bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on preparation and mechanical properties of carbon fiber fabric/hollow glass beads/epoxy resin sandwich composite laminates
Authors: Lu Jing‐Jing , Dang Rui‐Qiong , Zhang Wei , Chernysh Yelizaveta , Wang Hong‐Quan , Fan Meng‐Xuan , Lan Ping , Guan Ji‐Peng , Shen Xiao‐Jun
Published: October 2022

To expand the application of light‐weight and high‐strength polymer matrix composites in the fields of aerospace, shipbuilding and transportation, it has designed and fabricated a new‐type carbon fiber fabric/hollow glass beads/epoxy resin (CFF/HGB/EP) composite with a three‐layer sandwich structure, consisting of an upper composite layer (CFF/EP), core layer (HGB/EP) and lower composite layer (CFF/EP). The effects of the CFF/EP layer and the HGB content on the sandwich composites were explored through a systematic investigation of the mechanical properties and microstructure. The results indicate that the density of the sandwich composite can be reduced to 0.83 g cm−3, while the flexural, impact, and tensile strength of the sandwich composite can be increased by 227%, 156%, and 118% compared with pure epoxy resin, respectively. The great improvement of mechanical properties of the sandwich composite makes its application in various industries more promising.
Does personality functioning relate to attitude toward minorities?
Authors: Doubková Nikola , Heissler Radek , Barcaj Martina , Sanders Edel , Preiss Marek
Published: October 2022

The relationship between negative attitudes and psychopathology is not yet clear. The current shift to a dimensional approach to mental disorders, as reflected in both the DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 models of personality disorders, seems to enrich the traditional approach to study attitudes. This study investigates whether and how impairments in personality functioning are linked to attitudes toward minorities. A comparison of levels of impairment in global and Self and interpersonal personality functioning, negative attitudes, social distance, and racism was conducted in the sample of 127 adults from the general population group (n = 69) and a group of people with diagnosed personality disorders (n = 58). Differences between both groups were found. The personality disorders group showed higher impairment in personality functioning, scored higher on negative attitude measures, and was more prone to the blatant expression of attitudes than the general population. The association between attitudes and personality functioning did not fully reflect these trends. However, given the nature of differences, it is suspected that the proclivity to the blatant expression of negative attitudes could go beyond negative attitudes toward minorities themselves and reflect disorder‐related characteristics, that is, more problematic and conflicted relationships with others in general.
Flourishing among adolescents living with chronic pain and their parents: A scoping review
Authors: Parsons Ryan D. , McParland Joanna L. , Halligan Sarah L. , Goubert Liesbet , Jordan Abbie
Published: October 2022

Evidence exists regarding the impact of flourishing in individuals living with chronic pain, but there are currently no reviews which collate the literature on flourishing in adolescents living with chronic pain and their parents. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to map and review the current literature, to document how flourishing is defined and understood in the literature, and to identify gaps in the field. Six databases were searched (Web of Science, Medline, Embase, APA PsycNet and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). In addition, a limited gray literature search was conducted. The resulting data were collated and reported in relation to the review questions, by examining the included papers to search for the presence of flourishing. Database searches resulted in 7326 papers after duplicate removal, with eight remaining papers being assessed for full‐text eligibility. Following full‐text screening, a final four papers were included in the review. Within the papers, flourishing was defined in relation to commonalities of benefit finding, enhanced maturity and growth, and social support. Gaps in the literature and directions for future research are considered. This review suggests that there is a dearth of knowledge and research regarding flourishing among adolescents living with chronic pain and their parents, despite aspects of flourishing identified in limited literature. This warrants further investigation.
Multiscale rheology model for entangled Nylon 6 melts
Authors: Liang Heyi , Yoshimoto Kenji , Kitabata Masahiro , Yamamoto Umi , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: October 2022

A multiscale simulation method is used to calculate the rheological properties of entangled Nylon 6 melts, including the stress relaxation modulus, storage and loss moduli, and the melt viscosity. The three‐level multiscale approach includes all‐atom, coarse‐grained and slip‐spring models, each operating at different levels of resolution and encompassing a wide range of length scales and over nine orders of magnitude in time. These models are unified by matching the polymer chain structure and dynamics as well as the stress relaxation, and together predict the rheological master curves at various temperatures using time–temperature superposition. The calculated viscosity agrees reasonably with experiment. The effect of polydispersity on rheology is also studied by simulating a polydisperse melt with chain lengths follow the Schulz‐Zimm distribution. Under the same weight‐average molecular weight, the polydisperse melt shows faster stress relaxation and lower viscosity compared to the monodisperse melt. For polymers that undergo rapid degradation at elevated temperatures, such as Nylon, the proposed approach offers a useful means to investigate rheology over a wide range of conditions. Importantly, the approach is fully predictive in that calculations of rheology are generated without relying on experimental information, and it therefore offers potential for design of polymeric materials on the basis of purely molecular models.
Developing theory‐driven narrative messages with personal stories: A step‐by‐step guide
Authors: Conley Claire C. , Davidson Lindy Grief , Scherr Courtney L. , Dean Marleah
Published: October 2022

Objective

Narratives are commonly utilized in health promotion and behavior change interventions due to their efficacy over didactic or expository interventions. While grounding narratives in behavioral theory may render them more effective, balancing the integration of theoretical and creative aspects of the narrative development process while maintaining authenticity is challenging. Thus, this manuscript describes a rigorous process through which researchers can intentionally integrate theory and personal stories for health interventions.

Methods

The process for creating theory‐driven narratives involves the following steps: (1) defining the purpose of the narratives, (2) selecting a guiding theory, (3) collecting personal testimonials, (4) immersing self into testimonials, (5) identifying central narratives and important variations, (6) considering additional theories, (7) piecing quotes into cohesive stories, (8) filling in the gaps, and (9) checking for resonance.

Results

To exemplify this step‐by‐step process, we provide a case study from our research involving the development of a psychoeducational intervention to model information seeking strategies for managing cancer‐related uncertainty among women who have recently tested positive for pathogenic genetic variants that increase risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

We discuss special considerations for developing theory‐driven narrative interventions and reflect on how this rigorous step‐by‐step process can be adapted by other researchers.
Retrospective review of vancomycin monitoring via trough only versus two‐point estimated area under the curve in pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Mitchell Billie , Kormelink Lauren , Kuhn Robert , Schadler Aric , Autry Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to compare the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin monitored through single serum trough concentrations and two‐point estimated area under the curve (AUC). Time to next exacerbation and return to baseline lung function were also assessed.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted in patients of all ages with CF admitted to the University of Kentucky who received IV vancomycin between October 2015 and January 2021. Patients were excluded if they received less than 5 days of IV vancomycin therapy.

Results

A total of 113 adults and 42 pediatric encounters met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of AKI, however, all grade 2–3 AKIs were in the serum through the monitoring group. Adult patients monitored with AUC also had a higher return to baseline lung function over trough monitoring (86% vs. 57%) (p = 0.002). There was not a statistically significant difference in time to the next exacerbation in either group.

Conclusions

Adult patients with CF experienced less severe AKIs when monitored with AUC versus trough. The results of this study indicate that AUC monitoring may enhance the efficacy of IV vancomycin in adult patients with CF.
Correlation between the drug concentration of polymyxin B and polymyxin B‐associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: A prospective study
Authors: Xu Ying , Liang Pei , Liu Ning , Dong Danjiang , Gu Qin , Wang Xinying
Published: October 2022

In recent years, polymyxin B‐associated acute kidney injury (PB‐AKI) in critically ill patients has been reported frequently, but polymyxin B (PB) is mainly cleared through non‐renal pathways, and the reasons of PB‐AKI remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the serum concentration of PB and PB‐AKI. We conducted a prospective cohort study in an intensive care unit between May 2019 and July 2021. Over the study period, 52 patients were included and divided into an AKI group (n = 26) and a non‐AKI group (n = 26). The loading dose of PB in the AKI group was significantly higher than that in the non‐AKI group. The C1/2, Cmin, and estimated area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)0–24 of PB in the AKI group were dramatically increased compared with those in the non‐AKI group, but the Cmax between the two groups showed no differences. Upon obtaining the ROC curve, the areas for the C1/2, Cmin, and estimated AUC0–24 were 0.742, 0.710, and 0.710, respectively. The sensitivity was ascertained to be 61.54%, and the specificity was 76.92% when the cutoff value for the estimated AUC0–24 of 97.72 mg·h/L was used preferentially. The incidence of PB‐AKI is high and related to the loading dose of PB. PB‐AKI could be predicted when the estimated AUC0–24 of PB was greater than 97.72 mg·h/L.
Theoretical Study and Application of Doped 2D PbSe for Toxic Gases
Authors: Zhang Jiwei , Pang Jianhua , Chen Hui , Wei Guang , Wei Songrui , Yan Jin
Published: October 2022

Herein, 2D doped PbSe is used to design a gas sensor to monitor the presence of SO2 and Cl2. The stability and feasibility of doped materials are studied. Based on first principles, the adsorption of toxic gases by 2D doped PbSe is verified by density of states, Bader charge, electron localization function, and differential charge density calculations. The calculation results show that Ge1Ge3 and Sn1 are suitable for adsorption of Cl2, and the bandgap decreases by roughly 69%. Ge1Ge2 and Sn1 are suitable for adsorption of SO2, and the bandgap decreases by roughly 38%. This provides the possibility of designing gas sensors for SO2 and Cl2 based on 2D doped PbSe.
Treatment effect measures under nonproportional hazards
Authors: Snapinn Steven , Jiang Qi , Ke Chunlei
Published: October 2022

In a clinical trial with a time‐to‐event endpoint the treatment effect can be measured in various ways. Under proportional hazards all reasonable measures (such as the hazard ratio and the difference in restricted mean survival time) are consistent in the following sense: Take any control group survival distribution such that the hazard rate remains above zero; if there is no benefit by any measure there is no benefit by all measures, and as the magnitude of treatment benefit increases by any measure it increases by all measures. Under nonproportional hazards, however, survival curves can cross, and the direction of the effect for any pair of measures can be inconsistent. In this paper we critically evaluate a variety of treatment effect measures in common use and identify flaws with them. In particular, we demonstrate that a treatment's benefit has two distinct and independent dimensions which can be measured by the difference in the survival rate at the end of follow‐up and the difference in restricted mean survival time, and that commonly used measures do not adequately capture both dimensions. We demonstrate that a generalized hazard difference, which can be estimated by the difference in exposure‐adjusted subject incidence rates, captures both dimensions, and that its inverse, the number of patient‐years of follow‐up that results in one fewer event (the NYNT), is an easily interpretable measure of the magnitude of clinical benefit.
The expected values for the Gutman index, Schultz index, and some Sombor indices of a random cyclooctane chain
Authors: Liu Jia‐Bao , Gu Jiao‐Jiao , Wang Kang
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we first introduce the explicit analytical formulas for the expected values of the Gutman and Schultz indices for a random cyclooctane chain . Meanwhile, the explicit formulas of the variances of the Gutman and Schultz indices for a random cyclooctane chain are determined and we prove these two indices are asymptotically subject to normal distribution. Furthermore, we are surprised to find the expected values of the Sombor index , the reduced Sombor index , the modified Sombor index and the reduced and modified Sombor index for a random cyclooctane chain.
Do married CEOs Foster more efficient innovation?
Authors: Cho Chanho , Mooney Timothy , Choi Daewoung , Via M. Tony
Published: October 2022

We examine the impact of CEO marital status on firm innovative efficiency. We find that firms led by married CEOs produce 8% more patents and citations per unit of investment and generate more explorative patents. Married CEOs create a culture of tolerance among their employees that is conducive to risk taking, and their firms produce more efficient innovation (1) in regions that value social capital and (2) in firms that value favorable employee treatment. We find that the tolerant culture of married CEO firms produces more efficient innovation when occurring in tandem with mechanisms facilitating a long‐term strategic orientation.
Diamine‐Promoted Deacylation of 2‐Alkyl‐1,3‐Diketones for the Facile Synthesis of Ketones
Authors: Ishihara Rei , Okamura Kota , Yoshimura Yuki , Ueno Satoshi
Published: October 2022

A facile synthesis of ketones was developed based on the diamine‐promoted deacylation of 2‐alkyl‐1,3‐diketones. More specifically, 2‐alkyl‐1‐arylbutane‐1,3‐diones were efficiently deacylated in the presence of 2,2‐dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diamines to afford the corresponding aryl ketones with a high regioselectivity. Notably, this regioselectivity was different from that observed under the conventional retro‐Claisen conditions.
Investigating the Interaction of Anthracene and Phenanthrene with Cucurbit[n]urils (n=6‐8): Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Alfadil Amira A. , Elbashir Abdalla A. , Omar Mei Musa Ali , Suliman FakhrEldin O.
Published: October 2022

The supramolecular interaction of anthracene (ANT) and phenanthrene (PHN) with cucurbit[n]uril, CB[n] (n=6‐8) has been investigated in aqueous media for the first time. The inclusion complexes were investigated and characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry, and 1HNMR. The stability of these complexes and the mode of inclusion in aqueous media at atomistic levels were monitored by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The results obtained from the experimental and MD studies have demonstrated the formation of stable 1 : 1 complexes between the two guests with all hosts in aqueous media. From the fluorescence study, the binding constants of PHN with CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8] were found to be 398±63, 544±128, and 655±162 M−1, respectively. Whereas, ANT‐ CB[n] formation constants are 213±37 M−1 270±35 M−1, and 356±94 M−1 for CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8], respectively. The results obtained show that the size of the cavity of the macrocycle and the polarity of the rim play an important role in the stability of the formed complex. Surprisingly, CB[6] forms an inclusion complex with ANT while it interacts by its side with PHN through dipole‐dipole interaction. The larger cavity sizes of CB[7], CB[8], were found to encapsulate the two guests forming highly stable inclusion complexes.
Spiro‐OMeTAD‐Based Hole Transport Layer Engineering toward Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Ying , Deng Kaimo , Li Liang
Published: October 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have undergone unprecedented growth in the past decade as an emerging photovoltaic technology. Up till now, the power conversion efficiency of PSCs has exceeded 25% that rivals silicon solar cells and there is still room for further enhancement. However, the development in long‐term stability lags far behind, which remains a great concern for the commercial application in the future. The device instability mainly arises from the functional components, including perovskite film, charge transport layers, and electrodes along with the involved interfaces. As the most widely studied hole transport layer at the current stage, 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)‐9,9‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) helps contribute to the achievement of record efficiency but it weakens the device stability due to the doping‐induced side effects such as hygroscopicity and ion migration. Great efforts are devoted to boosting the stability of Spiro‐OMeTAD while maintaining excellent photovoltaic performance. In this review, the fundamental properties of Spiro‐OMeTAD have been summarized and the recent advances in engineering Spiro‐OMeTAD‐based hole transport layer for the sake of highly efficient PSCs with enhanced longevity are highlighted. In the end, an outlook for the further optimization of Spiro‐OMeTAD is provided and the issues related to large‐scale production are discussed.
Defect Passivation by a Sulfur‐Containing Lewis Base for Efficient Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xia Minghao , Xia Yongkang , Zheng Ziwei , Chen Xiayan , Yang Jian , Du Jiankang , Mei Anyi , Hu Yue , Han Hongwei
Published: October 2022

In the rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), additive engineering has played a significant role for perovskite crystallization and passivation. The high density of defects at perovskite grain boundaries in the mesoporous scaffold leads to severe nonradiative recombination, which results in severe voltage loss. Herein, a sulfur‐containing Lewis base 2‐(methylthio)ethylamine hydrochloride (MTEACl) is applied in the perovskite precursor solution for printable mesoscopic PSCs with triple‐mesoscopic layer structure. Due to the strong electron donating ability of sulfur, the MTEACl can strongly interact with Pb2+, which can effectively passivate the defects of the perovskite. Correspondingly, the trap density of the perovskite is reduced, contributing to the improvement of power conversion efficiency from 15.18% to 17.17% and open circuit voltage to 995 mV.
Dehorning rhinos does not affect productivity
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: October 2022

Georgina Mills discusses new research examining the impact of dehorning black rhinos — a measure that is used to reduce the poaching of this endangered species.
Shift in HPAI infection dynamics causes significant losses in seabird populations across Great Britain
Authors: Falchieri Marco , Reid Scott M. , Ross Craig S. , James Joe , Byrne Alexander M. P. , Zamfir Madalina , Brown Ian H. , Banyard Ashley C. , Tyler Glen , Philip Emma , Miles Will
Published: October 2022

This focus article has been prepared by Marco Falchieri, Scott M. Reid, Craig S. Ross, Joe James, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Madalina Zamfir, Ian H. Brown and Ashley C. Banyard of the APHA; Glen Tyler and Emma Philip of NatureScot; and Will Miles of Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews.
It's a wrap for our sustainability webinars
Authors: Knowles‐Bacon Megan
Published: October 2022

As our popular Greener Veterinary Practice webinar series comes to a close, Megan Knowles‐Bacon rounds up the key highlights.
What should extramural studies look like in the future?
Authors: McGilligan Michael
Published: October 2022

BVA policy officer Michael McGilligan offers an insight into the deliberations of our EMS working group.
Working towards a more accessible and inclusive profession
Authors: Chelliah Saskia
Published: October 2022

Vet student Saskia Chelliah describes how her involvement with participation‐widening initiative Animal Aspirations has had an invaluable impact on her university experience.
Partial caudal zygomatectomy for zygomatic sialoadenectomy in a ferret
Authors: Parker Lindsay A. , Ganjei Justin
Published: October 2022

An adult ferret presented with recurrent and progressive left‐sided facial swelling of approximately 6‐month duration. Computed tomography was used to confirm that the sialocele was associated with the zygomatic salivary gland. Using three‐dimensional imaging, a partial caudal zygomatectomy was planned to approach the affected gland and perform a sialoadenectomy successfully. Preserving the rostral portion of the zygomatic arch allowed a normal globe appearance, and avoided undesirable cosmetic effects, including enophthalmia.
Confidence in consciousness research
Authors: Michel Matthias
Published: October 2022

To study (un)conscious perception and test hypotheses about consciousness, researchers need procedures for determining whether subjects consciously perceive stimuli or not. This article is an introduction to a family of procedures called “confidence‐based procedures,” which consist in interpreting metacognitive indicators as indicators of consciousness. I assess the validity and accuracy of these procedures, and answer a series of common objections to their use in consciousness research. I conclude that confidence‐based procedures are valid for assessing consciousness, and, in most cases, accurate enough for our practical and scientific purposes.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics

Philosophy > Consciousness
ITRF Densification in Cyprus
Authors: Danezis Chris , Chatzinikos Miltiadis , Kotsakis Christopher
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to present the results from the GNSS-based densification of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) in the region of Cyprus. The regional network used for this task consists of nine permanent GNSS Cypriot stations (eight stations of the existing CYPOS network plus the NICO station which belongs to the global IGS network) and 34 additional stations of the EUREF Permanent GNSS Network (EPN) which are mostly located in the continental part of Europe. The data used in this densification project include daily GNSS observations at the above stations within a period of 62 months (30/11/2011–28/01/2017). The present study was carried out using the resources of the CyCLOPS strategic research infrastructure unit. A robust procedure was designed for the daily data processing using the Bernese GNSS software v5.2 installed in the CyCLOPS operating center. The multi-year solution is computed by combining the constraint-free daily solutions using the normal equations stacking strategy. The reference frame of the multi-year solution is IGb08 and it was enforced through a no-net-translation condition on the positions and velocities of 24 EPN (Class A) stations. The quality of the computed solution is verified by comparing the estimated velocities with their official EPN_A_IGb08_C1934 values, and reveals minimal differences (<1 mm/year) in all EPN stations for both horizontal and up components.
The Institutions of Programmatic Action
Authors: Hornung Johanna
Published: October 2022

A comparison of French and German health policy between 1990 and 2020 reveals the institutions under which programmatic action occurs. Expert interviews allow for an in-depth analysis of which institutions and processes are necessary for programmatic action to take place. In presenting the results of these expert interviews, this chapter shows how different systems of elite recruitment and policy advice are relevant to programmatic action by at the same time stressing that decentralized and corporatist structures are less directly related to programmatic action.
Introduction
Authors: Marti Irene
Published: October 2022

In Switzerland, as in most Western countries in recent decades, public pressure and changing demands for security have led to a shift towards a more punitive and hard-line approach to crime. As a consequence, there are now more people serving longer sentences or held preventively in indefinite incarceration. Based on ethnographic data generated in two high-security prisons, this book provides insights into the everyday lives of long-term prisoners in Switzerland who are labelled as ‘dangerous’ and preventively held in indefinite incarceration after completing their regular prison sentence. This chapter provides the background for the study on which this book is based. It presents information on the research context and in-depth reflections on how to conduct ethnographic research in a constrained context with heavily stigmatized people.
Indefinite Confinement in Switzerland
Authors: Marti Irene
Published: October 2022

This chapter presents the fundamentals of indefinite incarceration in Switzerland. It starts with a description of the legal definition of indefinite confinement—that is, indefinite incarceration and the in-patient therapeutic treatment of mental disorders—and then provides insight into the Swiss penal policy. It further explores the perspectives of the three groups of actors who most directly organize and shape prisoners’ everyday lives: penal enforcement authorities, prison management and prison staff. Finally, the two main features of life in indefinite confinement, namely indeterminacy (and thus an uncertain future) and an institutionally established ever-same present, are described from the perspective of those directly concerned: the prisoners.
Space, Time, Embodiment
Authors: Marti Irene
Published: October 2022

This chapter presents the theoretical framework of the study. In this book, the prison and the experience of imprisonment are analysed using space, time and embodiment as key concepts. The study adopts a phenomenological and pragmatist perspective, drawing on the notion ofinhabiting. The chapter argues that this analytical approach provides a unique and fruitful perspective on the prison and the subjective experience of incarceration. First, it allows us to understand the prison not as a space in the sense of a (pre-defined) container, but as a formally establishedset of arrangements of space and timethat arelived. Second, the concept of inhabiting enables us to refocus the lens of prison studies away from the often-applied framework of power and resistance and, instead, to explore prisoners’ embodied, agentic and practical engagement with imprisonment.
During Leisure Time
Authors: Marti Irene
Published: October 2022

This chapter focuses on the prisoners’ spatial, temporal and embodied experience of and during the particular part of the day that is labelled and organized by the prison as ‘leisure time’, taking place in a wide range of contexts. After a brief description of the legal and institutional norms and rules regarding leisure time in Swiss prisons, it presents the prisoners’ multiple approaches todoingleisure time, during which they have various opportunities to encounter the outside world. It is argued that these moments generally intensify their lives and allow them to feel free, or less imprisoned, but at the same time cause them to become intensely aware of their imprisonment, of what they have lost, miss and will probably never experience again.
15 Years of the Italian GNSS Geodetic Reference Frame (RDN): Preliminary Analysis and Considerations
Authors: Giorgini Eugenia , Vecchi Enrica , Poluzzi Luca , Tavasci Luca , Barbarella Maurizio , Gandolfi Stefano
Published: October 2022

In 2011, the IGMI (Istituto Geografico Militare Italiano) defined the new Italian geodetic reference, materialized by the Rete Dinamica Nazionale (RDN), a cluster of 99 GNSS permanent stations located in Italy and, few of them, in neighbouring areas. RDN also includes some IGS and EPN sites, so that it constitutes a densification of those two networks. The official coordinates of the 99 GNSS stations were initially obtained by computing a limited period of 28 days starting from the end of 2007 and aligned to the datum ETRS89-ETRF2000 at epoch 2008.0. After years of continuously acquired data, other studies published the stations’ coordinates together with the associated velocities. This paper presents the updated results of the velocity trends considering the whole dataset now available, consisting of 15 years of data. The analysis considered only the 77 stations that worked consistently for at least five years. The workflow starts with the archive organization and pre-analysis, followed by the geodetic computation using the Precise Point Positioning approach implemented in the GIPSYX software. After the post-processing of the solutions, which included the alignment to the ETRF2000 frame and the analysis of discontinuities, the mean velocities have been computed. The latter were compared to those estimated in a previous work basing on 8 years long dataset. The comparison shows the overall agreement between the linear trends, but also highlights the importance of considering the whole dataset nowadays available to assess the behaviour of those few sites who underwent velocity changes over time.
Integration of LiDAR Data into a Regional Topographic Database for the Generation of a 3D City Model
Authors: Di Benedetto Alessandro , Fiani Margherita
Published: October 2022

To analyze the resilience of road infrastructures to natural and anthropic hazards, the spatial and descriptive data provided by the Italian National Topographic Data Base (NTDB) and the 3D data coming from the LiDAR data of the “Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare” (MATTM) can be used. The two datasets, having different nature, need to be properly joined. The aim of the work is the integration of the two datasets in a GIS environment for the 3D modelling of the anthropized territory and the optimization of the cartographic bases. On a test area, crossed by a network of linear infrastructures of great strategic importance and subjected to hydrogeological risk, an automated process has been implemented and tested in ArcGIS Desktop environment, to homogenize the data into the National Reference System. The planimetric component comes from the NTDB whereas the LiDAR data have been used to attribute the elevation to the extracted elements, to create the breaklines for a proper interpolation of the heights to build the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), to extract the height of the pitches of the buildings identified in the NTDB polygons, and finally to generate, filter and optimize the contour lines. The proposed workflow and the methodologies implemented also allowed the reconstruction of the volumes of each element involved (infrastructures and buildings) and to correct the altimetric aberrations present in the NTDB polygons.
A Tool to Aid the Navigation in La Spezia Harbour (Italy)
Authors: Soldani M. , Faggioni O.
Published: October 2022

The knowledge of sea level in harbours is very important to manage port activities (safety of navigation, prevention of ship stranding, optimization of vessel loading, water quality control). In this article we describe the use of a software tool developed to help local authorities and working organizations to optimize navigation and avoid or manage hazardous situations due to sea level changes in port basins. This prototype application, starting from reading data coming from a monitoring station in La Spezia harbour (in North Western Italy), updates dynamically the port bathymetry based on sea level oscillations (measured in the past or real-time, or expected in the near future). Then, it detects potentially dangerous areas for a given ship moving in the basin at a certain time, by means of the idea of “virtual traffic lights”: sea level variations are provided as parameters to the application that performs the updating of the bathymetric map and the subdivision of the harbour in allowed (green)/warning (yellow)/prohibited (red) areas for each ship, based on its draft. The tool can provide a useful support interface to competent authorities to avoid or manage critical situations by detecting hazardous areas for a given vessel at a given time.
Minimal consistent Dark Matter models for systematic experimental characterisation: fermion Dark Matter
Authors: Belyaev Alexander , Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Locke Daniel , Pukhov Alexander
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The search for a Dark Matter particle is the new grail and hard-sought nirvana of the particle physics community. From the theoretical side, it is the main challenge to provide a consistent and model-independent tool for comparing the bounds and reach of the diverse experiments. We propose a first complete classification of minimal consistent Dark Matter models, abbreviated as MCDMs, that are defined by one Dark Matter weak multiplet with up to one mediator multiplet. This classification provides the missing link between experiments and top-down models. Consistency is achieved by imposing renormalisability and invariance under the full Standard Model symmetries. We apply this paradigm to the fermionic Dark Matter case. We also reconsider the one-loop contributions to direct detection, including the relevant effect of (small) mass splits in the Dark multiplet. Our work highlights the presence of unexplored viable models, and paves the way for the ultimate systematic hunt for the Dark Matter particle.
Ultra-relativistic bubbles from the simplest Higgs portal and their cosmological consequences
Authors: Azatov Aleksandr , Barni Giulio , Chakraborty Sabyasachi , Vanvlasselaer Miguel , Yin Wen
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We analyze phase transitions in the minimal extension of the SM with a real singlet scalar field. The novelty of our study is that we identify and analyze in detail the region of parameter space where the first order phase transition can occur and in particular when the bubbles with true vacuum can reach relativistic velocities. This region is interesting since it can lead to the new recently discussed baryogenesis and Dark Matter production mechanisms. We fully analyze different models for the production of Dark Matter and baryogenesis as well as the possibilities of discovery at the current and future experiments.
Antenna subtraction for jet production observables in full colour at NNLO
Authors: Chen X. , Gehrmann T. , Glover E. W. N. , Mo J.
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We describe the details of the calculation of the full colour NNLO QCD corrections to jet production observables at the LHC with antenna subtraction. All relevant matrix elements for the process pp → jj at NNLO in full colour are colour-decomposed and given in a Nc and nf expansion, making identification of leading and subleading colour contributions transparent. The colour-ordered antenna subtraction method has previously successfully been used to construct the NNLO subtraction terms for processes with up to five partons or in the leading colour approximation. However, it is challenged by the more involved subleading colour structure of the squared matrix elements in processes with six or more partons. Here, we describe the methods needed to successfully construct the NNLO subtraction terms for the subleading colour contributions to dijet production within the antenna subtraction formalism.
Using DUNE to shed light on the electromagnetic properties of neutrinos
Authors: Mathur Varun , Shoemaker Ian M. , Tabrizi Zahra
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We study future DUNE sensitivity to various electromagnetic couplings of neutrinos, including magnetic moments, milli-charges, and charge radii. The DUNE PRISM capabilities play a crucial role in constraining the electron flavored couplings. We find that DUNE will be able to place the strongest beam based constraint on the muon-neutrino magnetic moment by improving on LSND’s bounds by roughly a factor of two, although Borexino’s constraint from solar neutrinos will be stronger. For the muon neutrino millicharge DUNE can place the leading beam based bound, with two orders of magnitude improvement compared to the existing COHERENT constraint, suggesting that DUNE can be useful for light mediators more generally. Despite this strength, the millicharge bounds are not competitive with strong bounds from stellar cooling, beta-decay, and matter stability. Finally, DUNE may be able to test the SM prediction for the muon neutrino charge radius, by placing a constraint two times better than CHARM-II and CCFR experiments.
Impfbereitschaft von Krankenhauspersonal in Deutschland: Welche Rolle spielen Verschwörungsannahmen zu COVID-19?
Authors: Petersen Julia , Mülder Lina Marie , Kegel Peter , Röthke Nikolaus , Wiegand Hauke Felix , Lieb Klaus , Walter Henrik , Bröcker Anna-Lena , Liebe Susanne , Tüscher Oliver , Pfennig Andrea , Maicher Birgit , Hellwig Sabine , Padberg Frank , Adorjan Kristina , Unterecker Stefan , Wessels Paula , Rose Dirk-Matthias , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Zur Erreichung einer flächendeckenden Immunität gegen COVID-19 in der Bevölkerung ist entscheidend, wie sich die Impfbereitschaft bislang Ungeimpfter entwickelt. Schlüsselrolle dabei spielt das medizinische Personal, welches die Gesundheitsversorgung während der Pandemie gewährleistet und vielen Menschen als Informationsquelle zu Impfungen dient. Die allgemeine Impfbereitschaft wird u. a. negativ beeinflusst durch Verschwörungsannahmen und die Verbreitung von Desinformationen.

Ziele

Es wurden Impfbereitschaft und verschiedene Einflussgrößen bei Klinikpersonal in Deutschland untersucht, um Hinweise auf eine mögliche Steigerung der Impfbereitschaft zu erlangen.

Methoden

Im Rahmen des vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung geförderten egePan-Verbundprojekts des nationalen Netzwerkes Universitätsmedizin wurden zwischen Januar und Juni 2021 in einer freiwilligen, anonymen Onlinebefragung die Impfbereitschaft, individuelle Sozialmerkmale, Zustimmung zu Verschwörungsannahmen und Fragen zur Kommunikation in deutschen Kliniken erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Insbesondere Ärzt*innen und wissenschaftliches Personal gaben eine erhöhte Impfbereitschaft im Vergleich zur Gesamtbevölkerung an. Verschwörungsannahmen waren kaum verbreitet, am häufigsten jedoch unter dem Verwaltungs- und Pflegepersonal. Verschwörungsannahmen waren negativ assoziiert mit der Impfbereitschaft. Prädiktoren für eine höhere Impfbereitschaft waren die empfundene Sicherheit und Effektivität von Impfungen sowie ein höheres Alter.

Diskussion

Da sich empfundene Sicherheit und Effektivität von Impfungen positiv auf die Impfbereitschaft auswirkten, könnten eine dahingehende Aufklärungsarbeit und transparente Informationsvermittlung der Verbreitung von Verschwörungsannahmen entgegenwirken und die Impfraten unter Krankenhauspersonal erhöhen.
SuperPath® vs. direct anterior approach
Authors: Busch André , Wegner Alexander , Wassenaar Dennis , Brandenburger Daniel , Haversath Marcel , Jäger Marcus
Published: October 2022

Objective

Minimally invasive approaches are subject to controversy in orthopedic surgery. The aim of the current study was to compare the radiographic parameters between two minimally invasive approaches in total hip arthroplasty.

Material and methods

Between January 2018 and February 2019, the radiographic parameters of 80 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty via minimally invasive approaches (DAA: n = 40; SuperPath® SP: n = 40) have been measured. The radiographic analysis was performed with digital software tool mediCad® (HECTEC™ GmbH, Landshut, Germany).

Results

Patients treated with DAA showed significantly higher inclination (SP: 39.7° ± 7.3° vs. DAA: 44.7° ± 5.3°) and significantly lower cup anteversion values (SP: 31.2° ± 7.9° vs. DAA: 27. 5° ± 5.3°, p < 0.001) than patients undergoing THA via SP postoperatively. The horizontal femoral offset was neither preoperatively nor postoperatively higher in DAA than in SP cohort (preoperative: p = 0.71, postoperative: p = 0.25) (preoperative: SP:37.2 mm ± 7.3 vs. DAA 38.2 mm ± 7.5; postoperative: SP: 38.0 mm ± 7.2 vs. DAA: 40.5 mm ± 7.0). At both times, the acetabular offset was significantly higher in DAA cohort than in SP cohort (preoperative: SP: 32.9 mm ± 5.9 vs. DAA: 36.8 mm ± 4.9; postoperative: SP: 28.9 mm ± 4.2 vs. DAA: 33.4 mm ± 3.8) (preoperative: 0.001; postoperative: p < 0.001). The vertical height was preoperatively and postoperatively not significantly higher in SP cohort than in DAA cohort (preoperative: SP: 16.1 mm ± 4.1 vs. DAA: 15.5 mm ± 4.9; postoperative: SP: 16.6 mm ± 4.6 vs. DAA: 16.1 mm ± 4.6) (preoperative: p = 0.77; postoperative: p = 0.58). The preoperatively existing leg length discrepancy of the affected leg could be compensated via surgery without showing significant differences between the two cohorts (preoperative: SP: −3.2 mm ± 5.4 vs. DAA: 1.9 mm ± 4.9; postoperative: SP: 1.5 mm ± 5.4 vs. DAA: 4.8 mm ± 5.6) (preoperative: p = 0.34; postoperative: p = 0.09).

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates suitable cup positioning and stem alignment in the coronal plane using minimal-invasive approaches DAA and Superpath®.
The impact of timing of in utero drought shocks on birth outcomes in rural households: evidence from Sierra Leone
Authors: Abiona Olukorede , Ajefu Joseph B.
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the impact of timeline-bound fetal exposure to drought shocks on birth outcomes in rural Sierra Leone. We link repeated cross-section birth record data across 11 years from the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Surveys to district-level geolocation precipitation data from the University of Delaware weather repository. The methodology uses spatial distribution of precipitation across districts to identify the impacts of extreme droughts on birth outcomes. This study reinforces both harvest and direct gestation as maternal nutrition pathways for the impact of drought shocks on birth outcomes. Results also show that adverse in utero shock impacts are concentrated among poorer households and may be mitigated by antenatal care services.
Thicker polyethylene inserts (≥ 13 mm) increase the risk for early failure after primary cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA): a single-centre study of 7643 TKAs
Authors: Rajamäki Anni , Niemeläinen Mika , Junnila Mika , Lehtovirta Lari , Karsikas Mari , Ponkilainen Ville , Eskelinen Antti
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study investigates whether thicker (PE) inserts lead to a greater risk for revision after TKA. The differences between the TKA designs of three manufacturers (NexGen, PFC Sigma, Triathlon) are also compared.

Methods

A total of 7643 primary TKA surgeries were included. PE inserts were divided into two groups—“thick PE inserts” with a thickness of 13 mm (mm) or more and “standard PE inserts” with a thickness of less than 13 mm. Three cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA designs (NexGen, PFC Sigma, Triathlon) were included in the study. The differences in failure rates between groups were investigated using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression model with hazard ratios (HR). Failure rates were investigated short-term (< 2 years) and long-term (the whole follow-up period). The TKA designs were analysed both together and separately.

Results

During the whole follow-up period, there were 184 (2.4%) aseptic revisions. The thick PE insert group showed an increased risk for revision compared to the standard PE insert group in both short-term (< 2 years; HR 2.0, CI 1.3 to 3.2) and long term (> 2 years; HR 1.6, CI 1.1 to 2.3) follow-up. The highest revision rate was observed in patients who received the Triathlon TKA with a thicker PE insert (HR 2.6, CI 1.2 to 5.7).

Conclusion

The results indicate that thicker PE inserts are associated with increased risk for revision in primary TKA. Further research is required to ascertain whether more conformed PE inserts or constrained knee designs instead of thick CR inserts will ultimately lead to better clinical outcomes.

Level of evidence

III.
Challenges associated with test dose pharmacokinetic predictions of high dose melphalan exposure in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Nath Christa Ellen , Grigg Andrew , Rosser Sebastian P. A. , Estell Jane , Newman Elizabeth , Tiley Campbell , Ramanathan Sundra , Ho Shir Jing , Larsen Stephen , Gibson John , Presgrave Peter , Shaw Peter John , Trotman Judith
Published: October 2022

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of melphalan test dose pharmacokinetic (PK) predictions of the subsequent high dose (HDM) area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) and to identify sources of prediction error (PE).

Methods

A prospective multicentre PK study was conducted in 40 myeloma patients of median age 60 (range:35–71) years using a 20 mg/m2 test dose administered 1–3 days prior to HDM (predominantly 180 mg/m2). PK data were collected post the test and high doses to compare predicted versus actual AUCs determined using the trapezoidal rule. Test and high dose infusion concentration, volume and duration and the time from preparation to infusion were compared using the paired Wilcoxin rank sign test. The impact of Melphalan administration parameters on PE was evaluated using the Mann–Whitney test. The predictive capacity of a previously published population PK (PopPK) model was also examined.

Results

Predicted HDM AUC was within 15% of the observed values in only 63% of patients when analysed using the trapezoidal rule and 70% of patients using PopPK. Test dose infusion concentration, volume, duration and time from preparation to infusion were significantly lower than for HDM (p < 0.005). Test dose administration within 15 min of reconstitution (n = 5) was associated with significantly lower PE than administration times of 16–60 min (n = 22), p < 0.05. Test and HDM infusion concentrations were lower in patients with large PE (> ± 15%), but the differences were not significant (p = 0.078, 0.228, respectively).

Conclusion

Test dose PK has the potential to predict subsequent HDM exposure to achieve a target AUC once melphalan administration parameters are optimised to account for stability issues in the formulation.