bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Antikörperseroprävalenz bei Personal in der außerklinischen Bekämpfung der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Brune Bastian , Korth Johannes , Fessmann Kai , Stappert Daniel , Nohl André , Lembeck Thomas , Standl Fabian , Stang Andreas , Dittmer Ulf , Witzke Oliver , Herrmann Anke , Dudda Marcel
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie und die unterschiedliche Ausprägung des Erkrankungsbilds COVID-19 stellen die Gesundheitssysteme weltweit vor eine große Herausforderung. Medizinischem Personal kommt in der Pandemiebekämpfung eine besondere Rolle zu. Ziel der Studie war, die SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Antikörper-Prävalenz bei Personal in der außenklinischen Pandemiebekämpfung in Abhängigkeit von Tätigkeitsbereichen zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Es wurden am 28. und 29.05.2020 von 732 der 1183 Mitarbeitenden (61,9 %) der Berufsfeuerwehr sowie der Hilfsorganisationen im Stadtgebiet Serumproben entnommen und auf SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Antikörper getestet. Entsprechend der Einsatzgebiete wurde das Personal in 4 Kategorien eingeteilt. Kategorie 1: dezentrale PCR-Abstrichteams, Kategorie 2: Rettungsdienst, Kategorie 3: Brandschutz, Kategorie 4: Lagezentrum. Die Tätigkeit des Personals war dabei nicht zwingend auf einen Tätigkeitsbereich beschränkt.

Ergebnisse

In 8 von 732 Serumproben wurden SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Antikörper nachgewiesen. Dies entspricht einer Prävalenz von 1,1 %. Bei 3 Mitarbeitern war eine COVID-19-Infektion schon vor Studienbeginn bekannt. Um eine separate Beurteilung der übrigen Mitarbeiter zu ermöglichen und unbekannte Infektionen zu diagnostizieren, wurde ein korrigiertes Kollektiv aus 729 Mitarbeitern mit 6 SARS-CoV-2-Antikörper-Nachweisen separat betrachtet. Die Prävalenz beträgt im korrigierten Kollektiv 0,82 %. Nach Unterteilung der Kollektive in Tätigkeitsbereiche war die Prävalenz ebenfalls niedrig (1: 0,77 %, 2: 0,9 %, 3: 1,00 %, 4: 1,58 %).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Seroprävalenz von SARS-CoV‑2 im Studienkollektiv ist mit 1,1 % bzw. 0,82 % niedrig. Die Seroprävalenz ist in Tätigkeitsfeldern mit niedriger Gefahr der Virusexposition gegenüber Tätigkeitsfeldern mit größerer Expositionsgefahr erhöht.
Intensity and content of private tutoring lessons during German secondary schooling: effects on students’ grades and test achievement
Authors: Guill Karin , Ömeroğulları Melike , Köller Olaf
Published: October 2021

Private supplementary tutoring is a widespread phenomenon. However, evidence that private tutoring has positive effects on academic achievement or about the specific conditions of successful private tutoring is rare. Adapting Carroll’s (1963) model for school learning to private tutoring, we expected to find positive effects of tutoring duration, tutoring intensity, and students’ motivation to attend private tutoring. In a sample of eighth-grade students in German secondary schools (N = 8510, 18.6% currently being tutored), we conducted regression analyses with multiple covariates and did not find a positive main effect of private tutoring attendance in any of the school subjects examined. Moreover, within the subsamples of tutored students, we were not able to identify positive effects of tutoring duration, tutoring intensity, tutoring content (such as a focus on homework completion, test preparation, or study behavior), or students’ motivation to attend private tutoring. Given these disillusioning findings, we primarily derive suggestions for future research.
Correction to: A probabilistic projection of beneficiaries of long‑term care insurance in Germany by severity of disability
Authors: Vanella Patrizio , Heß Moritz , Wilke Christina B.
Published: October 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Hydraulic fracturing flowback chemical composition diversity as a factor determining possibilities of its management
Authors: Fajfer Joanna , Lipińska Olga , Konieczyńska Monika
Published: October 2021

The chemical characteristic of flowback fluid from hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploration/production in various localizations is presented. The results of statistical analysis have shown that variability in the chemical composition of these fluids is statistically significant and depends on the time difference between fracturing process and flowback sampling as well as sampling spot within the installation for flowback collection. Parameters which depend on sampling schedule (time and spot of sampling) are as follows: electrical conductivity and concentration of ammonia, boron, barium, calcium, lithium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, strontium, silicate, bromide, and chloride. Independent parameters are pH, total organic carbon (TOC), concentration of potassium, and iron. The ranges of the values of the characteristic parameters were determined, taking into account the representativeness of the samples, supported by statistical tests. The methods for the reuse of flowback fluids in terms of chemical composition are presented.
Oolonghomobisflavans from Camellia sinensis increase Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and healthspan
Authors: Duangjan Chatrawee , Curran Sean P.
Published: October 2021

Tea polyphenols are widely considered as excellent antioxidant agents which can contribute to human health and longevity. However, the identification of the active biomolecules in complex tea extracts that promote health and longevity are not fully known. Here we used the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansto analyze the health benefits and longevity effects ofCamellia sinensisoolong tea extracts (QFT, NFT, and CFT) and oolonghomobisflavan A and oolonghomobisflavan B, which are present in oolong tea extracts. Our results showed that oolong tea extracts and oolonghomobisflavans prolong lifespan and improved healthspan by curtailing the age-related decline in muscle activity and the accumulation of age pigment (lipofuscin). We found that the lifespan and healthspan promoting effects of oolong tea extracts and oolonghomobisflavans were positively correlated with the stress resistance via DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor. Furthermore, oolong tea extracts and oolonghomobisflavans displayed protective effects against Aβ- and polyQ-induced neuro/proteotoxicity. Overall, our study provides new evidence to support the health benefits of oolong tea and importantly identify oolonghomobisflavans as potent bioactive molecules that promote health when supplemented with a normal diet. As such, oolonghomobisflavans represent a valuable new class of compounds that promote healthy aging.
Real-world cost-effectiveness of denosumab for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Taiwan
Authors: Johnson Ben , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Ou Huang-tz , Li Hong , Stollenwerk Björn
Published: October 2021

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of continued denosumab treatment, compared with discontinuation of denosumab after one dose, for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Taiwan, using real-world fracture reduction effectiveness and cost data. Outcomes indicate that continued denosumab treatment produces an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD $16,743 per QALY.

Purpose

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of continued denosumab use versus discontinuation after one dose, for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Taiwan, using real-world fracture reduction effectiveness and cost data.

Methods

A Markov cohort model was used to evaluate the lifetime costs and QALYs associated with continued denosumab treatment versus discontinuation of treatment after one dose. The evaluation was conducted from the perspective of Taiwan’s healthcare system and used a discount rate of 3% per annum. The patient population consisted of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis with a mean age of 77 years who initiated denosumab treatment. Fracture reduction effectiveness data, baseline fracture rates, mortality data, and costs of fracture were informed by Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.

Results

Model outcomes showed that continued treatment with denosumab produced an expected gain of 0.042 QALYs and an incremental cost of USD $704, compared with discontinuation of denosumab after one dose. This corresponds to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of USD $16,743 per QALY gained. Probabilistic and scenario analysis showed that results are stable to variations in model assumptions and parameters.

Conclusion

In a real-world setting, at a cost per QALY threshold equivalent to gross domestic product per capita in 2020 in Taiwan (USD $30,038), continued treatment with denosumab in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis is cost-effective compared with treatment discontinuation.
Neutronic Performance of a Compact 10 MWe Nuclear Reactor with Low Enrichment (ThxU1−x)N Fuel
Authors: Parker S. S. , Newman S. , Fallgren A. J.
Published: October 2021

Recent interest in compact nuclear reactors for applications in space or in remote locations drives innovation in nuclear fuel design, especially non-oxide ceramic nuclear fuels. This work details neutronic modeling designed to support the development of a new nuclear fuel concept based on a mixture of thorium and uranium nitride. A Monte Carlo N-Particle Version 6.2 (MCNP-6) model of a compact 10 MWe reactor design which incorporates (ThxU1−x)N fuel is presented. In this context, a “compact” reactor is a completely assembled reactor which may be emptied of coolant and transported by specialized commercial vehicle, deployed by a C130J aircraft, or launched into space. Core geometry, reflector barrels, and the heat exchange zones are designed to support reduction of overall reactor volume of core components while maintaining criticality with a fixed total fuel mass of 4500 kg. Dense mixed nitrides of thorium nitride (ThN) additions in uranium nitride (UN) in 5 wt.% increments between $$0.05 \le x \le 0.5$$

0.05
≤
x
≤
0.5

have been considered for calculation of $$k_{\infty }$$

k
∞

and $$k_{{{\text{effective}}}}$$

k
effective

. ThN additions in UN results in a slight increase in the magnitude of the temperature coefficient of reactivity, which is negative by design. The isotopic distribution of the principal actinide inventory as a function of burnup, time, and initial fuel composition is presented and discussed within the context of the proliferation risk of this core design.
Mediterranean developed coasts: what future for the foredune restoration?
Authors: Della Bella A. , Fantinato E. , Scarton F. , Buffa G.
Published: October 2021

The feasibility and efficacy of soft engineering foredune restoration approaches still lack insight from research and monitoring activities, especially in areas where dunes are under persisting human disturbance. We evaluated the efficacy of Mediterranean foredune restoration in dune areas freely accessible to tourists. Foredunes were reconstructed using only sand already available at nearby places and consolidated through the plantation of seedlings of native ecosystem engineer species and foredune focal species. We monitored transplanted and spontaneous seedlings for one year to assess their mortality and growth in relation to the distance from the closest beach access, either formal or informal, as proxy of human disturbance. We also tested whether species differing in their ecology (i.e., affinity to a given habitat) and growth form showed different response to human disturbance. The relationship between seedling mortality and growth and the distance from the closest beach access was tested through Generalized Linear Mixed Models. We found a clear spatial pattern of seedling survival and growth, which decreased as the proximity to the closest beach access increased. Only invasive alien plants and erect leafy species showed to better perform at lower distances from beach accesses. In dune areas with a strong tourist vocation, foredune restoration should be coupled with the implementation of integrated management plans aiming at optimising the relationship between protection and use. Management plans should not only rely on passive conservation measures; rather they should include educational activities to stimulate a pro-environmental behaviour, increase the acceptance of behaviour rules and no entry zones, and actively engage stakeholders in long-term conservation.
Machine learning-based clinical outcome prediction in surgery for acromegaly
Authors: Zanier Olivier , Zoli Matteo , Staartjes Victor E. , Guaraldi Federica , Asioli Sofia , Rustici Arianna , Picciola Valentino Marino , Pasquini Ernesto , Faustini-Fustini Marco , Erlic Zoran , Regli Luca , Mazzatenta Diego , Serra Carlo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Biochemical remission (BR), gross total resection (GTR), and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are important metrics in transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly, and prediction of their likelihood using machine learning would be clinically advantageous. We aim to develop and externally validate clinical prediction models for outcomes after transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly.

Methods

Using data from two registries, we develop and externally validate machine learning models for GTR, BR, and CSF leaks after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in acromegalic patients. For the model development a registry from Bologna, Italy was used. External validation was then performed using data from Zurich, Switzerland. Gender, age, prior surgery, as well as Hardy and Knosp classification were used as input features. Discrimination and calibration metrics were assessed.

Results

The derivation cohort consisted of 307 patients (43.3% male; mean [SD] age, 47.2 [12.7] years). GTR was achieved in 226 (73.6%) and BR in 245 (79.8%) patients. In the external validation cohort with 46 patients, 31 (75.6%) achieved GTR and 31 (77.5%) achieved BR. Area under the curve (AUC) at external validation was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–0.88) for GTR, 0.63 (0.40–0.82) for BR, as well as 0.77 (0.62–0.91) for intraoperative CSF leaks. While prior surgery was the most important variable for prediction of GTR, age, and Hardy grading contributed most to the predictions of BR and CSF leaks, respectively.

Conclusions

Gross total resection, biochemical remission, and CSF leaks remain hard to predict, but machine learning offers potential in helping to tailor surgical therapy. We demonstrate the feasibility of developing and externally validating clinical prediction models for these outcomes after surgery for acromegaly and lay the groundwork for development of a multicenter model with more robust generalization.
The structure of the attitudes toward religion as measured by the Post-Critical Belief Scale: A structural modelling approach
Authors: Szydłowski Piotr , Rogoza Radosław , Cieciuch Jan
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the structure of the Post-Critical Belief Scale (PCBS), which was designed by Hutsebaut (1996) to assess attitudes towards religion according to Wulff’s (1991) model. Existing results suggest ambiguous solutions, with two, three, or four factors, when only the four-factor solution is consistent with Wulff’s theoretical model. In the current study, we examined whether this hypothesized model indeed would be reflected in the data, when the more appropriate, newly-developed, Set-Exploratory Structural Equation modeling (Set-ESEM) is applied. The study was carried out on a sample of 952 participants. The results of the Set-ESEM modeling provided evidence for the good fit of the four-factor structure. Nevertheless, we also identified some shortcomings of the measure and identified items which may be removed in order to increase measurement precision.
Advanced Metabolic Engineering Approaches and Renewable Energy to Improve Environmental Benefits of Algal Biofuels: LCA of Large-scale Biobutanol Production with Cyanobacteria Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Villacreses-Freire Daniela , Ketzer Franziska , Rösch Christine
Published: October 2021

With modern genetic engineering tools, microorganisms can become resilient green cell factories to produce sustainable biofuels directly. Compared to non-engineered algae and cyanobacteria, the photon conversion efficiency can be significantly increased. Furthermore, simplified harvesting processes are feasible since the novel microorganisms are excreting the biofuels or their precursors continuously and directly into the cultivation media. Along with higher productivity and direct product harvesting, it is expected that environmental benefits can be achieved, especially for climate protection. A life cycle assessment (LCA) for biobutanol production with the genetically engineered cyanobacteria Synechocystis PCC6803 is performed to test this hypothesis. A prospective and upscaled approach was applied to assess the environmental impacts at large-scale production (20 ha plant) for better comparability with conventional butanol production. The LCA results show that the engineering of microorganisms can improve the environmental impact, mainly due to the higher productivity compared to non-engineered cyanobacteria. However, the nevertheless high electricity demand required for the cultivation and harvesting process overcompensates this benefit. According to the scenario calculations, a more favourable climate gas balance can be achieved if renewable electricity is used. Then, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to 3.1 kg CO2 eq/kg biobutanol, corresponding to 20% more than the fossil reference: (2.45 kg CO2 eq./kg 1-butanol). The results indicate the importance of genetic engineering and the energy transition towards renewable electricity supply to take full advantage of the environmental potential of microorganisms as future green cell factories for sustainable biofuel production. Besides, the necessity of developing different scenarios for perspective and upscaled LCA for a fairer comparison with mature reference technologies is demonstrated.
Wall paintings through the ages: the medieval period (Italy, twelfth to fifteenth century)
Authors: Murat Zuleika
Published: October 2021

This paper is devoted to wall painting in the Middle Ages (ca. late fifth to early fifteenth centuries), with a focus on twelfth to fifteenth century Italy. It is conceived as a critical conflation of diverse methodologies, approaches and research tools, with the aim of investigating the topic from different and complementary perspectives. Historical textual sources provide the interpretive framework for the examination, which is conducted on specific, yet interrelated aspects. Special attention is paid to technical features, including the methods and materials used to produce wall paintings. Data from scientific investigations are incorporated into the discussion with the purpose of elucidating theoretical conceptualizations with material pieces of evidence. A number of selected case studies is presented within the text in order to keep the focus of analysis on the materiality of the paintings, hence avoiding the formulation of abstract concepts in favour of more pragmatic approaches.
Beweisverständnis im Mathematikstudium unterstützen: Vergleich unterschiedlicher Varianten der Strategie „Illustrieren am Beispiel“
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Müller-Hill Eva , Neuhaus-Eckhardt Silke , Rach Stefanie
Published: October 2021

Das Lesen und Verstehen von Beweisen ist eine wichtige Aktivität in der wissenschaftlichen Disziplin Mathematik. In der Studieneingangsphase eines Mathematikstudiums stellt der lernförderliche Umgang mit Beweisen für die meisten Studierenden eine große Herausforderung dar. Beweise zu verstehen heißt nicht nur, einzelne Begründungsschritte im Beweis nachvollziehen, sondern beispielsweise auch, Hauptideen des Beweises identifizieren zu können. Welche individuellen Merkmale mit dem Beweisverständnis zusammenhängen und wie Studierende im Prozess des Beweisverstehens durch die spezifische Strategie der Beispielnutzung unterstützt werden können, steht im Zentrum der präsentierten Studie. 166 Studierenden mehrerer Analysis-Veranstaltungen wurde der Beweis eines Satzes über monotone Teilfolgen von reellwertigen Folgen vorgelegt. Die Studierenden wurden aufgefordert, diesen durchzulesen und Beispiele zu nutzen, um jeden einzelnen Beweisschritt zu illustrieren. Die Art des Illustrierens am Beispiel wurde in verschiedenen Varianten anhand zweier Bedingungen konkretisiert (2 × 2-Design): In der ersten Bedingung („Lernaktivität“) wird unterschieden, ob die Studierenden ein zum gegebenen Beweis passendes Beispiel selbst konstruieren oder ob sie ein vorgegebenes Beispiel passiv nachvollziehen sollen. In der zweiten Bedingung („Darstellungsform des Beispiels“) wird das Beispiel entweder in symbolischer oder in graphischer Form genutzt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die schulischen Vorleistungen und insbesondere das inhaltliche Vorwissen das Beweisverständnis erwartungskonform stark prädizieren. Für einzelne Unterstützungsvarianten, konkretisiert in den Bedingungen, konnten wir hingegen keine Vorteile für das individuelle Beweisverstehen ausmachen, dagegen geben die konkreten Bearbeitungsprozesse erhellende Einblicke in die Nutzung von Beispielen durch die Lernenden. Die Ergebnisse diskutieren wir in Bezug auf theoretische und praktische Implikationen für Lernprozesse im Mathematikstudium.
Substances of emerging concern in Baltic Sea water: Review on methodological advances for the environmental assessment and proposal for future monitoring
Authors: Kanwischer Marion , Asker Noomi , Wernersson Ann-Sofie , Wirth Marisa A. , Fisch Kathrin , Dahlgren Elin , Osterholz Helena , Habedank Friederike , Naumann Michael , Mannio Jaakko , Schulz-Bull Detlef E.
Published: October 2021

The Baltic Sea is among the most polluted seas worldwide. Anthropogenic contaminants are mainly introduced via riverine discharge and atmospheric deposition. Regional and international measures have successfully been employed to reduce concentrations of several legacy contaminants. However, current Baltic Sea monitoring programs do not address compounds of emerging concern. Hence, potentially harmful pharmaceuticals, UV filters, polar pesticides, estrogenic compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or naturally produced algal toxins are not taken into account during the assessment of the state of the Baltic Sea. Herein, we conducted literature searches based on systematic approaches and compiled reported data on these substances in Baltic Sea surface water and on methodological advances for sample processing and chemical as well as effect-based analysis of these analytically challenging marine pollutants. Finally, we provide recommendations for improvement of future contaminant and risk assessment in the Baltic Sea, which revolve around a combination of both chemical and effect-based analyses.
Ethical Principles for Artificial Intelligence in National Defence
Authors: Taddeo Mariarosaria , McNeish David , Blanchard Alexander , Edgar Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

Defence agencies across the globe identify artificial intelligence (AI) as a key technology to maintain an edge over adversaries. As a result, efforts to develop or acquire AI capabilities for defence are growing on a global scale. Unfortunately, they remain unmatched by efforts to define ethical frameworks to guide the use of AI in the defence domain. This article provides one such framework. It identifies five principles—justified and overridable uses, just and transparent systems and processes, human moral responsibility, meaningful human control and reliable AI systems—and related recommendations to foster ethically sound uses of AI for national defence purposes.
COVID-19 diagnosis from chest x-rays: developing a simple, fast, and accurate neural network
Authors: Nikolaou Vasilis , Massaro Sebastiano , Fakhimi Masoud , Stergioulas Lampros , Garn Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Chest x-rays are a fast and inexpensive test that may potentially diagnose COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. However, chest imaging is not a first-line test for COVID-19 due to low diagnostic accuracy and confounding with other viral pneumonias. Recent research using deep learning may help overcome this issue as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated high accuracy of COVID-19 diagnosis at an early stage.

Methods

We used the COVID-19 Radiography database [36], which contains x-ray images of COVID-19, other viral pneumonia, and normal lungs. We developed a CNN in which we added a dense layer on top of a pre-trained baseline CNN (EfficientNetB0), and we trained, validated, and tested the model on 15,153 X-ray images. We used data augmentation to avoid overfitting and address class imbalance; we used fine-tuning to improve the model’s performance. From the external test dataset, we calculated the model’s accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and F1-score.

Results

Our model differentiated COVID-19 from normal lungs with 95% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, and 97% specificity; it differentiated COVID-19 from other viral pneumonia and normal lungs with 93% accuracy, 94% sensitivity, and 95% specificity.

Conclusions

Our parsimonious CNN shows that it is possible to differentiate COVID-19 from other viral pneumonia and normal lungs on x-ray images with high accuracy. Our method may assist clinicians with making more accurate diagnostic decisions and support chest X-rays as a valuable screening tool for the early, rapid diagnosis of COVID-19.
Entwicklungsaufgaben angehender Primarlehrpersonen in Berufspraktischen Studien
Authors: Leineweber Sabine , Billich-Knapp Melanie , Košinár Julia
Published: October 2021

Basierend auf dem Konzept der Entwicklungsaufgaben wurden im Kontext der Bildungsgangforschung Entwicklungsaufgaben für Lehrpersonen zunächst theoretisch herausgearbeitet und anschliessend über empirische Studien bestätigt/konkretisiert. Für den Berufseinstieg von Lehrer*innen liegt bereits seit Jahren ein Kanonmodell vor, das erst in jüngster Zeit phasenspezifisch erweitert wurde. Es umfasst die EntwicklungsaufgabenIdentitätsstiftende Rollenfindung, Adressatenbezogene Vermittlung, Anerkennende KlassenführungundMitgestaltende Kooperation. Die Ausbildung von Lehrpersonen wurde im Hinblick auf berufsphasenspezifische Anforderungen lange nicht in den Blick genommen. Mit dem hier vorgestellten Projekt wird ausgehend von qualitativem Interview-Datenmaterial die subjektive Bedeutsamkeit von in der berufspraktischen Ausbildung erfahrenen Anforderungen durch Studierende fokussiert. Es konnten fünf Entwicklungsaufgaben identifiziert werden, von denen sich zwei als anschlussfähig an das Kanonmodell für den Berufseinstieg erweisen (Adressatenbezogene VermittlungundAnerkennende Klassenführung). Die drei weiteren analysierten Entwicklungsaufgaben weisen Unterschiede zum Kanonmodell auf und verdeutlichen damit die berufsbiographische Phasenspezifität (Sich in Ausbildung befinden, Zusammenarbeit mit verschiedenen Akteur*innen, Ein berufliches Selbstverständnis entwickeln). Mit den Ergebnissen wird dem Desiderat der systematischen, empirisch begründeten Ermittlung von Anforderungen begegnet, die sich subjektiv für Studierende in Praktika konstituieren – die sich aber nicht zwangsläufig an die hochschulisch definierten Standards und Entwicklungsziele anschliessen müssen.
The contribution of simulated patients to meaningful student learning
Authors: Lovink Annelies , Groenier Marleen , Van der Niet Anneke , Miedema Heleen , Rethans Jan-Joost
Published: October 2021

Introduction Communication training with simulated patients (SPs) is widely accepted as a valuable and effective means of teaching communication skills. However, it is unclear which elements within SP-student encounters make these learning experiences meaningful. This study focuses on the SP’s role during meaningful learning of the student by giving an in-depth understanding of the contribution of the SP from a student perspective.

Methods Fifteen bachelor Technical Medicine students were interviewed. Technical medicine students become technical physicians who optimize individual patient care through the use of personalized technology. Their perceptions of meaningful learning experiences during SP-student encounters were explored through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results Three main themes were identified that described what students considered to be important for meaningful learning experiences. First, SPs provide implicit feedback-in-action. Through this, students received an impression of their communication during the encounter. Implicit feedback-in-action was perceived as an authentic reaction of the SPs. Second, implicit feedback-in-action could lead to a process of reflection-in-action, meaning that students reflect on their own actions during the consultation. Third, interactions with SPs contributed to students’ identity development, enabling them to know themselves on a professional and personal level.

Discussion During SP encounters, students learn more than just communication skills; the interaction with SPs contributes to their professional and personal identity development. Primarily, the authentic response of an SP during the interaction provides students an understanding of how well they communicate. This raises issues whether standardizing SPs might limit opportunities for meaningful learning.
Multilevel quadrature for elliptic problems on random domains by the coupling of FEM and BEM
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut , Schmidlin Marc
Published: October 2021

Elliptic boundary value problems which are posed on a random domain can be mapped to a fixed, nominal domain. The randomness is thus transferred to the diffusion matrix and the loading. While this domain mapping method is quite efficient for theory and practice, since only a single domain discretisation is needed, it also requires the knowledge of the domain mapping. However, in certain applications, the random domain is only described by its random boundary, while the quantity of interest is defined on a fixed, deterministic subdomain. In this setting, it thus becomes necessary to compute a random domain mapping on the whole domain, such that the domain mapping is the identity on the fixed subdomain and maps the boundary of the chosen fixed, nominal domain on to the random boundary. To overcome the necessity of computing such a mapping, we therefore couple the finite element method on the fixed subdomain with the boundary element method on the random boundary. We verify on one hand the regularity of the solution with respect to the random domain mapping required for many multilevel quadrature methods, such as the multilevel quasi-Monte Carlo quadrature using Halton points, the multilevel sparse anisotropic Gauss–Legendre and Clenshaw–Curtis quadratures and multilevel interlaced polynomial lattice rules. On the other hand, we derive the coupling formulation and show by numerical results that the approach is feasible.
A Bismut–Elworthy inequality for a Wasserstein diffusion on the circle
Authors: Marx Victor
Published: October 2021

We introduce in this paper a strategy to prove gradient estimates for some infinite-dimensional diffusions on $$L_2$$

L
2

-Wasserstein spaces. For a specific example of a diffusion on the $$L_2$$

L
2

-Wasserstein space of the torus, we get a Bismut-Elworthy-Li formula up to a remainder term and deduce a gradient estimate with a rate of blow-up of order $$\mathcal O(t^{-(2+\varepsilon )})$$

O
(

t

-
(
2
+
ε
)

)

.
An analysis of contributing mining factors in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis prevalence in the United States coal mines, 1986–2018
Authors: Shekarian Younes , Rahimi Elham , Shekarian Naser , Rezaee Mohammad , Roghanchi Pedram
Published: October 2021

In the United States, an unexpected and severe increase in coal miners’ lung diseases in the late 1990s prompted researchers to investigate the causes of the disease resurgence. This study aims to scrutinize the effects of various mining parameters, including coal rank, mine size, mine operation type, coal seam height, and geographical location on the prevalence of coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) in surface and underground coal mines. A comprehensive dataset was created using the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Employment and Accident/Injury databases. The information was merged based on the mine ID by utilizing SQL data management software. A total number of 123,589 mine-year observations were included in the statistical analysis. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was used to conduct a statistical analysis on a total of 29,707, and 32,643 mine-year observations for underground and surface coal mines, respectively. The results of the econometrics approach revealed that coal workers in underground coal mines are at a greater risk of CWP comparing to those of surface coal operations. Furthermore, underground coal mines in the Appalachia and Interior regions are at a higher risk of CWP prevalence than the Western region. Surface coal mines in the Appalachian coal region are more likely to CWP development than miners in the Western region. The analysis also indicated that coal workers working in smaller mines are more vulnerable to CWP than those in large mine sizes. Furthermore, coal workers in thin-seam underground mine operations are more likely to develop CWP.
Classification of the Real Roots of the Quartic Equation and their Pythagorean Tunes
Authors: Prodanov Emil M.
Published: October 2021

Presented is a very detailed two-tier analysis of the location of the real roots of the general quartic equation$$x^4 + a x^3 + b x^2 + c x + d = 0$$x4+ax3+bx2+cx+d=0with real coefficients and the classification of the roots in terms ofa,b,c, andd, without using any numerical approximations. Associated with the general quartic, there is a number of subsidiary quadratic equations (resolvent quadratic equations) whose roots allow this systematization as well as the determination of the bounds of the individual roots of the quartic. In many cases the root isolation intervals are found. The second tier of the analysis uses two subsidiary cubic equations (auxiliary cubic equations) and solving these, together with some of theresolvent quadratic equations, allows the full classification of the roots of the general quartic and also the determination of the isolation interval of each root. These isolation intervals involve the stationary points of the quartic (among others) and, by solving some of theresolvent quadratic equations, the isolation intervals of the stationary points of the quartic are also determined. The presented classification of the roots of the quartic equation is particularly useful in situations in which the equation stems from a model the coefficients of which are (functions of) the model parameters and solving cubic equations, let alone using the explicit quartic formulæ , is a daunting task. The only benefit in such cases would be to gain insight into the location of the roots and the proposed method provides this. Each possible case has been carefully studied and illustrated with a detailed figure containing a description of its specific characteristics, analysis based on solving cubic equations and analysis based on solving quadratic equations only. As the analysis of the roots of the quartic equation is done by studying the intersection points of the “sub-quartic”$$x^4 + ax^3 + bx^2$$x4+ax3+bx2with a set of suitable parallel lines, a beautiful Pythagorean analogy can be found between these intersection points and the set of parallel lines on one hand and the musical notes and the staves representing different musical pitches on the other: each particular case of the quartic equation has its own short tune.
Physical Spacing and Social Interaction Before the Global Pandemic
Authors: Creighton Mathew , Capistrano Daniel , Sorokowska Agnieszka , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: October 2021

Subsequent to the arrival of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of COVID-19, policy to limit the further spread has focused on increasing distance between individuals when interacting, often termed social distancing although physical distancing is more accurate (Das Gupta and Wong in Canadian J Public Health 111:488–489, 2020; Gale in Is ‘social distancing’ the wrong term? Expert prefers ‘physical distancing,’ and the WHO agrees. The Washington Post, 2020; Sørensen et al. in Glob Health Promot, 28:5–14, 2021), and limiting the frequency of interaction by limiting/prohibiting non-essential and large-scale social gatherings. This research note focuses on social spacing, defined by distance and interaction, to offer a cross-cultural insight into social distancing and social interactions in the pre-pandemic period. Combining unique data on frequency of contact, religious service attendance and preferred interpersonal spacing in 20 countries, this research note considers variation in the extent to which physical distance was already practiced without official recommendations and underscores notable cross-cultural variation in the extent to which social interaction occurred. Results suggest that policy intervention should emphasize certain behavioral changes based on pre-existing context-specific patterns of interaction and interpersonal spacing rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This research note is a descriptive first step that allows unique insight into social spacing and contact prior to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. It provides a baseline typology and a reference for future work on the cross-cultural implications of COVID-19 for pre-pandemic socio-cultural practice and vice versa.
First report of Gibellulopsis nigrescens on peppermint in Germany
Authors: Alisaac Elias , Götz Monika
Published: October 2021

Peppermint is an important medicinal plant, and it is known for its essential oils and phenolic acids. Verticillium wilt is a vascular disease resulted from several Verticillium spp. causing significant economic losses in peppermint cultivation. In this study, the fungus Gibellulopsis nigrescens (syn. Verticillium nigrescens) was isolated from symptomless peppermint plants during the regular control of Verticillium wilt on peppermint in Germany. A pure fungal culture was prepared, and fungal DNA was extracted. Ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) were amplified, sequenced, and deposited in the GenBank. These sequences are located within the Gibellulopsis nigrescens cluster. Koch’s postulate was fulfilled, and the fungus was re-isolated from the inoculated plants. Up to our knowledge, this is the first report of Gibellulopsis nigrescens on peppermint in Germany.
Maßnahmen und Lösungen zur Arbeitsgestaltung für den Umgang mit der COVID-19 Pandemie: Eine systematische Analyse der Arbeit im Primär‑, Sekundär- und Tertiärsektor in Deutschland
Authors: Adam Caroline , Bengler Klaus , Brandl Christopher , Nitsch Verena , Ott Gritt , Pütz Sebastian , Schmauder Martin
Published: October 2021

Die mit der Ausbreitung der COVID-19 Pandemie in Deutschland einhergehende Anforderung betriebliche Arbeitsabläufe an die gesetzlichen Hygiene- und Kontaktreduktionsvorgaben anzupassen, hat zu kurzfristigen und teilweise radikalen Veränderungen in der Arbeitswelt geführt. Im Rahmen des Forschungsvorhabens COVID19LL wurde basierend auf 52 Interviews mit Unternehmens- und Organisationsvertretungen analysiert, welche pandemiebedingten Veränderungen im Kontext der Arbeit überregional und sektorenübergreifend auftreten, wie diese zu bewerten sind und welche neuen Arbeitsweisen sich auch in einer postpandemischen Zeit bewähren könnten. Im Einklang mit anderen Untersuchungen konnten eine steigende Flexibilisierung von Arbeitsort und Arbeitszeit, eine Beschleunigung der Digitalisierung von Arbeitsprozessen sowie Auswirkungen auf die Führungskultur festgestellt werden. Weitere zentrale Erfahrungen beziehen sich auf die Anpassung interner und externer Kommunikationsprozesse sowie den operativen Umgang mit krisenbedingten Herausforderungen. Anhand der gesammelten Daten wurden Handlungsempfehlungen für Unternehmen in Form von normativ-narrativen Szenarien abgeleitet.

Praktische Relevanz: Die vorgestellten Ergebnisse zeigen in der Praxis erfolgreich umgesetzte Maßnahmen zur Bewältigung der krisenbedingten Herausforderungen sowie Ansätze für die künftige Weiterentwicklung von Arbeitsformen. Die Maßnahmen werden durch die Darlegung erforderlicher Rahmenbedingungen und Erfolgsfaktoren kontextualisiert, wodurch der Transfer in andere Unternehmen und Wirtschaftszweige gefördert wird.
Changes in production work when using smart wearables—results of a Delphi-based study
Authors: Blumberg Verena , Schulte Eva-Maria , Kauffeld Simone
Published: October 2021

In industrial production, smart wearables (e.g. data glasses) are becoming more relevant to support employees. While economic aspects have so far been the focus of the introduction, changes for work design have been neglected. The aim of the Delphi study was to describe changes through the use of smart wearables and to derive implications for work design. Six description dimensions (application, implications for work design, data use, personalization, flexibility, introductory purpose) were identified and 18 scenarios were developed. The assessment of the scenarios in terms of desirability and degree of dissemination showed that scenarios for work-related and ergonomic support are particularly desirable and scenarios for changes in cooperation are considered particularly likely. Data usage is a relevant factor for the assumed degree of dissemination but not for the assessment of desirability. In operational practice, work design and economic aspects are important for assessing the scenarios.

Practical Relevance: The results show possible development scenarios for production work when using smart wearables and highlight possible implications for work design. Positive and negative effects on task, knowledge, social and contextual characteristics are identified, which offer suggestions for a conscious selection and design of the use of technology in practice.
Erfolgreiche Einführung von Enterprise Collaboration Systems: Work Design und Mitarbeiterpartizipation als Voraussetzung für Nutzungsakzeptanz?
Authors: Sczogiel Susanne , Schmitt-Rüth Stephanie , Stöckl Andreas , Struck Olaf
Published: October 2021

Enterprise Collaboration Systems (ECS) ermöglichen den digitalen Kontakt sowie Austausch von Informationen und Wissen zwischen Individuen, Teams und Unternehmen. Durch die Einführung von ECS am Arbeitsplatz verändern sich Arbeitsaufgaben, -abläufe, -anforderungen und Kommunikationswege. Die Ansprüche an die Gestaltung eines neuen Work Designs sowie der Mitarbeiterpartizipation steigen rasant. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht Arbeits- und organisationale Eigenschaften, welche mit der Nutzungsakzeptanz neuer Technologien zusammenhängen. Hierfür werden Work Design (in Form von Job-Stressoren und -Ressourcen), Vorerfahrungen mit Informationstechnologien und Mitarbeiterpartizipation untersucht. In einer schriftlichen Befragung (N = 212) in zwei Unternehmen, in denen ECS eingeführt wird, wurden Mitarbeitende bzgl. der Eigenschaften ihrer Arbeit, ihrer Organisation und ihrer eigenen Einstellungen bzgl. Technologien befragt. Es zeigten sich Zusammenhänge zwischen einigen Job-Stressoren und -Ressourcen und der Nutzungsakzeptanz. Auch die Vorerfahrungen mit Technologien hing mit Nutzungsakzeptanz zusammen, während Mitarbeiterpartizipation keinen Zusammenhang aufwies.

Praktische Relevanz: Die Studie identifiziert potenzielle Arbeits- und organisationale Eigenschaften, welche vom Arbeitgeber beeinflussbar sind, die mit der Nutzungsakzeptanz von neuen Kommunikations- und Wissenstransfertechnologien, im Speziellen mit ECS, zusammenhängen. Die Erkenntnisse können bei der Einführung solcher neuen Technologien am Arbeitsplatz zur Verbesserung der Nutzungsakzeptanz verwendet werden.
Evaluation of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as a Therapeutic Option for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Using the Xenograft Model
Authors: Garcia Natalia , Ulin Mara , Ali Mohamed , Al-Hendy Ayman , Carvalho Katia Candido , Yang Qiwei
Published: October 2021

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) contributes to a significant proportion of uterine cancer deaths. It is a rare and high-risk gynecological cancer. LMS is challenging to the treatment due to the resistance of several therapies. The activation of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been reported in several types of female cancers. Uterine LMS presents an upregulation of the crucial HH signaling pathway members such as SMO and GLI1. Although targeting the HH pathway exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on the phenotype of uterine LMS in vitro, the effect of the HH inhibitors on LMS growth in vivo has not been identified. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (SMO-LDE225 and GLI-Gant61) as a therapeutic option in the xenograft model of uterine LMS. The results demonstrated that LDE225 treatment did not show any inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth; however, treatment with GLI inhibitor (Gant61) induced a remarkable tumor regression with a significant decrease in Ki67 expression, compared to control (p < 0.01). Moreover, administration of Gant61 decreased the expression of GLI1, GLI target genes BMP4 and c-MYC (p < 0.05), indicating that the HH pathway is implicated in the LMS experimental model. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time that GLI inhibitor (Gant61), but not SMO inhibitor (LDE225), shows a potent inhibitory effect on LMS tumor growth and concomitantly suppresses the expression of GLI1- and GLI-targeted genes using the xenograft model of uterine LMS.
Dividing the Land: Time and Land Division in the English North Midlands and Yorkshire
Authors: Griffiths Seren , Johnston Robert , May Rowan , McOmish David , Marshall Peter , Last Jonathan , Bayliss Alex
Published: October 2021

Land divisions are ubiquitous features of the British countryside. Field boundaries, enclosures, pit alignments, and other forms of land division have been used to shape and delineate the landscape over thousands of years. While these divisions are critical for understanding economies and subsistence, the organization of tenure and property, social structure and identity, and their histories of use have remained unclear. Here, the authors present the first robust, Bayesian statistical chronology for land division over three millennia within a study region in England. Their innovative approach to investigating long-term change demonstrates the unexpected scale of later ‘prehistoric’ land demarcation, which may correspond to the beginnings of increasing social hierarchy.
Neolithic Cupmarks from Vasagård on Bornholm, Denmark: Dating the Rock Art Tradition in Southern Scandinavia
Authors: Iversen Rune , Thorsen Michael S. , Andresen Jens-Bjørn Riis
Published: October 2021

This article presents the first evidence for cupmarks in the southern Scandinavian Middle Neolithic, in the form of two cupmarked stones recovered during excavations at the Neolithic enclosures of Vasagård on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Until now, cupmarks, which are frequently found on dolmen capstones, have been associated with the rich and figurative rock art known from the Bronze Age (c. 1700–500 bc). The evidence from Vasagård opens up the possibility that more cupmarks could be Neolithic. The association of the cupmarked stones from Vasagård with ritual gatherings suggests an affinity with contemporary sites, including Orkney, where cupmarks have been linked to architectural transformations.