bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homotopic solution of the chemically reactive magnetohydrodynamic flow of a hybrid nanofluid over a rotating disk with Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects
Authors: Rashid Amjid , Dawar Abdullah , Ayaz Muhammad , Islam Saeed , Galal Ahmed M. , Gul Humaira
Published: February 2023

Due to the synergetic effects of several types of nanomaterials, the primary goal of the hybrid nanofluid is to enhance the energy transport capabilities over a base fluid. Hybrid nanofluids have a wide range of applications in the industrial, technical, and medical industries, including solar heating systems, food processing, microchannel heat sinks (MCHS), and medicines. In this article, the researchers have investigated the water‐based hybrid nanofluid flow comprising silver and alumina nanoparticles past a spinning disk. The effect of Brownian motion, activation energy, magnetic field, and thermophoresis are taken into account. The PDEs are transformed into ODEs by means of suitable correspondence transformations. The modeled equations are solved by using a semi‐analytical method known as HAM. Graphical representations of the nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid profiles are used. The current findings are contrasted with those that have already been published and are confirmed to be remarkably comparable. The outcomes showed that the radial and tangential velocities of the nanofluids and hybrid nanofluid reduced as the magnetic factor augmented. Nanofluids and hybrid nanofluid surface drag is increased by magnetic factor. Hybrid nanofluid exhibits higher growth due to the magnetic factor than nanofluids do. The heat transmission rates of nanofluids and hybrid nanoliquid have grown as a result of the thermophoresis factor and nanoparticle volume fractions. In comparison to nanofluids, the hybrid nanofluid also possesses a better thermal conductivity.
Electroweak resummation of neutralino dark-matter annihilation into high-energy photons
Authors: Beneke M. , Lederer S. , Peset C.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We consider the resummation of large electroweak Sudakov logarithms for the annihilation of neutralino DM with (TeV) mass to high-energy photons in the minimal supersymmetric standard model, extending previous work on the minimal wino and Higgsino models. We find that NLL resummation reduces the yield of photons by about 20% for Higgsino-dominated DM at masses around 1 TeV, and up to 45% for neutralinos with larger wino admixture at heavier masses near 3 TeV. This sizable effect is relevant when observations or exclusion limits are translated into MSSM parameter-space constraints.
Dynamical stability from quasi normal modes in 2nd, 1st and 0th order holographic superfluid phase transitions
Authors: Zhao Zi-Qiang , Zhang Xing-Kun , Nie Zhang-Yu
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study a simple extension of the original Hartnoll, Herzog and Horowitz (HHH) holographic superfluid model with two nonlinear scalar self-interaction terms λ|ψ|4 and τ|ψ|6 in the probe limit. Depending on the value of λ and τ, this setup allows us to realize a large spectrum of holographic phase transitions which are 2nd, 1st and 0th order as well as the “cave of wind” phase transition. We speculate the landscape pictures and explore the near equilibrium dynamics of the lowest quasinormal modes (QNMs) across the whole phase diagram at both zero and finite wave-vector. We find that the zero wave-vector results of QNMs correctly present the stability of the system under homogeneous perturbations and perfectly agree with the landscape analysis of homogeneous configurations in canonical ensemble. The zero wave-vector results also show that a 0th order phase transition cannot occur since it always corresponds to a global instability of the whole system. The finite wave-vector results show that under inhomogeneous perturbations, the unstable region is larger than that under only homogeneous perturbations, and the new boundary of instability match with the turning point of condensate curve in grand canonical ensemble, indicating a new explanation from the subsystem point of view. The additional unstable section also perfectly match the section with negative value of charge susceptibility.
Large N superconformal indices for 3d holographic SCFTs
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Choi Sunjin , Hong Junho , Reys Valentin
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study a limit of the superconformal index of the ABJM theory onS1×S2in which the size of the circle is much smaller than the radius of the two-sphere. We derive closed form expressions for the two leading terms in this Cardy-like limit which are valid to all orders in the 1/Nexpansion. These results are facilitated by a judicious rewriting of the superconformal index which establishes a connection with the Bethe Ansatz Equations that control the topologically twisted index. Using the same technique we extend these results to the superconformal index of another holographic theory: 3d$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYM coupled to one adjoint andNffundamental hypermultiplets. We discuss the implications of our results for holography and the physics of charged rotating black holes in AdS4.
Generalization of Simson–Wallace theorem: planar and spatial formulation
Authors: Blažek Jiří , Pech Pavel
Published: February 2023

The paper studies a problem that represents a natural spatial generalization of the well-known Simson–Wallace theorem: Let four skew lines parallel to a fixed plane be given. Determine the locus of the pointPin space so that the reflections ofPin the given lines are coplanar. The result was very surprising for us — we get a cylinder of revolution. By orthogonal projection onto the given plane, the problem is reformulated as a planar one and subsequently solved synthetically. This solution turns out to have many properties in common with the classical Simson–Wallace theorem.
Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen in der Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde
Authors: Hofauer Benedikt , Pförringer Dominik , Schöffski Oliver , Zhu Zhaojun , Offergeld Christian
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Mit Verabschiedung des „Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetzes“ durch den Deutschen Bundestag Ende 2019 wurde unter anderem ermöglicht, dass digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen von den gesetzlichen Krankenkassen erstattet werden können. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Identifikation von DiGA mit Bezug zur HNO-Heilkunde und die Beschreibung der zugrunde liegenden Evidenz.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Analyse des DiGA-Verzeichnisses nach DiGA, deren Indikationsbereich eine Erkrankung aus dem HNO-Bereich betrifft. Es wurden DiGA eingeschlossen, die entweder dauerhaft oder vorläufig aufgenommen wurden oder aktuell gestrichen sind, wenn hierzu weitere Informationen vorlagen. Es erfolgte eine Bewertung der zugrunde liegenden Evidenz nach den Empfehlungen des Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine für therapeutische Studien.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden sechs DiGA mit direktem oder indirektem Bezug zur HNO-Heilkunde identifiziert, von denen drei dauerhaft und zwei vorläufig in das Verzeichnis aufgenommen wurden. Eine DiGA ist aktuell vom Hersteller zurückgezogen worden. Den dauerhaft aufgenommenen DiGA liegt eine Evidenz Grad 1b zugrunde.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Einführung von DiGA wird teilweise auch kritisch diskutiert, dennoch stellt ihre Einführung einen innovativen Ansatz dar, und gerade für den HNO-Bereich sind bereits verschiedene DiGA mit hoher zugrunde liegender Evidenz verfügbar.
Intergenerational transmission of stress: Multi-domain stressors from maternal childhood and pregnancy predict children’s mental health in a racially and socioeconomically diverse, multi-site cohort
Authors: Bush Nicole R. , Noroña-Zhou Amanda , Coccia Michael , Rudd Kristen L. , Ahmad Shaikh I. , Loftus Christine T. , Swan Shanna H. , Nguyen Ruby H. N. , Barrett Emily S. , Tylavsky Frances A. , Mason W. Alex , Karr Catherine J. , Sathyanarayana Sheela , LeWinn Kaja Z.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Despite growing recognition that unfortunately common maternal stress exposures in childhood and pregnancy may have intergenerational impacts on children’s psychiatric health, studies rarely take a life course approach. With child psychopathology on the rise, the identification of modifiable risk factors is needed to promote maternal and child well-being. In this study, we examined associations of maternal exposure to childhood traumatic events (CTE) and pregnancy stressful life events (PSLE) with child mental health problems in a large, sociodemographically diverse sample.

Methods

Participants were mother–child dyads in the ECHO-PATHWAYS consortium’s harmonized data across three U.S. pregnancy cohorts. Women completed questionnaires regarding their own exposure to CTE and PSLE, and their 4–6-year-old child’s mental health problems using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Regression analyses estimated associations between stressors and child total behavior problems, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Among 1948 dyads (child age M = 5.13 (SD = 1.02) years; 38% Black, 44% White; 8.5% Hispanic), maternal history of CTE and PSLE were independently associated with children’s psychopathology: higher CTE and PSLE counts were related to higher total problems ([ßCTE = 0.11, 95% CI [.06, .16]; ßSLE = 0.21, 95% CI [.14, 0.27]) and greater odds of clinical levels of problems (ORCTE = 1.41; 95% CI [1.12, 1.78]; ORPSLE = 1.36; 95% CI [1.23, 1.51]). Tests of interaction showed PSLEs were more strongly associated with child problems for each additional CTE experienced.

Conclusion

Findings confirm that maternal exposure to CTE and PSLE are independently associated with child mental health, and history of CTE exacerbates the risk associated with PSLE, highlighting intergenerational risk pathways for early psychopathology. Given the prevalence of these exposures, prevention and intervention programs that reduce childhood trauma and stress during pregnancy will likely positively impact women’s and their children’s health.
A virtual stylus method for non-destructive roughness profile measurement of additive manufactured lattice structures
Authors: Downing David , Rogers Jason , Tino Rance , Elambasseril Joe , Wallbrink Chris , Qian Ma , Brandt Milan , Leary Martin
Published: February 2023

Surface roughness is traditionally evaluated with contact profilometry; however, these methods are not compatible with complex additive manufactured lattice structures due to limited physical access. For these scenarios, computed tomography (CT) is often used to provide qualitative insight into surface roughness but does not directly yield roughness profile data. This research describes a hybrid approach for the non-destructive quantification of roughness profile data for lattice structures based on the mathematical reconstruction and interpretation of CT data. Formal analyses are applied to propose the theoretical minimum CT voxel size required to characterise surface roughness for a specified sampling length. The method is verified against optical data for nominally flat metallic specimens and applied to metallic and polymeric cylinders fabricated by powder bed fusion and material extrusion respectively. This research also assesses the influence of CT reconstruction thresholding as a process variable and finds that roughness profile data is only weakly influenced by thresholding settings, due to scattering effects at the surface — a novel finding that provides certainty for the industrial application of this method. The ability of the proposed method to accurately characterise the inherent surface roughness of these processes as well as the effect of specimen orientation is thus demonstrated, enabling full geometric characterisation supporting subsequent certification analysis. The method can be algorithmically implemented in combination with the generative design of complex lattice structures to support structural certification requirements.
Valorisation of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae through the production of monomeric sugars
Authors: Agabo-García Cristina , Romero-García Luis I. , Álvarez-Gallego Carlos J. , Blandino Ana
Published: February 2023

Rugulopteryx okamurae is an invasive brown alga causing severe environmental and economic problems on the western Mediterranean coasts. Thus, in addition to the difficulties caused to the fishing and tourism sectors, there is a need to manage its accumulation on the beaches. This work aims to valorise this waste by using it as raw material for producing monosaccharides through a two-stage sequential process. These sugars could be used for different fermentative processes to obtain high-value-added bioproducts. In this work, biological pretreatment of the previously conditioned seaweed with the fungus Aspergillus awamori in solid-state fermentation (SSF), followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with a commercial enzyme cocktail, was performed. The effect of the extension of the biological pretreatment (2, 5, 8 and 12 days) on the subsequent release of total reducing sugars (TRS) in the enzymatic hydrolysis stage was studied. To analyse this effect, experimental data of TRS produced along the hydrolysis were fitted to simple first-order kinetics. Also, the secretion of cellulase and alginate lyase by the fungus, along with the biological pretreatment, was determined. The results suggest that 5 days of biological pretreatment of the macroalgae with A. awamori followed by enzymatic saccharification for 24 h with Cellic CTec2® (112 FP units/g of dry biomass) are the best conditions tested, allowing the production of around 240 g of TRS per kg of dried biomass. The main sugars obtained were glucose (95.8 %) and mannitol (1.5 %), followed by galactose (1 %), arabinose (0.9 %) and fucose (0.5 %).

Key points

• Five-day SSF by A. awamori was the best condition to pretreat R. okamurae.

• Five-day SSF was optimal for alginate lyase production (1.63 ±0.011 IU/g biomass).

• A maximum yield of 239 mg TRS/g biomass was obtained (with 95.8 % glucose).

Graphical Abstract
Eigenmode analysis of the multiple temperature model: spectrum properties, hierarchical structures, and temperature inversion
Authors: Katow Hiroki , Ishikawa Kenichi L.
Published: February 2023

Recent developments of ultrafast laser pulse techniques enable us to study the subpicosecond scale dynamics out of thermal equilibrium. Multiple temperature models (MTMs) are frequently used to describe such dynamics where the total system is divided into subsystems each of which is in local thermal equilibrium. Typical examples include the electron-lattice two temperature model and electron-spin-phonon three temperature model. We present the exact analytical solutions of linear MTM, based on the Fourier series expansion and the Green’s function method. We then discuss their properties for the case of the two and three temperature models. We show that the general solution of MTM is expressed as a linear combinations of a spatially uniform, single-temperature stationary mode and the other non-oscillatory, decaying “eigenmodes” characterized by different wave vectors and well-defined mode lifetimes. The eigenmode picture enables us to explore the hierarchical structure of models with respect to space, time and the coupling parameter. Excitation by source term is included by the Green’s function method. As an example, we derive an analytical solution for a Gaussian type source term. We report a phenomenon “temperature inversion” where the lattice temperature exceeds electron’s temperature for ns time scale. Furthermore, we show how physical requirements such as energy conservation and equilibration are realized in the general linear MTM in terms of the eigenmode picture.
Glans dehiscence after severe hypospadias repair. Is it a real complication? Clues from a study in post-pubertal patients
Authors: Durante Ludovica , Ghidini Filippo , Panchieri Francesco , Bovolenta Eleonora , Bagnara Vincenzo , Esposito Ciro , Castagnetti Marco
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Glans dehiscence (GD) is reportedly a common complication after proximal hypospadias repairs. However, the need for surgical correction is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess awareness, risk factors, and outcome of GD in post-pubertal patients. The agreement with surgeon assessment was also evaluated.

Methods

The design was retrospective. All consecutive patients treated for proximal hypospadias between 2000 and 2011 were included. The presence of GD was self-reported, and the participants could optionally upload a photograph for surgeon assessment. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were assessed by validated questionnaires (HOSE, PPPS, KINDL®, IIEF-5). Results were compared between patients with and without GD.

Results

Of 219 patients, 34 (16%) participated. Fourteen of them (41%) self-reported GD. Eighteen patients (8%) also uploaded a photograph and, in ten of them (56%), the surgeon noted the presence of GD with poor agreement [k = − 0.444 (95 CI − 0.856 to − 0.033)] with patient report. Patients self-reporting GD had had more frequently a penile curvature at diagnosis (12/14 = 86%, p = 0.01), and had undergone a single-staged repair (100% vs. 65%, p = 0.03). No difference was found in cosmetic and functional outcomes. Results were similar also comparing groups with and without GD as assessed by the surgeon.

Conclusion

GD was a common finding after severe hypospadias repair. It was more common in case of surgeon assessment with poor agreement between patients and surgeons. GD did not prove to have clear clinical implications. Therefore, in our opinion, surgical repair of GD should be recommended only on patients request.
Absence of zeros implies strong spatial mixing
Authors: Regts Guus
Published: February 2023

In this paper we show that absence of complex zeros of the partition function of the hard-core model on any family of bounded degree graphs that is closed under taking induced subgraphs implies that the associated probability measure, the hard-core measure, satisfies strong spatial mixing on that family. As a corollary we obtain that the hard-core measure on the family of bounded degree claw-free graphs satisfies strong spatial mixing for every value of the fugacity parameter. We furthermore derive strong spatial mixing for graph homomorphism measures from absence of zeros of the graph homomorphism partition function.
Iatrogenic lumbosacral infiltration with petroleum (hydrodesulfurized heavy) with secondary intrathecal distribution—a case report
Authors: Muruato-Araiza Fernando , Oekenpöhler Simon , Wagner Nana-Maria , Förster Petra , Warneke Nils , Holling Markus , Mannil Manoj , Grauer Oliver Martin , Stummer Walter , Brokinkel Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Petroleum is commonly used as a solvent, and primary intrathecal administration or secondary diffusion and subsequent clinical management has not been reported. We report the case of a male patient with intrathecal petroleum diffusion following accidental lumbar infiltration. After the onset of secondary myeloencephalopathy with coma and tetraparesis, continuous cranio-lumbar irrigation using an external ventricular and a lumbar drain was established. Cranial imaging revealed distinct supra- and infratentorial alterations. The patient improved slowly and was referred to rehabilitation. Intrathecal petroleum leads to myeloencephalopathy and continuous cranio-lumbar irrigation might be a safe treatment option.
Stressfulness of the design influences consistency of cognitive measures and their correlation with animal personality traits in wild mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Delacoux Mathilde , Guenther Anja
Published: February 2023

Individual variation in cognition is being increasingly recognized as an important evolutionary force but contradictory results so far hamper a general understanding of consistency and association with other behaviors. Partly, this might be caused by external factors imposed by the design. Stress, for example, is known to influence cognition, with mild stress improving learning abilities, while strong or chronic stress impairs them. Also, there might be intraspecific variation in how stressful a given situation is perceived. We investigated two personality traits (stress coping and voluntary exploration), spatial learning with two mazes, and problem-solving in low- and high-stress tests with a group of 30 female wild mice(Mus musculus domesticus). For each test, perceived stress was assessed by measuring body temperature change with infrared thermography, a new non-invasive method that measures skin temperature as a proxy of changes in the sympathetic system activity. While spatial learning and problem-solving were found to be repeatable traits in mice in earlier studies, none of the learning measures were significantly repeatable between the two stress conditions in our study, indicating that the stress level impacts learning. We found correlations between learning and personality traits; however, they differed between the two stress conditions and between the cognitive tasks, suggesting that different mechanisms underlie these processes. These findings could explain some of the contradictory findings in the literature and argue for very careful design of cognitive test setups to draw evolutionary implications.
Not myopathic, but autonomic changes in patients with long-COVID syndrome: a case series
Authors: Bocci Tommaso , Bertini Alessandro , Campiglio Laura , Botta Stefano , Libelli Giorgia , Guidetti Matteo , Priori Alberto
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Neurological sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection still represent a serious concern both for neurologists and neuroscientists. In our paper, we investigated pain, myalgia, and fatigue as symptoms in long-COVID patients with an electrophysiological approach, comprising the evaluation of sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) and quantitative electromyography (qEMG).

Materials and methods

Twelve patients were enrolled (mean age, 47.7 ± 11.6 years), referred to our attention because of myalgia, pain, or muscle cramps, which persisted about 6 months after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. They underwent conventional electroneurography (ENG), needle electromyography (EMG), and SSRs; moreover, qEMG was performed by sampling at least 20 motor unit potentials (20–30 MUPs) during weak voluntary contraction in deltoid and tibialis anterior muscles. The mean duration, amplitude, and percentage of polyphasic potentials were assessed and compared with healthy and age-matched volunteers.

Results

ENG did not disclose significant changes compared to healthy subjects; needle EMG did not reveal denervation activity. In addition, qEMG showed MUPs similar to those recorded in healthy volunteers in terms of polyphasia (deltoid: p = 0.24; TA: p = 0.35), MUP area (deltoid: p = 0.45; TA: p = 0.44), mean duration (deltoid: p = 0.06; TA: p = 0.45), and amplitude (deltoid: p = 0.27; TA: p = 0.63). SSRs were not recordable from lower limbs in seven patients (58%) and from the upper ones in three of them (25%).

Conclusion

Our data suggest an involvement of the autonomic system, with a focus on cholinergic efferent sympathetic activity, without any evidence of myopathic changes.
Development of a Transformation System for Nitratireductor sp.
Authors: Maeda Hiroto , Hirata Yuto , Takahashi Hirokazu , Watanabe Kenshi , Aki Tsunehiro , Okamura Yoshiko
Published: February 2023

Nitratireductor sp. OM-1 can accumulate butenoic acid, which is a short-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid utilized for chemical products. So far, we have predicted the thioesterase gene, te, as a candidate gene for butenoic acid biosynthesis, based on comparative transcriptome analysis. To confirm the function of te, the gene transfer system in Nitratireductor sp. OM-1 was required. Thus, in this study, we used electroporation as a transformation system and pRK415, a broad host range plasmid, and optimized the conditions. As a result, a maximum transformation efficiency of 7.9 × 104 colonies/µg DNA was obtained at 22.5 kV/cm. Moreover, an expression vector, pRK415-te, was constructed by insertion of te, which was successfully transferred into strain OM-1, using electroporation. The recombinant OM-1 strain produced butenoic acid at 26.7 mg/g of dried cell weight, which was a 254% increase compared to transformants harboring an empty vector. This is the first report of a gene transfer system for Nitratireductor sp., which showed that the te gene was responsible for butenoic acid production.
Forest bathing and hiking benefits for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mediterranean regions
Authors: Muro Anna , Mateo Corel , Parrado Eva , Subirana-Malaret Montse , Moya Montserrat , Garriga Adrià , Canals Josep , Chamarro Andrés , Sanz Antoni
Published: February 2023

Forest bathing (FB) has evidenced positive effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being, but its benefits have mainly been studied in Asian biomes. The present study aimed to evaluate whether its benefits are also generalisable to other forests and biomes of the world, such as the Mediterranean. Eighty-six healthy adults of the general population were assessed before and after a FB near Barcelona (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A control-hiking group of participants was also analysed to contrast the FB effects on anxiety, affect, mood states and mindfulness. Results show that the guided practice of FB in Mediterranean-Catalan forests increases mindfulness states and positive affect and reduces anxiety and negative affect, with effect sizes being large to very large. Hiking also induced significant changes in all variables tested, but FB showed higher effect sizes. An exploratory analysis also revealed a different profile of the FB participants compared to the hiking practitioners, being highly educated women living in urban areas and with lower basal levels of psychological well-being. Accordingly, it is concluded that both Mediterranean FB and hiking (to a lesser degree) might be cost-effective strategies to promote and restore psychological well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote sustainable tourism in Mediterranean biomes of the European forested and protected areas.
Influence of local site effects on seismic risk maps and ranking of Italian municipalities
Authors: Sabetta Fabio , Fiorentino Gabriele , Bocchi Flavio , Sinibaldi Martina , Falcone Gaetano , Mendicelli Amerigo
Published: February 2023

The latest studies concerning seismic risk assessment in Italy were developed without considering the site geo-lithological effects, thus limiting the assessment to rock soil type. In this study, for the evaluation of site amplification effects, we used the results of recent works based on the Italian seismic microzonation data. As this first study is performed for the entire Italian territory at the municipality scale, the site amplification factors (AFs) have been assigned to the chief town of each of the 7715 Italian municipalities, assuming that the building stock is concentrated in that small area. The AFs have been compared with those foreseen by the Italian building code (NTC2018). The PGA amplification with the new AFs ranges from 1 to 2.2 bringing to an average increase of 75% in the hazard, compared to 27% if using the NTC2018 amplification. The seismic risk has been evaluated using the probabilistic hazard assessment adopted in the NTC2018 and recent vulnerability/exposure models developed for Italy. The residential building stock was subdivided into 5 vulnerability classes (3 for masonry and 2 for concrete) derived from the national census data and further refined using the construction age and building height. The results show that, for a rock site condition, the loss estimates are comparable with those of previous works in terms of casualties, homeless, and economic damage. The introduction of the site effects brings to a significant increase in the expected losses resulting higher than the historical data retrieved from a careful analysis of the major Italian earthquakes. This suggests the importance of developing new fragility curves based on updated AFs. To support the implementation of risk reduction programs, a seismic risk index is introduced, allowing a municipality ranking by risk, a cost estimation of the seismic retrofitting in the highest risk municipalities, and an assessment of the consequent risk reduction.
“It is Very Difficult for us to Separate Ourselves from this System”: Views of European Researchers, Research Managers, Administrators and Governance Advisors on Structural and Institutional Influences on Research Integrity
Authors: Kennedy Mari-Rose , Deans Zuzana , Ampollini Ilaria , Breit Eric , Bucchi Massimiano , Seppel Külliki , Vie Knut Jørgen , Meulen Ruud ter
Published: February 2023

Research integrity is fundamental to the validity and reliability of scientific findings, and for ethical conduct of research. As part of PRINTEGER (Promoting Integrity as an Integral Dimension of Excellence in Research), this study explores the views of researchers, research managers, administrators, and governance advisors in Estonia, Italy, Norway and UK, focusing specifically on their understanding of institutional and organisational influences on research integrity.

A total of 16 focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that competition is pervasive and appeared in most themes relating to integrity. The structural frameworks for research such as funding, evaluation and publication were thought to both protect and, more commonly, undermine integrity. In addition, institutional systems, including workload and research governance, shaped participants’ day-to-day work environment, also affecting research integrity. Participants also provided ideas for promoting research integrity, including training, and creating conditions that would be supportive of research integrity.

These findings support a shift away from individual blame and towards the need for structural and institutional changes, including organisations in the wider research environment, for example funding bodies and publishing companies.
Spirituality and the Use of Psychoactive Substances: The Perspective of Polish Students
Authors: Chrost Marzena , Chrost Sławomir
Published: February 2023

The objective of the article is to examine and analyze the correlation between the spirituality of Polish students and their use of psychoactive substances. The main research problem has been formulated as follows: What is the relationship between students’ spirituality and their use of selected psychoactive substances? The empirical research used the diagnostics survey method with the questionnaire technique and ASP (Aspects of Spirituality) scales. The study was carried out from November 2021 to December of the same year. The participants included 1348 Polish students from Krakow academies and universities. Based on the results of statistical tests, the hypothesis on the correlation between the students’ spirituality and their use of selected psychoactive substances was verified and accepted. Students with higher levels of spirituality (the protective factor) use psychoactive substances less frequently and in smaller quantities. Therefore, it was concluded that spirituality is a protective factor in young peoples’ lives. Some implications for student education are noted.
Synthesis and characterization of metal oxide-based microcapsules including phase change materials for energy storage applications
Authors: Aguilar T. , Peña-Cordero M. D. , Carrillo-Berdugo I. , Alcántara R. , Navas J.
Published: February 2023

In this study, microcapsules based on Cu2O containing different phase change materials (PCM) were prepared and characterized. The elemental, structural and electronic properties of the Cu2O-based microcapsules were characterized using several techniques such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the thermal properties of the microcapsules prepared were characterized in order to analyse their possible application as a thermal energy storage medium. Heating/cooling cycles using a differential scanning calorimetry technique were performed, and the phase change temperature and enthalpy were estimated. We observed good stability after the cycles. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiency was estimated from melting and crystallization enthalpy values, reaching a value of 14.8% for the paraffin wax-based microcapsules. Finally, isobaric specific heat was measured to evaluate the storage capability of the encapsulated PCMs with regard to pure Cu2O to evaluate their possible application as a thermal storage system. An increase of around 140% was found in the isobaric specific heat for the microcapsules based on paraffin wax with regard to pure Cu2O.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Chinese Trade Relations
Authors: Hansen Jaqueline , Kamaliev Antonia , Schmerer Hans-Jörg
Published: February 2023

This paper presents an analysis of the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on countries’ bilateral trade with China. Our panel regression results suggest a reduction in monthly Chinese exports to countries that introduced more stringent lockdown measures. We extend our analysis by decomposing observed trade flows into gravity and residual trade components. More stringent lockdowns are associated with less residual trade. Moreover, an event study approach reveals a negative effect of the Covid-19 outbreak in China but this effect vanishes after only 2 months.
Does the journal impact factor reflect the impact of German medical guideline contributions?
Authors: Traylor Christopher , Herrmann-Lingen Christoph
Published: February 2023

Contributions to medical guidelines, so far, have hardly been considered in the measurement and evaluation of research performance in Germany. We therefore examined 70 high-quality medical guidelines from the years 2017 and 2018 and investigated the type of publications cited by the guidelines, whether the citation rates of articles differ between substantiating guideline recommendations and background text, and whether or not the Journal Impact Factor is correlated with the guidelines’ citation frequency of individual journals. Our study found that the guidelines cited original articles much more than books, reviews, or other guidelines. Slightly less than 10% of the citations came from the 2 years preceding guideline publication, and more than 50% of the references were at least 8 years old. A subsample showed that articles which only provided background information were cited less frequently outside the guidelines than those that substantiated a specific recommendation. Lastly, there was only a weak correlation (0.1 ≤ Tau ≤ 0.35) between the citations counts of individual journals in the guidelines and their respective JIFs despite guideline subject. Our study suggests that the JIF is not an appropriate tool to assess the clinical relevance of medical research.
Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development, A Multivariate Statistical Analysis to Guide the Policies of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan
Authors: Perchinunno Paola , Massari Antonella , L’Abbate Samuela , Mongelli Lucia
Published: February 2023

The sustainable development goals are a call to action by all upper-middle-income countries and developing countries to promote development while protecting the planet. The United Nations defines sustainable "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The present work proposes a first mapping of the correspondences between the SDGs and the 6 Missions envisaged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). In this paper, the data referred to Mission 2 (Green Revolution and Ecological Transition) will be analyzed at a provincial level in order to evaluate the territorial adequacy of the economic planning through multivariate statistical methodologies (Totally Fuzzy and Relative method and DBScan). Data analysis allows to develop an integrated approach for the evaluation of the government policies of the territory and for monitor the progress of the subsequent intervention policies of the Italian Government.
The post festum-rationality of history in Georg Lukács’ Ontology
Authors: Forczek Ákos
Published: February 2023

During the winter of 1968–69, members of the so-called Budapest School formulated a scathing “review” of Georg Lukács’ late work, Ontology of Social Being. In the wake of the objections (but not in accordance with them), Lukács began to revise the text, but was unable to complete it: he died in June 1971. The disciples’ critique, published in English and German in 1976, played a major role in the reception history of Ontology—or rather in the fact that the 1500-page “philosophical fiasco” still has no remarkable reception history. The main criticism of the disciples is that Lukács’ work mixes two incompatible ontologies and recalls the worst traditions of Soviet Marxism. In this paper, I will argue that the disciples’ “review” is misleading (nevertheless, the historical circumstances may provide a sufficient explanation for this) because there are no “two ontologies” in Lukács’ unfinished book. I will concentrate on the source of the misunderstanding, the Lukácsian thesis of the “post festum-rationality” of history, and in the light of this I will analyse how Lukács describes the open determination of individual and collective action in the process of the social reproduction of life.
Arguments from Popularity: Their Merits and Defects in Argumentative Discussion
Authors: van Laar Jan Albert
Published: February 2023

How to understand and assess arguments in which the popularity of an opinion is put forward as a reason to accept that opinion? There exist widely diverging views on how to analyse and evaluate such arguments from popularity. First, I define the concept of an argument from popularity, and show that typical appeals to the popularity of a policy are not genuine arguments from popularity. Second, I acknowledge the importance of some recent probability-based accounts according to which some arguments from popularity are epistemically strong arguments, but also contend that despite these strengths such arguments have at most limited value in argumentative discussions. Finally, I show that there are at least five different ways that arguments from popularity can be fallacious, and examine what this means for an account of the Fallacy of Popularity.
Using publish/subscribe for message routing in mobile environments
Authors: Amozarrain Ugaitz , Larrea Mikel
Published: February 2023

Publish/subscribe is a mature communication paradigm to route and deliver events from publishers to interested subscribers. Initially conceived for large scale systems, e.g., the Internet, it has been used more recently in new scenarios, e.g., wireless sensor networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), where mobility and dynamicity are the norm. The loose-coupling and asynchronicity of publish/subscribe makes it an interesting choice for IoT scenarios, i.e., each node in an IoT network can choose a different role depending on its location, capabilities, etc. This paper presents MFT-PubSub, a fully mobile and fault tolerant content-based publish/subscribe protocol. Our proposal is a purely reactive solution for mobility in a publish/subscribe system without any kind of limits on the mobility patterns of the nodes. A wireless ad hoc network is created without the need of any previous connections or knowledge on the nodes. Handling the mobility, be it physical or logical, of both clients and brokers. We prove the validity of our solution by experimentation, and compare it with AODV, a routing protocol for mobile ad hoc networking. The simulations show an improvement on message delivery rate over previously used protocols.
Coupling wastewater treatment, biomass, lipids, and biodiesel production of some green microalgae
Authors: El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Galal Hamdy R. , Mousa Amal SH. H. , Farghl Abla A. M.
Published: February 2023

This study demonstrates the combination of wastewater treatment and green microalgae cultivation for the low-cost production of lipids as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Three green microalgal species were used: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Monoraphidium braunii, and Scenedesmus obliquus. Nutrient, heavy metals and minerals removal, biomass productivity, carbohydrate, protein, proline, lipid, and fatty acids methyl ester (FAMEs) contents besides biodiesel properties were evaluated. The results showed that all algal species were highly efficient and had the potential to reduce nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, sulfate, heavy metals (Zn2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Fe2+), calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium after 10 days of algal treatment compared to initial concentrations. The removal efficiency of these parameters ranged from 12 to 100%. The growth rates of M. braunii and S. obliquus cultivated in wastewater were significantly decreased compared to the control (synthetic medium). In contrast, C. reinhardtii showed the highest growth rate when cultivated in sewage water. Wastewater could decrease the soluble carbohydrates and protein content in all tested algae and increase the proline content in M. braunii and S. obliquus. In wastewater culture, M. braunii had the highest lipid productivity of 5.26 mg L−1 day−1. The fatty acid profiles of two studied species (C. reinhardtii and M. braunii) revealed their suitability as a feedstock for biodiesel production due to their high content of saturated fatty acids, representing 80.91% and 68.62% of the total fatty acid content, respectively, when cultivated in wastewater. This study indicated that wastewater could be used to modify biomass productivity, lipid productivity, and the quantity of individual fatty acids in some algae that affect biodiesel quality to achieve international biodiesel standards.
The Influence of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Implant Design on Biomechanics
Authors: Cogan Charles J. , Ho Jason C. , Entezari Vahid , Iannotti Joseph P. , Ricchetti Eric T.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

As reverse total shoulder arthroplasty indications have expanded and the incidence of its use has increased, developments in implant design have been a critical component of its success. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent literature regarding the effect of implant design on reverse total shoulder arthroplasty biomechanics.

Recent Findings

Implant design for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has evolved considerably from the modern design developed by Paul Grammont. The Grammont design had a medialized center of rotation and distalized humerus resulting from a 155° humeral neck shaft angle. These changes intended to decrease the forces on the glenoid component, thereby decreasing the risk for implant loosening and improving the deltoid moment arm. However, these features also led to scapular notching. The Grammont design has been modified over the last 20 years to increase the lateral offset of the glenosphere and decrease the prosthetic humeral neck shaft angle to 135°. These changes were made to optimize functional range of motion while minimizing scapular notching and improving active external rotation strength. Lastly, the introduction of preoperative planning and patient-specific instrumentation has improved surgeon ability to accurately place implants and optimize impingement-free range of motion.

Success and durability of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been contingent upon changes in implant design, starting with the Grammont-style prosthesis. Current humeral and glenoid implant designs vary in parameters such as humeral and glenoid offset, humeral tray design, liner thickness, and neck-shaft angle. A better understanding of the biomechanical implications of these design parameters will allow us to optimize shoulder function and minimize implant-related complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Number of Limit Cycles for Planar Systems with Invariant Algebraic Curves
Authors: Gasull Armengol , Giacomini Hector
Published: February 2023

For planar polynomials systems the existence of an invariant algebraic curve limits the number of limit cycles not contained in this curve. We present a general approach to prove non-existence of periodic orbits not contained in this given algebraic curve. When the method is applied to parametric families of polynomial systems that have limit cycles for some values of the parameters, our result leads to effective algebraic conditions on the parameters that force non-existence of the periodic orbits. As applications we consider several families of quadratic systems: the ones having some quadratic invariant algebraic curve, the known ones having an algebraic limit cycle, a family having a cubic invariant algebraic curve and other ones. For any quadratic system with two invariant algebraic curves we prove a finiteness result for its number of limit cycles that only depends on the degrees of these curves. We also consider some families of cubic systems having either a quadratic or a cubic invariant algebraic curve and a family of Liénard systems. We also give a new and simple proof of the known fact that quadratic systems with an invariant parabola have at most one limit cycle. In fact, what we show is that this result is a consequence of the similar result for quadratic systems with an invariant straight line.
Building Granite Characterisation, Construction Phases, Mason’s Marks and Glyptography of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Church, Mouçós e Lamares, Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion
Authors: Freire-Lista David M. , Campos Bruno B. , Moreira Patrícia , Ramil Alberto , López Ana J.
Published: February 2023

The Romanesque church of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe of Mouçós e Lamares is located in Vila Real (North of Portugal). The exterior part of its nave is preserved almost unaltered. Most of the granite ashlars and corbels that make up this church have a mason’s mark in the centre of their faces. The building granites (Sanguinhedo and Vale das Gatas) have been identified and characterised petrographically and petrophysically. The mason’s marks have been as well identified; all the ashlars with visible mason’s marks have been mapped, and a glyptographic study has been carried out. In addition, the surface roughness of ashlars was measured. All these analyses have made it possible to locate the main historical quarry, to calculate the number of stonemasons who worked in the construction of the church, and to determine its construction phases. There are eight main types of mason’s marks on the nave façades. The quarrymen extracted the main building granite (Sanguinhedo granite) from the same quarry, or from nearby quarries. Although the most experienced stonemason has been identified, most stonemasons worked as a team during all construction phases of the church. Techniques such as petrography, ultrasonic P wave velocity, colourimetry, roughness and the determination of hydric properties will guarantee the quality and durability of the heritage stone for restorations. In addition, the glyptographic analysis revealed important historical and ethnographic findings that will be very useful for the appreciation of the monument. Therefore, the knowledge of built heritage, such as mason’s marks contribute to the conservation of historical quarries and traditions, as well as help understand the close cultural association societies have had with heritage stones. In this way, the scientific corpus of historical-cultural heritage can face for the development of tourism in Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion in a long-lasting sustainable way.