bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Descriptor to Identify the Activity of SACs for E‐NRR and Effect of BF3 as Electrolyte Ion
Authors: Barman Narad , Kapse Samadhan , Thapa Ranjit
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (e‐NRR) is an eco‐friendly alternative approach to generate ammonia under ambient conditions, with very low power supply. But, developing of an efficient catalyst by suppressing parallel hydrogen evolution reaction as well as avoiding the catalysts poisoning either by hydrogen or electrolyte ion is an open question. So, in order to screen the single atom catalysts (SACs) for the e‐NRR, we proposed a descriptor‐based approach using density functional theory (DFT) based calculations. We investigated total 24 different SACs of types TM−Pc, TM‐N3C1, TM‐N2C2, TM‐NC3 and TM‐N4, considering transition metal (TM). We have considered mainly BF3 ion to understand the role of electrolyte and extended the study for four more electrolyte ions, Cl, ClO4, SO4, OH. Herein, to predict catalytic activity for a given catalyst we have tested 16 different electronic parameters. Out of those, electronic parameter dxz↓ occupancy, identified as electronic descriptor, is showing an excellent linear correlation with catalytic activity (R2=0.86). Furthermore, the selectivity of e‐NRR over HER is defined by using an energy parameter ▵G*H‐▵G*NNH. Further, the electronic descriptor (dxz↓ occupancy) can be used to predict promising catalysts for e‐NRR, thus reducing the efforts on designing future single atom catalysts (SACs).
Fe Single Atoms Anchored on N‐doped Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres for Promoted Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Luo Zhuyu , He Linfeng , Wu Jinfeng , Tian Yue , Yang Menghua , Liu Xiaoyan , Zheng Ru , Zhang Dieqing
Published: August 2024

Fe single atoms (Fe SAs) based catalysts have received much attention in electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to its low‐cost and high activity. Yet, the facile synthesis of efficient and stable Fe SAs catalysts is still challenging. Here, we reported a Fe SAs anchored on N‐doped mesoporous carbon microspheres (NC) catalyst via spraying drying and pyrolysis processes. The highly active Fe SAs are uniformly distributed on the NC matrix, which prevented the aggregation benefiting from the enhanced Fe−N bonds. Also, the mesoporous carbon structure is favorable for fast electron and mass transfer. The optimized Fe@NC‐2‐900 catalyst shows positive half wave potential (E1/2=0.86 V vs reversible hydrogen electrodes (RHE)) and starting potential (Eonset=0.98 V vs RHE) in ORR, which is comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (E1/2=0.87 V, Eonset=1.08 V vs RHE). Outstanding stability with a current retention rate of 92.5 % for 9 hours and good methanol tolerance are achieved. The assembled zinc‐air batteries showed good stability up to 500 hours at a current density of 5 mA cm−2. This work shows potentials of Fe SAs based catalysts for the practical application in ORR and pave a new avenue for promoting their catalytic performances.
Research on PI automatic tracking and arc elimination method based on phase deviation‐fault residual voltage control
Authors: Liu Hongwen , Zeng Xiangjun , Yang Qing , Chai Chenchao
Published: August 2024

Aiming at the problem that the current arc suppression method of coil cannot achieve full compensation. First, the calculation model of the full compensation parameters of the controllable voltage source is established by analyzing the grounding fault arc suppression principle of the independent controllable voltage source and the parallel arc suppression coil. Second, by analyzing the arc suppression characteristics of controllable voltage source, a PI automatic regulation method based on phase deviation‐fault residual voltage control is proposed. The method uses fault residual voltage and the change of output voltage amplitude of controllable voltage source to control the adjustment direction and fault residual voltage to control the output voltage amplitude of controllable voltage source. The simulation results show that when the capacitive current of the distribution network is 24.47 A, the fault residual voltage is 2.5 V and the residual current is 446 mA after compensation by the independent controllable voltage source. When the capacitive current is 40.8 A and the deharmonic degree of arc suppression coil is −9%, the fault residual voltage and residual current are 2.2 V and 60 mA after compensated by the parallel arc suppression coil of the controlled voltage source. The proposed PI control method exhibits good stability, resulting in low fault residual voltage, and outperforms traditional control methods, enhancing the arc extinction effect of ground faults.
Risk factors for biliary tract events during elective cholecystectomy waiting time after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis
Authors: Satoh Tatsunori , Kaneko Junichi , Kawaguchi Shinya , Ishiguro Yuya , Endo Shinya , Shirane Naofumi , Kanemoto Hideyuki , Yamada Takanori , Ohno Kazuya
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Endoscopic lithotripsy and elective cholecystectomy, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, are the first‐line treatments for patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones (CBDS) and gallstones. However, this approach entails acute cholecystitis and recurrent cholangitis risk while patients await surgery. We aimed to identify acute cholecystitis and cholangitis risk factors during the waiting time for elective cholecystectomy.

Methods

This study comprised 151 patients with CBDS combined with gallstones who underwent cholecystectomy within 90 days of the first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at two tertiary care centers between January 2019 and October 2021.

Results

The incidence of biliary tract events (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, or any complications requiring unplanned cholangiopancreatography) was 28% (43 cases). In univariate and multivariate analyses, plastic stent placement as a bridge to surgery for the first treatment of CBDS was an independent risk factor for biliary tract events during the waiting time for surgery (odds ratio 4.25, p = 0.002). A subgroup analysis among those with plastic stent placement revealed a CBD diameter of ≤ 10 mm as an independent risk factor for acute cholecystitis (odds ratio 4.32; p = 0.027); a CBD diameter ≥ 11 mm was an independent risk factor for acute cholangitis and unplanned re‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (odds ratio 5.66; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Plastic stent placement for CBDS before elective cholecystectomy increases the risk of acute cholecystitis or acute cholangitis during the waiting time for elective cholecystectomy.
Diversity and biogeographical patterns in the diet of the culpeo in South America
Authors: Lozano Jorge , Guntiñas Marta , Cisneros Rodrigo , Llorente Esther , Duro Adrián , Malo Aurelio F.
Published: August 2024

Here we describe the dietary patterns of the culpeo or Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) on a biogeographical scale. We also analyse the influence of exotic lagomorphs on its diet and explore differences between culpeo subspecies. We selected 17 mutually comparable diet studies, which include 19 independent diet assessments. Then, we extracted and standardized the values of the different diet components from these studies and calculated the relative frequency of occurrence of the 10 main trophic groups that we found. Further, we calculated the Shannon‐Wiener H′ trophic diversity index. The results showed that small mammals (41%), lagomorphs (21%), invertebrates (12.4%) and large herbivores (7.3%) were the most consumed groups. A factorial analysis of all trophic groups rendered four orthogonal factors that were used as response variables in relation to a set of environmental predictors. Altitude correlated with most factors (i.e. trophic groups). Exotic lagomorphs were consumed in lowlands, in higher latitudes and in regions showing high values of the human footprint index, enriching in those areas the culpeo's trophic spectrum. There were no differences in diet between the two main culpeo subspecies analysed, L.c. culpaeus and L.c. andinus. Finally, the best explanatory models (general linear model) of trophic diversity selected, using Akaike's information criterion, showed that the most diverse diets were those composed of large herbivores, edentates, carnivorous species, birds and herptiles (i.e. reptiles and frogs). Trophic diversity was low in rainy areas where big rodents dominated the diet. Neither latitude nor altitude seemed to have an effect on the trophic diversity of the culpeos, as they were not retained by the final models.
Nurturing the phenotype: Environmental signals and transcriptional regulation of intestinal γδ T cells
Authors: Vogg* Lisa , Winkler Thomas H.
Published: August 2024

The intestinal epithelium harbours a unique lymphocyte population, the intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). A large fraction of IELs is represented by γδ T cells. Their role in epithelial homeostasis and immune response is well documented, but a conclusive view of their developmental pathway is still missing. In this review, we discuss the existing literature as well as recent advances regarding the tissue adaptation of γδ IELs, both for the characteristic cytotoxic subset and the newly described noncytotoxic subset. We particularly highlight the environmental cues and the transcriptional regulation that equip γδ T cells with their IEL phenotype.
Rapid damage state identification of structures using generalized zero‐shot learning method
Authors: Chen Mengdie , Mangalathu Sujith , Jeon Jong‐Su
Published: August 2024

Identification of damaged structures after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is crucial for ensuring public safety and facilitating timely repairs. Recently, machine learning‐based models have shown promise in this direction. Traditional machine‐learning approaches require a significant amount of labeled data for training. However, obtaining labeled data for damage identification can be challenging because it is time‐consuming and expensive. To resolve this issue, this study proposes a generalized zero‐shot learning (GZSL) methodology to identify the degree of structural damage in images. The proposed methodology was used for assessing the failure mode of reinforced concrete shear walls involving pixel images on a scale of 0–1. The GZSL model with ResNet18 as its backbone demonstrated good performance, achieving 100% and 86.7% accuracies on training and test sets, respectively. This methodology was also utilized for assessing building damage using wavelet images with a broader color spectrum; the ResNet50‐based GZSL model demonstrated excellent performance, achieving an accuracy of 68%, even with a smaller number of samples that included both seen and unseen classes.
A new method of estimating infiltration parameters for furrow irrigation
Authors: Kargas George , Mindrinos Leonidas
Published: August 2024

In this study, we present new two‐point and one‐point methods for estimating infiltration parameters in furrow irrigation. It is assumed that infiltration and waterfront advance along the furrow follow the Valiantzas two‐parameter infiltration and power advance equations, respectively. The two parameters, the sorptivity (S) and the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), are estimated by solving a quadratic equation. The presented solution of the infiltration‐advance problem is one of the few that uses physically significant parameters (S, Ks), which can provide adequate infiltration and advance behaviour at all time scales. The prediction of infiltration from the proposed methods is compared with experimental data and with the two‐point method of Ebrahimian et al. and the one‐point method of Shepard et al. The values of S between the two‐point methods are nearly identical in all cases, while the values of the A/Ks ratio range from 0.48 to 0.89 (parameter A is related to Ks). Regarding the one‐point method, the two examined methods yield similar S values as their relationship is given by the equation SShepard = 1.043 Snew (coefficient of determination
), while the values of the parameters A and Ks are linked by the equation
.
Long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes following liver transplantation for metabolic disease‐a single centre experience
Authors: Patterson Catherine , Gold Anna , So Stephanie , Kahnami Leila , Dworsky‐Fried Michaela , Mamak Eva , Rogers Alaine , Schulze Andreas , Ertl‐Wagner Birgit , Ng Vicky , Avitzur Yaron
Published: August 2024

This study describes the neurodevelopmental outcome of children with urea cycle disorders (UCD) and organic acidemias (OA) preliver transplant (LT), 1‐year, and 3‐years post‐LT. We performed a retrospective chart review of children with OA or UCD transplanted between January 2014 and December 2021. Standardized motor and cognitive assessment scores were collected from children who had ≥1 motor/cognitive assessment at any timepoint. Pre‐LT brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was graded. Associations between demographic/medical variables and neurodevelopmental outcomes were explored. Twenty‐six children (64% male) underwent LT at a median age of 1.4 (interquartile range 0.71, 3.84) years. Fifteen (58%) had a UCD diagnosis, 14 (54%) required dialysis for hyperammonemia, and 10 (42%) had seizures typically around diagnosis. The proportion of children with gross motor scores >1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean increased across timepoints, and ≥50% demonstrated general intellect scores >2 SD below the mean at each timepoint. The following significant associations were noted: UCD diagnoses with lower general intellect scores (p = 0.019); arginosuccinate lyase deficiency diagnosis with lower visual motor scores at 3‐years post‐LT (p = 0.035); a history of seizures pre‐LT with lower general intellect (>2SD below the mean) at 3‐years post‐LT (p = 0.020); dialysis pre‐LT with lower motor scores (>1 SD below the mean) at 1‐year post‐LT (p = 0.039); pre‐emptive LT with higher general intellect scores at 3‐years post‐LT (p = 0.001). MRI gradings were not associated with developmental scores. In our single centre study, children with UCD or OA had a higher prevalence of developmental impairment post‐LT compared to population norms. Earlier screening, pre‐emptive transplant, and rehabilitation may optimize long‐term outcomes.
BREADCRUMB LEGACY: THE EVERYDAY IMPACT OF OUR ACTIONS, DECISIONS, AND BEHAVIORS
Authors: Freed Jann E.
Published: August 2024

The author, professor merita at Central College, writes about her concept of breadcrumb legacy, including that our legacy is formed by our day‐to‐day actions over a long time period. She notes that in her interviews, “along with my own research and experiences working with leaders, drove home that legacy, much like leadership, is all about conscious impact, and living how you'd like to be remembered. But not in the way that you might think.” She draws on various examples, such as Robert Glazer, founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners; Sounds True founder Tami Simon; leadership adviser/authors Jim Collins, Stephen R. Covey, and Sally Helgesen; developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, psychotherapist David Richo; and authors Studs Terkel and Rob Salafia. Freed writes that a “leader’s legacy also includes how well the leader builds capacity for the organization to thrive after the leader has left. While some may call this succession planning, it is the mindset of any good steward and servant leader.” She concludes that “since leadership is a relationship, not a position or title, thinking about how we want to be remembered can positively impact all of our relationships. Call them strong skills, brave skills, or leadership superpowers–breadcrumbs.”
BUILDING AN AI COMPACT TO UPHOLD ARTIFICIAL INTEGRITY
Authors: Mann Hamilton
Published: August 2024

The author is Group Vice President of Digital Marketing and Digital Transformation at Thales, and a Lecturer at INSEAD and elsewhere. He discusses a concept he originated, Artificial Integrity. This involves how society can build fair, just, and equitable principles into the fabric of artificial intelligence, as the latter continues to move and evolve at lightning speed, in ways most people cannot understand. He describes his holistic framework of principles “for continuous vigilance and collaborative efforts in shaping AI’s role in society, ensuring it contributes positively to human progress.” He details 17 different principles, which “provide a framework aimed at establishing a global, constitution‐like foundation to govern AI.” They are, in his words: Protection of Human Identity and Dignity, Safety and Well‐being, Obedience to Human Orders, Transparency and Explainability, Confidentiality and Data Protection, Regulation and Human Decision‐Making, Responsibility in Case of Failure, Self‐protection and Updating, Shared Responsibility, Fairness and Inclusion, Protection of Meaningful and Significant Jobs, Ethical and Cultural Respect, Environmental Impact, International Collaboration, Respect for State Sovereignty, Economic Incentive for Societal Development, and Education and Awareness.
Decay rate of solution for a Lord‐Shulman thermoelastic Timoshenko system with impacts of microtemperature without mechanical damping
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Boulaaras Salah , Guefaifia Rafik , Jan Rashid
Published: August 2024

In this study, our primary emphasis lies in examining and exploring the decay rate of solutions of a Lord‐Shulman thermoelastic Timoshenko model with microtemperature impact. Through the application of the energy method within the Fourier space and subject to appropriate assumptions, we prove that the decay rate of the solution is of the form
in the case of absence of mechanical damping term.
Online Disease Management Training for Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yilmaz Evre , Polat Ülkü
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Using online methods in health education is an effective method that provides individual services to older adults with limited access to health services and allows for low‐cost and continuous communication.

Methods

The study was completed with 52 older adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis, including 26 intervention and 26 control participants. For data collection, a Patient Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Self‐Efficacy Scale in Arthritis, World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument‐Older Adults Module and a Telephone Counselling Follow‐up Form were used. Individuals in the intervention group were provided with online training for the first 4 weeks and telephone counselling for the following 4 weeks. Scales were applied to both groups.

Results

The scales were applied to both groups at the first, second and last measurements. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the total pain and functional status scores of the individuals in the intervention and control groups at the second and last measurement (p < 0.05), while the average scores of the intervention group were lower control group. The total self‐efficacy score and quality of life total score of the intervention group were statistically significantly higher than the total score of the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

As a result of the research, it was found that online education and telephone counselling given to elderly individuals with osteoarthritis were effective in reducing pain severity and improving functional status, self‐efficacy and quality of life.

Trial Registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04816474/2021‐08‐10/https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/)
Improved error bounds on a time splitting method for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with wave operator
Authors: Li Jiyong
Published: August 2024

In this article, we study a time splitting Fourier pseudo‐spectral (TSFP) method for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with wave operator (NLSW). The nonlinear strength of the NLSW is characterized by . Specifically, we propose a coupled system which is equivalent to the NLSW and then apply the TSFP method to this system. As a geometric advantage, the TSFP method has time symmetry and conserves the discrete mass. Rigorous convergence analysis is provided to establish improved error bounds at up to the long‐time at where depends on the smoothness of the solution. Compared with the error bounds obtained by traditional analysis, our error bounds are greatly improved, especially when the problem presents weak nonlinearity, i.e. . In error analysis, combining with classical numerical analysis tools, we adopt the regularity compensation oscillation (RCO) technique to study the error accumulation process in detail and then establish the improved error bounds. The numerical experiments support our theoretical analysis. In addition, the numerical results show the long‐term stability of discrete energy.
Disturbance observer based adaptive heading control for unmanned marine vehicles with event‐triggered and input quantization
Authors: Ning Jun , Wang Yu , Liu Lu , Li Tieshan
Published: August 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to enhance the efficient utilization of communication resources. To achieve this, the paper delves into the disturbance observer based adaptive heading control strategy for Unmanned Marine Vehicles with event‐triggered and input quantization. Furthermore, in order to mitigate the impact of slow time‐varying external disturbances within the control system, the disturbance observer is employed for estimation. Within the context of a networked control, control input is subjected to quantization via an input quantizer, and the process of input quantization is described by using a linear analytical model. Importantly, no foreknowledge of quantization parameters is necessary for the quantized feedback controllers. Subsequently, the sliding mode control method is combined with event‐triggered mechanismss to design quantization feedback control system. The stability of the closed‐loop system is established in line with the fundamental tenets of Lyapunov stability theory, validating the bounded nature of both observation and heading tracking control errors. The effectiveness of the proposed heading control scheme is further underscored through a series of simulation experiments.
Risks, Regulations, and Impacts of FinTech Adoption on Commercial Banks in the United States and Canada: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kalai Lamia , Toukabri Mohamed
Published: August 2024

The growth of FinTech has increasingly attracted the attention of financial industry players. The speed and complexity with which new financial technologies have spread around the world have created regulatory challenges for the United States and Canadian authorities. Unlike the United States, where there is regulatory fragmentation and a supervisory instrument with regulatory relief, Canada has a more integrated regulatory approach managed by regulatory sandbox principles. The aim of this article is to study and compare the impact of FinTech adoption on commercial banks over the 2018–2023 period in the United States and Canadian FinTech ecosystems. The results essentially show that FinTech has a positive impact on commercial banks' performance and financial growth, and a negative impact on liquidity and financial risk. Our results present several contributions and mainly show that: (1) In the presence of multiple entry channels for FinTech startups, the impact of FinTech on financial performance is higher in the United States than in Canada. (2) Because of its regulatory approach, Canada lags behind the United States in the adoption rate of financial technologies. (3) Balance of power in the financial sector induces commercial banks not to consider FinTech startups as threats but rather as partners that offer opportunities for expertise and reduced regulatory costs. Finally, FinTech can be disruptive and presents many challenges for regulators given the complexity and speed of innovation it promotes.
Indigenous Ingenuity: A Mini‐Review of Traditional Technologies for Drinking Water Treatment in Rural East African Communities
Authors: Lema Meserecordias Wilfred
Published: August 2024

Indigenous water treatment practices play a vital role, yet they remain underrecognized, in securing access to safe drinking water for rural communities across East Africa. This article performs a mini‐review of the most common traditional techniques used by most East African communities to purify drinking water regularly. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been taken as representative countries in the region as they somehow share many social‐cultural aspects, including a common language (Swahili), transboundary tribes like Maasai (Kenya/Tanzania), and Bahaya (Uganda/Tanzania). The four main traditional water purification techniques identified: filtration using locally available media, solar disinfection, Moringa coagulation, and boiling as well as improved storage. Case studies documenting the effectiveness of these indigenous practices in removing microbial pathogens and meeting WHO guidelines are also examined. However, limitations around reliance on local resources, labor demands, hygiene risks, and the inability to consistently achieve standards challenge wider adoption. The article concludes by highlighting the need for participatory optimization of traditional methods through integration with scientific expertise in a manner respecting local contexts. With proper support, these grassroots innovations can strengthen household water security on a sustainable basis.
Differentiating Children's Reading Materials with Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Possibilities for Personalized Learning
Authors: Wagner Christopher J.
Published: August 2024

Artificial intelligence is the simulation or development of reasoning and other human‐like cognitive abilities by computers. Currently, there is limited exploration of applications of artificial intelligence tools for teaching reading to children in the early childhood and elementary grades, including how artificial intelligence might be used to personalize reading materials for children. This article draws on teachers' experiences with artificial intelligence tools to provide tips on how to use artificial intelligence to create differentiated reading materials for children.
Women Geologists 1780–1840: Re-reading Charlotte Murchison
Authors: Buckland Adelene
Published: August 2024

It has long been established that many women were interested participants in the earth sciences in the first half of the nineteenth century. Until now, much of the scholarship has focused on the figure of the “geological wife” (or daughter or sister), whose skills in languages, drawing, and fossil collecting often provided invaluable assistance to their husbands. But since they are viewed as helpmates, or assistants, these women’s stories have mostly been told through the lens of the careers of their male family members, and they only rarely have been considered to have played any creative role in the research. This essay reconsiders that scholarship by looking at the work of Charlotte Murchison (née Hugonin). Re-evaluating Charlotte’s work, the essay demonstrates the key role her fossil collection and illustrations played in the development of key theoretical ideas (including Charles Lyell’s uniformitarianism) in the 1820s, and argues that the significance of her work was a key factor in pushing for women’s access to academic geological lectures in the 1830s. Charlotte’s story – told on its own terms – exposes the limitations of viewing women’s participation as familial assistance. It enables us to see how this paradigm has obfuscated our understanding of women’s intellectual autonomy, and of their significant, independent research achievements.
Braiding Fibonacci anyons
Authors: Hadjiivanov Ludmil , Georgiev Lachezar S.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fibonacci anyons ε provide the simplest possible model of non-Abelian fusion rules: [1] × [1] = [0] ⊕ [1]. We propose a conformal field theory construction of topological quantum registers based on Fibonacci anyons realized as quasiparticle excitations in the ℤ3 parafermion fractional quantum Hall state. To this end, the results of Ardonne and Schoutens for the correlation function of four Fibonacci fields are extended to the case of arbitrary number n of quasi-holes and N = 3r electrons. Special attention is paid to the braiding properties of the obtained correlators. We explain in details the construction of a monodromy representation of the Artin braid group $$ \mathcal{B} $$
B
n acting on n-point conformal blocks of Fibonacci anyons. The matrices of braid group generators are displayed explicitly for all n ≤ 8. A simple recursion formula makes it possible to extend without efforts the construction to any n. Finally, we construct $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
qubit computational spaces in terms of conformal blocks of $$ 2\mathcal{N} $$
2
N
+ 2 Fibonacci anyons.
100 Jahre Facharzt für Urologie
Authors: Moll Friedrich H. , Krischel Matthis
Published: August 2024

Dieser Artikel untersucht die Entwicklung der Urologie als eigenständige medizinische Disziplin in Deutschland mit besonderem Fokus auf die Professionalisierung und Spezialisierung im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert. Basierend auf historischen Quellen beleuchtet der Text die Bedeutung der Weiterbildungsordnungen der deutschen Ärzteschaft als Instrument der ärztlichen Selbstverwaltung und die Einordnung der Urologie als Sonderfach der Medizin in den Bremer Richtlinien von 1924, welche den Facharzt für Erkrankungen der Harnorgane (Urologie) etablierten.
Detectable anthropogenic influence on the changes in structure of precipitation over China using CMIP6 models
Authors: Bai Jingyi , Ai Wenwen , Tang Huining , Zhang Zhendong
Published: August 2024

In the context of global warming, both droughts and extreme precipitation events occur frequently over China. Precipitation, being a major driving factor and a crucial component of the water cycle, is highly sensitive to the human activities. This study uses high-resolution gridded daily precipitation, categorizing precipitation into 20 equal intervals, to analyze the changes in precipitation structure across the region. The investigation reveals a significant transition from light to heavy precipitation in China from 1961 to 2014, characterized by a notable decrease in light precipitation and a substantial increase in heavy precipitation. Employing the latest generation of CMIP6 models, it is found that the models can accurately replicate this change, with GHG forcing exacerbating this trend, particularly noticeable, whereas results under AER forcing are contrary to observational outcomes. Simultaneously, the study notes that CMIP6 models exhibit limitations in simulating the spatial distribution of trends in light precipitation but perform well in reproducing the trend pattern for heavy precipitation. Attribution results suggest that the observed shift from light to heavy precipitation is predominantly a result of the combined influence of GHG and AER forcing. However, significant regional variations exist in this transition. In the future, this transition is expected to persist, with heavy precipitation showing a more pronounced increasing trend.
Medikamentenversorgung und Polypharmazie in der Langzeitpflege
Authors: Graeb Fabian , Berger Bianca , Alf Frank , Reiber Petra , Essig Gundula , Wolke Reinhold
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Polypharmazie und daraus resultierende Probleme führen zu erheblichen Belastungen bei den Betroffenen. Darüber hinaus lassen sich erhebliche Probleme bei der Medikamentenversorgung feststellen.

Fragestellung

Welche Interventionen und Programme zur Optimierung der Medikamentenversorgung liegen für die stationäre Langzeitpflege vor, und mit welchen Umsetzungsproblemen ist zu rechnen?

Material und Methode

Literaturrecherche zu Interventionsstudien, die in stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen in Deutschland durchgeführt wurden, mit dem Fokus auf der Optimierung der Medikamentenversorgung.

Ergebnisse

Sechs Programme mit Evaluationsergebnissen konnten identifiziert werden. Obwohl der Ansatz meist multimodal ist und mehrere Interventionsbereiche umfasst, wie Medikamentenbewertungen, Fort- und Weiterbildung sowie die Entwicklung von Hilfsmitteln, sind die Ergebnisse größtenteils enttäuschend. Lediglich in einer Studie konnten signifikante Auswirkungen auf die Gesamtzahl der Verschreibungen, bestimmte Medikamentengruppen und Outcome-Parameter wie Krankenhauseinweisungen belegt werden, wobei hierfür ein Selektionsbias zumindest mitverantwortlich sein könnte. Die größten Schwierigkeiten bestehen in der Umsetzung interdisziplinärer Zusammenarbeit und der Anwendung der in Reviews formulierten Medikamentenempfehlungen durch die zuständigen Ärzt*innen. Gleichzeitig wird die zentrale Rolle der Pflegenden im Gesamtprozess zu wenig beachtet und aktiv gefördert, was ein weiterer Grund für die Schwierigkeiten bei der Umsetzung in der Praxis sein könnte.

Schlussfolgerungen

Es zeigen sich fast keine signifikanten Veränderungen als Folge der in den gesichteten Studien durchgeführten Interventionen. Vor allem die interprofessionelle Kooperation, speziell die Kompetenzen der Pflegenden und die Zurückhaltung aufseiten der Ärzt*innen, müssten hierbei vermutlich noch stärker in den Blick genommen werden.
PCSK9 inhibitors in real life—Cardiometabolic risk management in dyslipidemic patients in Vienna
Authors: Ferch M , Sert C , Fellinger P , Kautzky-Willer A , Winhofer-Stöckl Y
Published: August 2024

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have emerged as important therapeutic options for patients unable to achieve the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‑C) target or to tolerate alternative lipid-lowering agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitor treatment in tertiary routine care, by determining the percentage of patients reaching individual LDL‑C target levels 1 year after treatment initiation.

Patients and methods

Patients routinely started on PCSK9 inhibitors at our lipid clinic between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Attainment of the LDL‑C target, utilization of follow-ups, cardiovascular events and effects on laboratory parameters were investigated.

Results

In this study 347 patients were included, with the majority managed in secondary prevention (94.5%). The LDL‑C target was achieved by 44.9% after ca. 14 months, with differences between statin users and non-users (51.0% vs. 22.7%; p < 0.001). The median LDL‑C decreased from 126.00 mg/dL at baseline to 48 mg/dL (−61.6%; −77.00 mg/dL; p < 0.001) after ~2 months and to 60 mg/dL (−52.9%; −59.00 mg/dL; p < 0.001) after ~14 months. Median lipoprotein(a) levels decreased significantly from 184.0 nmol/L to 165.5 nmol/L (−25.9%; −25.5 nmol/L; p = 0.001) after ~2 months, whereas no effects on creatine kinase, amylase and lipase were detectable. Of the patients 15% utilized 4 follow-ups. The PCSK9 inhibitor intolerance occurred in 3.5% of patients.

Conclusion

With the effect of LDL-lowering remaining constant over 14 months, PCSK9 inhibitor treatment showed effective and sustainable LDL‑C lowering in a majority of patients in secondary prevention, bringing them closer to the recommended LDL‑C goal, particularly those under concomitant statin medication. Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors appears to be well-tolerated, confirming data from clinical trials in real life.
Inferring Object Boundaries and Their Roughness with Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Maboudi Afkham Babak , Riis Nicolai André Brogaard , Dong Yiqiu , Hansen Per Christian
Published: August 2024

This work describes a Bayesian framework for reconstructing the boundaries that represent targeted features in an image, as well as the regularity (i.e., roughness vs. smoothness) of these boundaries. This regularity often carries crucial information in many inverse problem applications, e.g., for identifying malignant tissues in medical imaging. We represent the boundary as a radial function and characterize the regularity of this function by means of its fractional differentiability. We propose a hierarchical Bayesian formulation which, simultaneously, estimates the function and its regularity, and in addition we quantify the uncertainties in the estimates. Numerical results suggest that the proposed method is a reliable approach for estimating and characterizing object boundaries in imaging applications, as illustrated with examples from high-intensity X-ray CT and image inpainting with Gaussian and Laplace additive noise models. We also show that our method can quantify uncertainties for these noise types, various noise levels, and incomplete data scenarios.
Dry reforming of model-biogas over ceria-supported nickel catalyst: the effect of charge enhanced dry impregnation on the catalytic performance and coke resistance
Authors: Balopi Babusi , Joshua Gorimbo , Moyo Mahluli , Liu Xinying
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of charge charge-enhanced dry impregnation (CEDI) method on a ceria-supported nickel-based catalyst (10Ni/CeO2) used to produce synthesis (syngas) under biogas dry reforming conditions. The CEDI method was used to enhance the electrostatic adsorption of nickel precursor onto the ceria support during dry impregnation (DI), hence charge-enhanced dry impregnation. The other ceria-supported nickel-based catalyst (labelled 10Ni/CeO2-DI) was prepared by the commonly used DI method and used as the reference catalyst. The catalysts were then tested for stability and catalytic performance (biogas conversion and syngas yield) under biogas reforming conditions using CatLab-QGA equipment supplied by Hidden Analytical. The characterisation studies: X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), oxygen temperature programmed oxidation (O2-TPO), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and H2-chemisorption were performed on the fresh and spent catalysts to gain insight into the influence of the CEDI method on dispersion, nanoparticles size of the active phase, metal-support interaction, bulk composition, and phase composition. The results showed that enhancing electrostatic attraction during the DI method produced 10Ni/CeO2-CEDI with smaller nanoparticles (3.33 nm), improved nickel dispersion from 1.40 to 5.04% and improved metal-support interaction inferred from TPR values increased from 290 to 340 °C. These favourable physicochemical properties had a positive correlation with the improvement in the conversion of model biogas feed and the least coke formation.
The Effect of Paid Maternity Leave on Fertility and Mothers’ Labor Force Participation
Authors: Hiriscau Andra
Published: August 2024

This study examines how paid maternity leave (ML) impacted fertility and mothers’ labor force participation in Romania. The ML gives mothers the right to paid leave until the child turns one year old, and it offers $${65{\%}}$$

65
%

of monthly income before birth. I examine the effects of this policy change using a regression discontinuity design and census data. I show that mothers who are eligible for ML are 2.5 percentage-points more likely to have an additional child than those ineligible. The effect is persistent for seven years after the policy was implemented. I find no significant results regarding the mother’s labor force participation. These results have important implications regarding the shrinking working-age population and the ability to fund benefits programs.
Culture-Specific Norms Regarding High-Quality Use of Task Potential for Mathematical Learning—Contrasting Researchers’ Perspectives from Germany and Taiwan
Authors: Paul Josephine F. , Dreher Anika , Wang Ting-Ying , Hsieh Feng-Jui , Lindmeier Anke
Published: August 2024

Factors like the potential of tasks to support students’ mathematical learning and its use in instruction are consensually understood to be relevant for instructional quality across cultural contexts. Yet, research has also shown that perspectives on instructional quality may vary between cultural contexts. As an explanation, it is argued that such perspectives depend on instructional norms, which correspond to the expected behavior in instruction within a cultural context. Notably, research contrasting mathematics instruction from East Asian and Western cultures hints at potentially different instructional norms regarding high-quality use of task potential, but systematic evidence is lacking so far. This study addresses this gap and uses three text vignettes of instructional situations to systematically elicit and contrast instructional norms regarding the use of word problems for mathematical learning. Researchers from Germany (N = 17) and Taiwan (N = 19) evaluated the use of tasks in various instructional situations in an online survey, and their answers were qualitatively analyzed to determine possible culture-specific norms based on their reasoning. In two of the three cases, culture-specific norms in line with assumptions could be identified. In the third case, researchers in both countries referred to an interculturally shared instructional norm. Differences between the reasoning in answers from Germany and Taiwan indicate further cultural influences in line with assumptions based on prior research. We discuss the findings and their implications for the validity of intercultural research in mathematics education.
Zebrafish larvae as a model for studying the impact of oral bacterial vesicles on tumor cell growth and metastasis
Authors: Metsäniitty Marjut , Hasnat Saika , Öhman Carina , Salo Tuula , Eklund Kari K. , Oscarsson Jan , Salem Abdelhakim
Published: August 2024

Oral bacteria naturally secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which have attracted attention for their promising biomedical applications including cancer therapeutics. However, our understanding of EV impact on tumor progression is hampered by limited in vivo models. In this study, we propose a facile in vivo platform for assessing the effect of EVs isolated from different bacterial strains on oral cancer growth and dissemination using the larval zebrafish model. EVs were isolated from: wild-type Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and its mutant strains lacking the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen; and wild-type Porphyromonas gingivalis. Cancer cells pretreated with EVs were xenotransplanted into zebrafish larvae, wherein tumor growth and metastasis were screened. We further assessed the preferential sites for the metastatic foci development. Interestingly, EVs from the CDT-lacking A. actinomycetemcomitans resulted in an increased tumor growth, whereas EVs lacking the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen reduced the metastasis rate. P. gingivalis-derived EVs showed no significant effects. Cancer cells pretreated with EVs from the mutant A. actinomycetemcomitans strains tended to metastasize less often to the head and tail compared to the controls. In sum, the proposed approach provided cost- and labor-effective yet efficient model for studying bacterial EVs in oral carcinogenesis, which can be easily extended for other cancer types. Furthermore, our results support the notion that these nanosized particles may represent promising targets in cancer therapeutics.
Parental Alcohol Intoxication, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Negative Psychological Reactions to Childhood Adversities: Cross-Sectional and Prospective Data from the Population‑Based HUNT Study
Authors: Haugland Siri Håvås , Carvalho Barbara , Strandheim Arve , Stea Tonje Holte
Published: August 2024

Children growing up with alcohol-dependent parents have elevated risk for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), but few studies have assessed the adverse effects of occasional or frequent exposure to parental intoxication episodes. This study examined whether such exposure was associated with increased risk of ACEs and negative psychological reactions (NPRs) in adolescence and young adulthood. The study relied on cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Trøndelag Health Study in Norway and included 2,230 adolescents (ages 13–19 years) followed up 11 years later. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect information about exposure to parental intoxication, ACEs, and NPRs in adolescence and NPRs in young adulthood. Seeing parents drunk occasionally was associated with increased odds of six ACEs (odds ratios 1.42 [95% confidence interval 1.17–1.73] to 2.08 [1.44–3.01]) and increased odds of one NPR in adolescence (1.46, 1.12–1.91) compared with those who had never seen their parents intoxicated. Compared with those who had never seen parents intoxicated, seeing parents intoxicated frequently was associated with increased odds of all ACEs measured (1.80 [1.00–3.23] to 3.27 [1.92–5.56]), two NPRs in adolescence (1.60 [1.02–2.50] and 2.06 [1.30–3.27]), one NPR in adulthood (3.56, 1.83–6.94), and the perception of childhood as difficult/very difficult (2.99, 1.51–5.93). In conclusion, exposure to intoxicated parents was associated with increased risk of ACEs and NPRs during childhood, even at low frequency. Frequent exposure to parental intoxication was also associated with NPR in young adulthood.
Holistic integrative medicine declaration
Authors: Fan Daiming
Published: August 2024

Holistic integrative medicine, abbreviated as HIM, has been officially proposed since 2012. Its theoretical system has been continuously improved, and its practical methods have become increasingly diverse, becoming an inevitable choice and path for the medical development in the new era. This article demonstrates ten major propositions for HIM, elaborating on the connotation and extension of HIM from the perspectives of epistemology and methodology, in order to achieve the transformation and adaptive evolution of modern medicine.
Bistatic radar cross section estimation by using DDM for better spatial resolution of ocean surface wind speed
Authors: Yeh Wen-Hao , Tsai Yung-Fu , Lin Chen-Tsung
Published: August 2024

The delay-Doppler map (DDM) is the signal power distribution of the Coarse/Acquisition code (C/A code) of the received Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency. When the received signal is reflected from ocean surface, the DDM can be used to retrieve the ocean surface wind speed, which is the GNSS-reflectometry (GNSS-R) technique. Due to the signal power distribution in DDM is the correlation results of received and artificial C/A code from receiver in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency, the Woodward ambiguity function (WAF) occurs in the DDM. In the case of DDM, the WAF is the correlation results of two square waves in different code phase delay and Doppler frequency, and is approximated a triangular function and a sinc function in code phase delay and Doppler frequency axes, respectively. It means the correlation results not only show the code phase delay and Doppler frequency of the received signal but also influence the surrounding code phase delay and Doppler frequency values and cause the structure of DDM more complex. Using more bins in DDM in the wind speed retrieval process can reduce the influence of WAF but cause the spatial resolution to worsen. In order to use as less bins as possible in the retrieval process and not reduce the retrieval efficiency too much, a simple method to estimate bistatic radar cross section (BRCS) from DDM is developed in this study. Furthermore, a retrieval process is also developed for ocean surface wind speed retrieving by using less bins in the DDM from Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission.