (Cadm1, Nectin-2, and Nectin-3) involved in spermatogenesis, while reducing giant cells, autophagosomes, and apoptosis.
An intercultural approach to climate justice: A systematic review of Peruvian climate and food policy
Authors: Arotoma-Rojas Ingrid , Berrang-Ford Lea , Ford James D. , Zavaleta-Cortijo Carol , Cooke Paul , Chicmana-Zapata Victoria
Published: September 2024

Despite increasing global recognition of Indigenous knowledge and rights in climate governance, Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives are often constrained by state-centric structures. Their perspectives frequently clash with development strategies that prioritize economic growth and resource extraction, particularly in biodiversity hotspots where many Indigenous Peoples live. Despite the crucial role that nation-states play in addressing climate change, research on the incorporation of Indigenous Peoples in national climate policies is limited. This paper addresses this gap by analysing the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Peruvian policies and the associated justice implications. We do so by developing and presenting an intercultural justice framework, through a textual and discursive analysis of 21 Peruvian policies related to food security and climate change. Our findings reveal that there is minimal inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Peruvian national climate and food policy, highlighting their vulnerability, with limited integration of their knowledge and worldviews, thus perpetuating colonialism. However, Indigenous organisations are claiming important participatory spaces, beginning to influence Peruvian climate and food policies, albeit nominally.
Associations between neighborhood characteristics, mental health, and parenting among mothers with young children in Brazil: A cross-sectional study of women living in communities of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity
Authors: Oliveira Clariana Vitória Ramos de , Freire Silvana , Bordignon Simoní Saraiva , Chechel Laura , Springer Paul , Palombo Claudia Nery Teixeira
Published: September 2024

Background

Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between the quality of a neighborhood’s social and physical characteristics and maternal well-being in promoting healthy parenting practices and improving child development. This study examined the associations between neighborhood characteristics, maternal depressive symptoms, and parenting practices.

Methodology/principal findings

A cross-sectional study in the city of Salvador, Brazil interviewed mothers of children between the ages 0 to 6 at local Primary Health Care Clinics. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed using questions adapted from the Guide for the Development of Early Childhood Friendly Neighborhoods. Maternal depressive symptoms were measured using the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and parenting practices were evaluated using the United Nations Children’s Fund Family Care Indicators. The study included 503 mother-child dyads. The average maternal age was 31 years, with 50% identifying as black and 45% as brown. 67.6% of households in the study earned below the minimum wage. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic covariates was used to estimate the associations between maternal outcomes and four neighborhood characteristics: sense of physical and social safety, issues or problems in the community, access to public services, and access to green and child friendly spaces. Findings revealed that only perceived safety was associated with reduced maternal depressive symptoms, while access to public services in the neighborhood was inversely related to parenting stimulating practices. No other neighborhood characteristics showed a significant association with the outcomes.

Conclusion

The findings revealed both expected and unexpected associations between neighborhood characteristics, maternal depressive symptoms, and parenting practices. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of the multifaceted dynamics between community environments and maternal well-being. They also shed important light on the various ways in which one’s environment can influence maternal mental health and parenting behaviors.
Study on Holocene environmental evolution based on grain size end-member model: A case study of two outcrop sections in Salawusu River Basin
Authors: Niu Dongfeng , Li Tong , Zhong Yuanyu , Liu Longlong , Li Baosheng
Published: September 2024

Samples from two outcrop sections, MGS1 and DGS1 of Milanggouwan and Dishaogouwan in the Salawusu River Basin, were studied in terms of grain size using end-member model. Results show that: 1) MGS1 layer particles are more concentrated, better sorting, and smaller skewness and kurtosis values than those of DGS1. Whereas in the upper part of the DGS1 section, the grain size of the paleodune is coarser, with better sorting and sharper peak, comparing with the lower lacustrine sediments. 2) Three end-member components, EM1 (end-member 1), EM2 (end-member 2) and EM3 (end-member 3), which reflect sedimentary dynamic characteristics, are extracted by end-member analysis. The EM1 indicates the hydrodynamic force with great variation, EM2 indicates transporting force by flowing water and EM3 indicates the depositional environment closely related to the wind activity. 3) According to the accumulation processes of MGS1 and DGS1 strata, a total of four climate periods can be identified, namely early warming period, Holocene peak period, fluctuating transition to cold period and unstable cooling period. Moreover, EM1 of MGS1 and DGS1 is basically consistent with both the sea surface temperature (SST) in the western tropical Pacific and global temperature trends during the Holocene, suggesting that the environmental fluctuations recorded by MGS1 and DGS1 can be correlated with each other.
The risk of dyslipidemia on PLHIV associated with different antiretroviral regimens in Huzhou
Authors: Wang Yanan , Yang Zhongrong , Li Jing , Wu Zhenqian , Liu Xiaoqi , Wang Hui , Chen Yuxin , Wang Ziyi , Tong Zhaowei , Li Xiaofeng , Ren Feilin , Jin Meihua , Mao Guangyun
Published: September 2024

Background

Dyslipidemia is increasingly common in people living with HIV (PLHIV), thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular events and diminishing the quality of life for these individuals. The study of blood lipid metabolism of PLHIV has great clinical significance in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study aims to examine the blood lipid metabolism status of HIV-infected patients in Huzhou before and after receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to explore the impact of different HAART regimens on dyslipidemia.

Method

PLHIV confirmed in Huzhou from June 2010 to June 2022 was included. The baseline characteristics and clinical data during the follow-up period were collected, including some blood lipid indicators (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and HAART regimens. A multivariate logistic regression model and the generalized estimating equation model were used to analyze the independent effects of treatment regimens on the risk of dyslipidemia.

Result

The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia among PLHIV after HAART was 70.11%. PLHIV receiving lamivudine (3TC) + efavirenz (EFV) + zidovudine (AZT) had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia compared to those receiving 3TC+EFV+tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). In a logistic analysis adjusted for important covariates such as BMI, age, diabetes status, etc., we found that the risks of dyslipidemia were higher with 3TC+EFV+AZT (dyslipidemia: odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.28–3.41; TG ≥1.7: OR = 2.40, 95%Cl:1.50–3.84) than with 3TC+EFV+TDF. Furthermore, on PLHIV that was matched 1:1 by the HAART regimens, the results of the generalized estimation equation again showed that 3TC+EFV+AZT (TG ≥1.7: OR = 1.84, 95%Cl: 1.10–3.07) is higher for the risk of marginal elevations of TG than 3TC+EFV+TDF.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dyslipidemia varies according to different antiretroviral regimens. Using both horizontal and longitudinal data, we have repeatedly demonstrated that AZT has a more adverse effect on blood lipids than TDF from two perspectives. Therefore, we recommend caution in using the 3TC+EFV+AZT regimen for people at clinical risk of co-occurring cardiovascular disease.
A Stackelberg-based repurchase strategy for rail freight options (BRFO)
Authors: Shen Qi , Kuang Tingyue , Guo Jingwei
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel Buyback Rail Freight Option (BRFO), leveraging Stackelberg game theory to enhance the strategic management of rail freight transactions. By integrating traditional buyback theory with a multi-phase trigeminal tree pricing model and parameter identification through a nonparametric Ito stochastic method, the research addresses key challenges of information asymmetry and market uncertainty. The proposed methodology emphasizes dynamic pricing strategies and market adaptation, constructing a Nash equilibrium framework within railway freight pricing. The findings suggest significant strategic benefits for railway enterprises, positioning BRFO as a crucial tool for improving competitiveness in the face of alternative transport options.
Assessing processing-based measures of implicit statistical learning: Three serial reaction time experiments do not reveal artificial grammar learning
Authors: Jenkins Holly E. , Leung Phyllis , Smith Faye , Riches Nick , Wilson Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Implicit statistical learning, whereby predictable relationships between stimuli are detected without conscious awareness, is important for language acquisition. However, while this process is putatively implicit, it is often assessed using measures that require explicit reflection and conscious decision making. Here, we conducted three experiments combining an artificial grammar learning paradigm with a serial reaction time (SRT-AGL) task, to measure statistical learning of adjacent and nonadjacent dependencies implicitly, without conscious decision making. Participants viewed an array of six visual stimuli and were presented with a sequence of three auditory (nonsense words, Expt. 1; names of familiar objects, Expt. 2) or visual (abstract shapes, Expt. 3) cues and were asked to click on the corresponding visual stimulus as quickly as possible. In each experiment, the final stimulus in the sequence was predictable based on items earlier in the sequence. Faster responses to this predictable final stimulus compared to unpredictable stimuli would provide evidence of implicit statistical learning, without requiring explicit decision making or conscious reflection. Despite previous positive results (Christiansen et al. 2009 and Misyak et al. 2010) we saw little evidence of implicit statistical learning in any of the experiments, suggesting that in this case, these SRT-AGL tasks were not an effective measure implicit statistical learning.
In vitro atomization analysis and evaluation of inhalable sodium sivelestat formulations
Authors: Liu Rangdong , He Aifang , Xu Yan , Zhou Yisheng , Cao Hui
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this paper was to study in vitro atomization properties of the self-developed sodium sivelestat for inhalation, evaluate the feasibility of this preparation as an aerosol inhalation, and provide the guidance for the following animal administration experiment. Firstly, in order to ensure accurate, uniform and stable doses of the self-developed product after administration, its atomization performance was analyzed through the testing of fine particle mass and the total emitted dose, and the results of its atomization parameters meet the requirement of inhalation. Next, Atomization characteristics of two commonly used nebulizers, air compressed nebulizer and mesh nebulizer, were studied and compared. The results showed that mesh atomizers have a smaller and more uniform particle size distribution. And then, the experiment of acute lung injury induced by aerosol inhalation of lipopolysaccharide in mice was used to test the therapeutic effect of our self-developed formulation, and compared with the positive control (sodium sivelestat for injection). The results showed that inhalation had a lower concentration and was equally effective than injection of sodium sivelestat. All the results support that the self-developed sodium sivelestat can be used as an aerosol inhaled drug.
Trends and disparities in alcohol-DWI license suspensions by suspension duration, North Carolina, 2007–2016
Authors: Singichetti Bhavna , Wang Yudan Chen , Golightly Yvonne M. , Marshall Stephen W. , Naumann Rebecca B.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To examine trends and potential disparities in North Carolina (NC) driving while impaired by alcohol (alcohol-DWI) license suspensions from 2007–2016. Specific objectives included: 1) examining personal (e.g., race/ethnicity) and contextual (e.g., residential segregation) characteristics of alcohol-DWI license suspensions by suspension duration; and 2) examining trends in annual suspension rates by race/ethnicity, sex, and duration.

Methods

We linked NC administrative licensing and county-level survey data from several sources from 2007–2016. Suspensions were categorized by duration: 1 to <4 years and 4 years or longer (proxies for initial and repeat suspensions, respectively). We calculated counts, percentages, and suspensions rates (per 1,000 person-years) with 95% confidence intervals, examined trends in annual suspension rates by race/ethnicity, sex, and suspension duration.

Results

We identified 220,471 initial and 41,526 repeat license suspensions. Rates among males were three times that of females. 21-24-year-old (rates: 6.9 per 1,000 person-years for initial; 1.5 for repeat) and Black (4.1 for initial; 1.0 for repeat) individuals had the highest suspension rates. We observed decreases in annual initial and repeat suspension rates among males, but only in repeat suspensions for females during the study period. A substantial decrease in annual initial suspension rates was observed among Hispanic individuals relative to other racial/ethnic groups, while annual repeat suspension rates exhibited large decreases for most racial/ethnic groups. The highest overall suspension rates occurred in counties with higher proportions of the population without health insurance and with the highest levels of Black/White residential segregation.

Conclusions

Potential disparities by race/ethnicity and sex existed by alcohol-DWI license suspension duration (i.e., initial vs. repeat suspensions) in NC. Contextual characteristics associated with suspensions, including a high degree of residential segregation, may provide indications of underlying structures and mechanisms driving potential disparities in alcohol-DWI outcomes.
Information sharing and channel encroachment in biomass supply chains
Authors: Wu Xin , Liu Peng , Li Jin , Gao Jing , Xu Guangyin
Published: September 2024

To guarantee the sustainable development of the biomass raw material supply chain, researchers are increasingly focusing on the issue of information asymmetry between biomass power plants and upstream supply chain members. This paper investigates the optimal information sharing strategy for a biomass power plant where farmers choose whether to encroach on the biomass feedstock supply. Using a game theory model, we analyze eight different information sharing scenarios, and the results show that when the encroachment occurs in supply chain channels, information sharing can significantly increase the profits of the entire supply chain. In this case, the power plant should share its demand information with all upstream players to promote the overall benefit of the supply chain. In contrast, when the power plant shares its information only with the middleman, it can maximize its profits, which, however, may not be conducive to the long-term stability of the supply chain. Furthermore, surprisingly, in the absence of channel encroachment, the power plant sharing information with upstream members may harm their profits. This suggests that power plants may need to consider the scope of information sharing more carefully when the farmers choose not to encroach. Finally, we also examine the impact of channel competition intensity on information sharing strategies, and find that when channel competition intensity is low, transparent demand information helps the power plant maximize expected returns. However, in a highly competitive market environment, the power plant should carefully handle information sharing with farmers to avoid damaging their profits.