bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Based Prediction of Imminent ICP Insults During Neurocritical Care of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Galos Peter , Hult Ludvig , Zachariah Dave , Lewén Anders , Hånell Anders , Howells Timothy , Schön Thomas B. , Enblad Per
Published: September 2024

Background

In neurointensive care, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a feared secondary brain insult in traumatic brain injury (TBI). A system that predicts ICP insults before they emerge may facilitate early optimization of the physiology, which may in turn lead to stopping the predicted ICP insult from occurring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of different artificial intelligence models in predicting the risk of ICP insults.

Methods

The models were trained to predict risk of ICP insults starting within 30 min, using the Uppsala high frequency TBI dataset. A restricted dataset consisting of only monitoring data were used, and an unrestricted dataset using monitoring data as well as clinical data, demographic data, and radiological evaluations was used. Four different model classes were compared: Gaussian process regression, logistic regression, random forest classifier, and Extreme Gradient Boosted decision trees (XGBoost).

Results

Six hundred and two patients with TBI were included (total monitoring 138,411 h). On the task of predicting upcoming ICP insults, the Gaussian process regression model performed similarly on the Uppsala high frequency TBI dataset (sensitivity 93.2%, specificity 93.9%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] 98.3%), as in earlier smaller studies. Using a more flexible model (XGBoost) resulted in a comparable performance (sensitivity 93.8%, specificity 94.6%, AUROC 98.7%). Adding more clinical variables and features further improved the performance of the models slightly (XGBoost: sensitivity 94.1%, specificity of 94.6%, AUROC 98.8%).

Conclusions

Artificial intelligence models have potential to become valuable tools for predicting ICP insults in advance during neurointensive care. The fact that common off-the-shelf models, such as XGBoost, performed well in predicting ICP insults opens new possibilities that can lead to faster advances in the field and earlier clinical implementations.
Depth-based interactive assistive system for dementia care
Authors: Ballester Irene , Gall Markus , Münzer Thomas , Kampel Martin
Published: September 2024

Dementia often leads to reduced autonomy and the need for help with activities of daily living, such as the use of the lavatory. In response, we present ToiletHelp, a novel system to provide automated, step-by-step guidance to individuals with dementia when using the lavatory. In such an intimate environment, it is crucial to maintain the user’s privacy, which ToiletHelp achieves by sensing only depth maps. ToiletHelp uses a depth sensor to detect when the user is in need of assistance and tailors the guidance accordingly, using a combination of verbal and visual prompts. Our main contribution is the development of the first assistance system for people with dementia in such a sensitive environment as the lavatory. In addition, what sets ToiletHelp apart is its comprehensive involvement of 60 participants, 33 end-users and 27 healthcare workers, throughout its development process. A user-centered evaluation validates the interaction design, demonstrating enhanced feelings of security and independence among older adults, as well as successful comprehension of instructions by participants with dementia. Caregivers report high satisfaction with the system’s modalities and confirm its effectiveness in reducing their workload while assisting end-users. These findings not only validate the success of ToiletHelp and underscore its potential benefits but also contribute to the field of human-computer interaction design. Our comprehensive analysis of the results provides valuable information for researchers developing solutions for individuals with dementia, which is especially valuable given the limited existing literature on the subject.
Improving the communication of multifactorial cancer risk assessment results for different audiences: a co-design process
Authors: Donoso Francisca Stutzin , Carver Tim , Ficorella Lorenzo , Fennell Nichola , Antoniou Antonis C. , Easton Douglas F. , Tischkowitz Marc , Walter Fiona M. , Usher-Smith Juliet A. , Archer Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Background

Multifactorial cancer risk prediction tools, such as CanRisk, are increasingly being incorporated into routine healthcare. Understanding risk information and communicating risk is challenging and healthcare professionals rely substantially on the outputs of risk prediction tools to communicate results. This work aimed to produce a new CanRisk report so users can directly access key information and communicate risk estimates effectively.

Methods

Over a 13-month period, we led an 8-step co-design process with patients, the public, and healthcare professionals. Steps comprised 1) think aloud testing of the original CanRisk report; 2) structured feedback on the original report; 3) literature review; 4) development of a new report prototype; 5) first round of structured feedback; 6) updating the new report prototype; 7) second round of structured feedback; and 8) finalising and publishing the new CanRisk report.

Results

We received 56 sets of feedback from 34 stakeholders. Overall, the original CanRisk report was not suitable for patients and the public. Building on the feedback, the new report has an overview of the information presented: section one summarises key information for individuals; sections two and three present information for healthcare professionals in different settings. New features also include explanatory text, definitions, graphs, keys and tables to support the interpretation of the information.

Discussion

This co-design experience shows the value of collaboration for the successful communication of complex health information. As a result, the new CanRisk report has the potential to better support shared decision-making processes about cancer risk management across clinical settings.
Assessing the Dynamics of Ecological Footprint in Relation to Economic and Energy Factors: A Comparative Analysis of Finland and Japan
Authors: Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Bâra Adela , Georgescu Irina Alexandra
Published: September 2024

The ecological footprint (EF) has a complex relationship with several key factors, including economic growth, nuclear energy, urban population, and renewables. The scope of this paper is to analyze the effect of renewables (REN), GDP per capita, urbanization (URB), and nuclear energy (NUK) on EF by means of the ARDL model for Finland and Japan. The ARDL long-run estimated coefficients are validated by supplementary tests, such as FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR. While Finland and Japan share similarities in education, technology, and quality of life, they differ significantly in geography, population density, cultural practices, economic structure, and historical backgrounds. The main results indicate that in the long term, REN and NUK exhibit a negative impact on EF, while GDP and URB exhibit a positive impact on EF for Finland. Additionally, REN, URB, and NUK exert a negative impact on EF, while GDP exerts a positive impact on EF for Japan. The ECT of − 1.96 for Finland indicates a very fast and strong correction towards equilibrium in the EF following any short-term disturbances. Furthermore, an ECT of − 1.01 in the ARDL model for Japan indicates a very fast adjustment of the EF to its long-term equilibrium following any short-term disturbances caused by changes in REN, GDP, URB, or NUK. Our research proposes some policy implications for both economies. Its main contributions enhance the understanding of the complex relationships between economic growth, energy sources, urbanization, and environmental impact, providing guidance for sustainable development policies.
Two institutes’ experience in laparoendoscopic “rendezvous” technique for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for stones in the gallbladder and bile duct: a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial
Authors: Farid Mohamed , Baz Azza , Ramadan Alaaedin , Elhorbity Mohamed , Amer Ashraf , Arafa Ahmed
Published: September 2024

There is still disagreement on the best treatment option for cholecystocholedocholithiasis. Although there are some benefits to the single-step procedure, the “laparoendoscopic rendezvous” (LERV) technique that include a lower risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and a shorter hospital stay, the standard technique is still the two-step approach for clearing the common bile duct (CBD) using ERCP and then performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the LERV technique vs. the standard two-step approach. Four hundred thirty-six patients with symptomatized concomitant stones at both the gall bladder (GB) and the (CBD), at two gastroenterology centers in Zagazig city, Egypt, from January 2010 till April 2022, were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into two equally groups. The overall length of hospital stay was the primary outcome, and the success of CBD clearance and morbidity, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis, were the secondary endpoints. The LERV group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 2(2–8) days compared to 4.5 (4–11) days for the two-stage approach (p < 0.001)). The two groups did not differ in terms of CBD clearing success. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis between the LERV group [14 patients (6.4%)] and the two-stage approach [26 patients (11.9%)] with p value = 0.703. For patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis, the optimal treatment must be determined by the knowledge and resources that are accessible locally. Our data further supported the idea that treating patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis in one stage is a safe and successful strategy.
Mathematics teachers’ intention to participate in an online community: an investigation using the Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Peddell Lewes , Willis Royce , Lynch David , Markopoulos Christos , Samojlowicz Darius , Yeigh Tony , Forrester Declan
Published: September 2024

This study employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour to investigate mathematics teachers’ beliefs regarding their intention to collaborate regularly in an online community. The central premise is that initiating such a community necessitates an implementation strategy informed by a better understanding of underlying beliefs influencing teachers’ participation intention. Accordingly, this research examines the intention of Australian mathematics teachers (N = 430) to engage in an online community proposed by their peak state-based professional association. Central to this study, participants’ intentions to engage in regular collaboration predominantly ranged from ‘somewhat disagree’ to ‘agree’, with the average rating approaching ‘somewhat agree’, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to increase this intention. A prominent finding was that participants’ attitudes towards regular collaboration were the strongest predictor of their intention to participate. While participants felt somewhat in control of their collaboration behaviour, this perception did not directly influence their intention; instead, it mediated the influence of subjective approval from others and personal attitudes on their intention. Demographic factors and past online community experiences had far less impact on predicting intentions than the Theory of Planned Behaviour beliefs. Notably, the subjective norm related to perceived approval from others was rated the highest, whereas the norm related to others’ actual behaviour received the lowest ratings, reflecting a significant divergence in the perception of social approval versus actual behaviour. These findings culminate in implications for interventions and extend the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, enhancing knowledge about factors impacting teachers’ engagement in online communities.
Porphyrinoid macrocycles as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic inhibition of biofilm formation in household water storage systems
Authors: Malomane N. , Mlambo M. , Kuvarega A. T. , Moutloali R. M. , Managa M.
Published: September 2024

The issue of biofilm formation by microorganisms in household water storage systems is a problem that lowers the efficiency of disinfectants. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) is a potential alternative to the current water disinfection methods. It employs a photosensitizer agent that inactivates microbes by absorbing light of a specific wavelength in the presence of molecular oxygen. Although aPDI has been proven in literature to have a wide spectrum of action, effective against resistant microbes and biofilms, it has not been approved for real-life applications yet. Therefore, there is an ongoing search for ideal photosensitizers that can produce sufficient reactive oxygen species for efficient inactivation of microbes and disruption of biofilms in household water storage systems. This review summarises the developments that have been made so far with porphyrin-, expanded porphyrin-, corrole-, and boron dipyrromethene-based photosensitizers. First, the issues with the current water disinfection methods are described, and then aPDI is also described as a possible alternative to the current methods. Emphasis is put on the antimicrobial activities and the solid support materials that the porphyrinoid family members have been incorporated into for potential application in the disinfection of household water and limitation of biofilm formation in water storage systems.
Round robin study on the determination of weld geometry parameters - Part A: analysis of a reference specimen
Authors: Jung Matthias , Braun Moritz , Schubnell Jan , Remes Heikki
Published: September 2024

The weld toe is known to be a critical point of fatigue failure in many welded constructions. Especially for research purposes but also for improving fatigue life predictions, the weld toes geometry is often described by a set of parameters, including the weld toe radius and the flank angle. There is no universal agreement on the definition of the geometry parameters as well as on measuring routines. To get an overview over used techniques and comparability between research labs, a comprehensive round robin study was conducted over the past years. Two measuring tasks were given to the participants. Part A: A machined specimen with well known geometry inspired by a cruciform joint was analyzed and the results were compared with the actual dimensions of the specimen. Part B: Welded specimens with unknown geometry were measured by the participants and the results were bench-marked against each other. The present study summarizes the findings of Part A. The study gives an overview over used measuring techniques, the influence of measuring equipment and the comparability of the results in the scientific community. Most of the participants achieved good results with their respective measuring methods for radii larger than 1 mm. Smaller radii tend to be overestimated.
Simulation-based assessment of railhead repair welding process parameters
Authors: Andersson Björn , Steyn Erika , Ekh Magnus , Josefson Lennart
Published: September 2024

This study uses a finite element method based simulation methodology for in-situ railhead repair welding to investigate how welding process parameters impact the repaired rail quality. The methodology includes material modeling with cyclic plasticity, phase transformations, transformation-induced plasticity, and multi-phase homogenization. The weld process modeling includes a 3D heat transfer analysis and a 2D Generalized Plane Strain (GPS) mechanical analysis. The Heat source model used in the thermal simulation is calibrated using measurements from a repair welding experiment. To assess the performance of the repaired rail, mechanical rolling contact simulations are performed to estimate the risk of fatigue crack initiation. The process parameter study is based on the Swedish stick-welding railhead repair procedure and focuses on factors affecting the repair quality, such as preheating and operation temperature conditions as well as variations in repair geometry. Significant findings highlight both the inherent robustness of the process and regions susceptible to parameter variations. Specifically, the powerful final zig-zag weld passes provide effective resilience against variations in additional heating, and the start and end stretches of the repair welding are the most susceptible to parameter variations. Chamfered and deeper cutout repair geometries are found to be effective in mitigating adverse effects. In agreement with field observations, the simulations identify the fusion zone of the base and weld filler material as the critical region of the repaired rail in operation. This is attributed to the integrated effects of unfavorable microstructures, longitudinal tensile residual stresses from repair welding, and tensile stresses during operational traffic loads.
The Effect of Exercise Training on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Smart Neil A. , Downes David , van der Touw Tom , Hada Swastika , Dieberg Gudrun , Pearson Melissa J. , Wolden Mitchell , King Nicola , Goodman Stephen P. J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise training (EXTr) improves some lipid markers but not others; the literature is dated and analyses may be underpowered.

Objectives

To clarify which lipid markers are altered with ExTr and establish if information size had yet reached futility.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis, with meta-regression, to establish expected effect size in lipid profile with aerobic (AT), resistance (RT) and combined (CT = AT + RT) ExTr. We conducted trial sequence analysis (TSA) to control for type I and II error and establish if information size had reached futility.

Results

We included 148 relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ExTr, with 227 intervention groups, total 8673 participants; exercise 5273, sedentary control 3400. Total cholesterol (TC) MD – 5.90 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI) – 8.14, – 3.65), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) 2.11 (95% CI 1.43, 2.79), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) – 7.22 (95% CI – 9.08, – 5.35), triglycerides – 8.01 (95% CI – 10.45, – 5.58) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) – 3.85 (95% CI – 5.49, – 2.22) all showed significant but modest 3.5–11.7%, improvements following ExTr. TSA indicated all analyses exceeded minimum information size to reach futility. CT was optimal for dyslipidemia management. Meta-regression showed every extra weekly aerobic session reduced TC – 7.68 mg/dL and for every extra week of training by – 0.5 mg/dL. Each minute of session time produced an additional 2.11 mg/dL HDL increase.

Conclusion

TSA analysis revealed sufficient data exist to confirm ExTr will improve all five lipid outcomes. CT is optimal for lipid management. The modest effect observed may moderate dyslipidemia medication for primary prevention. Prediction intervals suggest TC, HDL, LDL and TGD are only improved in one-quarter of studies.
Development of Quantitative Norms for Normal Lung Uptake Based on Three-Dimensional Gallium-67 Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Chuang Tzyy-Ling , Li Wei-Lin , Hs Yu-Ching , Chen Jyh-Cheng , Wang Yuh-Feng
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Gallium-67 (Ga-67) lung scans assess alveolitis and interstitial lung disease, with Ga-67 accumulation correlating with inflammation intensity as seen in lung biopsy sections. Both semi-quantitative and quantitative methods have been used, with the latter providing an inflammatory activity index linked to lung lavage and histopathological scores. However, differing reference points result in varying outcomes. This study aimed to establish standard Ga-67 index parameters using semi-quantitative analysis and a linear regression model based on planar and SPECT/CT images.

Methods

Twenty subjects without lung disease received a 5–6 mCi Ga-67 injection via the ankle. Both planar and SPECT/CT images were analyzed, with semi-quantitative values assessed using GraphPad Prism 9.5.1.

Results

Compared to planar images, SPECT/CT acquisitions for the lung-to-arm uptake ratio proved the most reliable indicator for assessing lung inflammation. Increased lung Ga-67 uptake was defined as greater than 2 standard deviations from the average Ga-67 uptake for healthy subjects. The normal range was 0.065 ± 0.049 for the right side and 0.076 ± 0.070 for the left side.

Conclusion

Lung-to-arm ratios in SPECT/CT images are more accurate than those in planar images. This method should be adopted as a standard clinical practice, providing more reliable diagnostic information and improving patient management. Future studies should compare patients without lung disease to those with lung disease to determine the diagnostic benefit of these norms.
Angst im Klimakterium: Ein Vergleich von Hormonersatz- und Psychotherapie
Authors: Kränzlin Salome
Published: September 2024

Frauen verbringen etwa ein Drittel ihres Lebens in der Peri- und Postmenopause, einer Phase, in der sie anfälliger für kognitive, körperliche und psychiatrische Erkrankungen, einschliesslich Angst, sind. Diese Arbeit konzentriert sich auf die Angstsymptome, die ein bedeutendes Symptom des klimakterischen Syndroms darstellen und die Lebensqualität erheblich beeinträchtigen. Obwohl Angst in der Perimenopause oft nicht die formalen Kriterien einer Angststörung erfüllt, kann sie dennoch belastend und einschränkend sein. Die Pathophysiologie von Angstsymptomen während der Menopause ist komplex und umfasst hormonelle Veränderungen, die neuroanatomische und genetische Faktoren beeinflussen. Die Hormonersatztherapie (HRT) ist die erste Wahl bei der Behandlung des klimakterischen Syndroms, zeigt jedoch gemischte Ergebnisse in Bezug auf die Linderung von Angstsymptomen. Alternativ wird die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) als psychotherapeutische Intervention mit hoher Evidenz empfohlen. Trotz umfassender Recherche wurden keine Studien gefunden, welche die HRT direkt mit der KVT bei Angstsymptomen in der Menopause vergleichen, dies zeigt eine Forschungslücke auf. Zukünftige Studien sollten sich auf den direkten Vergleich dieser Behandlungsansätze konzentrieren, um evidenzbasierte Strategien zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität betroffener Frauen zu entwickeln.
Prevalence of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in nursing home residents: a systematic literature review
Authors: Austen Shennah , Kamps Iris , Boonen Annelies E. R. C. H. , Schols Jos M. G. A. , van Onna Marloes G. B.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The objective of this systematic literature review was to: (1) estimate the prevalence of (symptoms of) rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and (2) explore how (symptoms of) RMDs are identified and documented in studies among nursing home residents.

Methods

Prevalence data of (symptoms of) RMDs in permanently admitted nursing home residents ≥ 60 years were included. Data extraction, data synthesis and risk of bias assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Included studies were categorized based on case ascertainment and case definition comprising: (location of) musculoskeletal pain, general terms for RMDs or a specific type of RMD. Results were summarized descriptively.

Results

Out of 6900 records, 53 studies were included. Case ascertainment comprised databases (n = 5), physical examination (n = 1), self-report questionnaires (n = 14), review of medical charts (n = 23) and self-report questionnaires combined with review of medical charts (n = 10). Prevalence ranged between 0.9 and 77.0% for (localized) musculoskeletal pain (n = 19) and between 0.6 and 67.5% for RMDs in general (n = 39). Prevalence rates of specific type of RMDs ranged between 0.7 and 47.5% for gout, between 3.3 and 11.0% for rheumatoid arthritis and between 2.8 and 75.4% for osteo-arthritis (n = 14). Heterogeneity with regard to documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs in medical data of nursing home residents was high.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of (symptoms of) RMDs varied to a great extent. This was mainly due to large heterogeneity in documentation of (symptoms of) RMDs. Establishing agreement on a useful and practical classification may ultimately increase identification of RMDs in the nursing home setting.
Perspective in the Mechanisms for Repairing Sperm DNA Damage
Authors: Li Nihong , Wang Hong , zou Siying , Yu Xujun , Li Junjun
Published: September 2024

DNA damage in spermatozoa is a major cause of male infertility. It is also associated with adverse reproductive outcomes (including reduced fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates, and higher rates of spontaneous miscarriage). The damage to sperm DNA occurs during the production and maturation of spermatozoa, as well as during their transit through the male reproductive tract. DNA damage repair typically occurs during spermatogenesis, oocytes after fertilization, and early embryonic development stages. The known mechanisms of sperm DNA repair mainly include nucleotide excision repair (NER), base excision repair (BER), mismatch repair (MMR), and double-strand break repair (DSBR). The most severe type of sperm DNA damage is double-strand break, and it will be repaired by DSBR, including homologous recombination (HR), classical non-homologous end joining (cNHEJ), alternative end joining (aEJ), and single-strand annealing (SSA). However, the precise mechanisms of DNA repair in spermatozoa remain incompletely understood. DNA repair-associated proteins are of great value in the repair of sperm DNA. Several repair-related proteins have been identified as playing critical roles in condensing chromatin, regulating transcription, repairing DNA damage, and regulating the cell cycle. It is noteworthy that XRCC4-like factor (XLF) and paralog of XRCC4 and XLF (PAXX) -mediated dimerization promote the processing of populated ends for cNHEJ repair, which suggests that XLF and PAXX have potential value in the mechanism of sperm DNA repair. This review summarizes the classic and potential repair mechanisms of sperm DNA damage, aiming to provide a perspective for further research on DNA damage repair mechanisms.
Why don’t former female athletes have kids? Exploring career and post-career paths in elite sport in Switzerland
Authors: Longchamp Philippe , Braizaz Marion , Tawfik Amal , Toffel Kevin
Published: September 2024

Female elite athletes are less likely than male elite athletes to have children during their careers, in part because of the difficulty of balancing motherhood and elite sports. Does this childlessness gap disappear or persist in the post-career period? What factors determine the childlessness of former athletes? The article presents the results of a quantitative cross-sectional study of 1255 former elite athletes who participated in at least one national competition in their discipline and reside in Switzerland. The results indicate that women are more likely than men to remain childless in the post-career years, and that they are also more likely than women in the general population to remain childless. The analyses point to the importance of the gendered orientation of sport socialization (for instance, essentialist representations, valorization of masculinity) in understanding ex-athletes’ relationship to parenthood and in explaining their childlessness. Examining the phenomenon of childlessness reveals that socialization of athletes in gendered sport leaves traces on their representations and practices that are visible even after their careers have ended. In particular, women who have experienced the most inverted gender socialization by playing a male sport have the highest rate of childlessness.
Circular Makerspaces as Alternative Employment Platforms for Circular Jobs
Authors: Coskun Aykut , Hofgärtner Rosa , Metta Julie , Schmidt Alessandra , Tsolakis Apostolos C.
Published: September 2024

Transitioning towards a circular economy requires holistic consideration encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This perspective paper explores circular makerspaces as innovative platforms for fostering social integration and creating employment opportunities within the circular economy, as makerspaces can offer a more inclusive alternative to traditional employment platforms. They have the potential to unveil unrecognised talents, bridge access to under-utilised human capital, and act as pivotal conduits to a decent and inclusive circular labour force. Drawing insights from the European Horizon 2020 project: Pop-Machina, this perspective paper emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to unlock the full transformative potential of circular makerspaces. By prioritizing the social aspect of sustainability and leveraging the network of circular makerspaces, circular makerspaces can unlock unexplored human capital, provide employment opportunities and cultivate inclusive, sustainable communities, while highlighting their potential for societal empowerment and innovation. Finally, this perspective paper underscores the need for ongoing research and collaboration to comprehensively understand and evaluate the role of circular makerspaces in the inclusive circular labour market, ensuring that the social dimension remains central to sustainable development endeavours and informing effective policy making.
Utilization of health-related data in the regional context for health service planning in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany—a qualitative study
Authors: Kugler Charlotte M. , Koller Daniela , Muehlensiepen Felix , Pachanov Alexander , Kuehne Anna , Pieper Dawid
Published: September 2024

Background

Utilizing regional health data goes hand in hand with challenges: can they be used for health planning, are they applicable to the relevant topics? The study explores current data utilization and needs of stakeholders working in regional health services planning.

Methods

We conducted 16 semi-structured expert-interviews with stakeholders of regional health planning in Brandenburg, a federal state in the north-east of Germany, by telephone or online-meeting tools between 05/2022 and 03/2023. The data were analysed according to qualitative content analysis.

Results

Utilization of data sources depends on individual knowledge and personnel resources instead of being guided by standardized procedures. Interviewees primarily use internal data; some use many different platforms, studies and reports. Regional health-related data are used for reliable health planning, to prepare resolutions, draft contracts, but also for events and requests from policy makers or the press. Challenges exist in terms of availability, awareness, and acceptance of the data, perceived applicability, the ability to use it and the utilization itself. Many regional health planners indicated they would appreciate a regional integrated cross-organizational data source if the benefits for health planning outweighed the efforts.

Discussion

Actors in health planning primarily utilized their own data for planning; additional data sources are not available or the level of aggregation is too high, not known by them or are often not used due to a lack of time. A standardized regional monitoring would require the definition of indicators as well as the strengthening of cross-sectoral planning.
Key factors affecting overexpanded flow separation in design of large expansion ratio single expansion ramp nozzle
Authors: Yu Y. , Yu T. , Mao Y. , Yang Y. , Liang S.
Published: September 2024

With the development of overall design methodologies for hypersonic vehicles and their propulsion systems, nozzles should expand airflow in a short length and provide sufficient thrust. Therefore, the large expansion ratio single expansion ramp nozzle (LSERN) is widely used. The form of the overexpanded flow field in the nozzle is complex, under the conditions of nozzle start-up, low speed and low nozzle pressure ratio (NPR), thereby negatively influencing the entire propulsion system. Thus, the nozzle flow separation pattern and the key factors affecting the flow separation pattern also deserve considerable attention. In this study, the design of SERN is completed using the cubic curve design method, and the model is numerically simulated for specific operating conditions to study the flow separation patterns and the transition processes of different patterns. Furthermore, the key factors affecting the various flow separation patterns in the nozzle are investigated in detail. Results show that the LSERN in different NPRs appeared in two types of restricted shock separation (RSS) pattern and free shock separation (FSS) pattern, as well as their corresponding flow separation pattern transition processes. The initial expansion angle and the nozzle length affect the range of NPRs maintained by the FSS pattern. The initial expansion angle affects the pattern of flow separation, whereas the nozzle length remarkably influences the critical NPR during transition.
Deriving seasonal and annual surface mass balance for debris-covered glaciers from flow-corrected satellite stereo DEM time series
Authors: Bhushan Shashank , Shean David , Hu Jyun-Yi Michelle , Guillet Grégoire , Rounce David Robert
Published: September 2024

Glaciers in High-Mountain Asia are experiencing varying rates and patterns of mass loss due to a complex interplay between glacier surface processes, local conditions and climate forcing. Spatially distributed surface mass balance (SMB) estimates can provide valuable insight into these drivers, but observations are currently limited in both space and time. We used very-high-resolution optical stereo images acquired by commercial satellites to prepare time series of digital elevation models (DEMs), and derived contemporaneous surface velocity and elevation change products for six debris-covered glaciers in Nepal. We developed new methods to produce flow-corrected Lagrangian SMB maps to isolate local surface ablation signals with enough detail to study individual ice cliffs. Our results show reduced ablation under thick debris cover and enhanced ablation over ice cliffs. Ablating ice cliffs were responsible for

$10\!-\!38\%$

of the total ablation over debris-covered areas, even though they covered

$\leq \!11\%$

of the total area. Seasonal SMB products reveal the timing and patterns of summer accumulation and ablation, underscoring the importance of snow avalanches for low-elevation debris-covered glaciers in the region. Our approach can be applied to other glaciers with repeat high-resolution DEM coverage and extended for regional analyses of SMB on seasonal to interannual timescales.
Analysis of the immune transcriptome of the invasive pest spotted wing drosophila infected by Steinernema carpocapsae
Authors: Garriga A. , Toubarro D. , Morton A. , Simões N. , García-del-Pino F.
Published: September 2024

Drosophila suzukii is a pest of global concern due to its great impact on several crops. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae was highly virulent to the larvae of the fly although some immune mechanisms were triggered along the infection course. Thus, to understand the gene activation profile we performed a comparative transcriptome of D. suzukii larvae infected with S. carpocapsae and Xenorhabdus nematophila to map the differentially expressed genes involved in the defence response. The analysis exposed the induction of genes involved in the humoral response such as the antimicrobial peptides and pattern-recognition receptors while there was a suppression of the cellular defence. Besides, genes involved in melanisation, and clot formation were downregulated hindering the encapsulation response and wound healing. After the infection, larvae were in a stress condition with an enrichment of metabolic and transport functionalities. Concerning the stress response, we observed variations of the heat-shock proteins, detoxification, and peroxidase enzymes. These findings set a genetical comprehensive knowledge of the host-pathogen relation of D. suzukii challenged with S. carpocapsae which could support further comparative studies with entomopathogenic nematodes.
The multilinear spherical maximal function in one dimension
Authors: Dosidis Georgios , Ramos João P. G.
Published: September 2024

In dimension n = 1, we obtain $L^{p_1}(\mathbb R) \times\dots\times L^{p_m}(\mathbb R)$ to $L^p(\mathbb R)$ boundedness for the multilinear spherical maximal function in the largest possible open set of indices and we provide counterexamples that indicate the optimality of our results.
Mediating Antiquity in Mehmed ʿAli's Egypt: Rationalism and Its Limits in Rifaʿa al-Tahtawi's Ancient History Textbook
Authors: Richardson Evelyn
Published: September 2024

The major project of Arab Nahda studies since the mid-2000s has been to develop an understanding of the Nahda that goes beyond the movement's own self-understanding; that is, beyond its rhetoric of “awakening” (the literal sense of nahḍa), national renewal, and rupture with the recent past. Scholars have approached this task in a variety of ways, notably by retracing continuities between 19th-century Arabic cultural production and that of earlier centuries; by analyzing the economic underpinnings of the culture of the Nahda and the salience of local class interests in its formation; by studying the relevance of transnational circulations of ideas; by investigating popular culture; and through detailed studies of individual figures and of subjective experience in the period.1 A central challenge in this reconceptualizing of the Nahda has been that of accurately identifying and explaining the shifts within the era; that is, in a way that neither simply reproduces the movement's conception of itself, nor fails to appreciate properly the social transformations of which the Nahda was a part. This challenge has been tackled with impressive results in certain domains of cultural production, notably the intersection between print culture and Islamic thought.2
Use of stable isotope ratio analysis to investigate the biology and clinical significance of seal parasites
Authors: Zintl Annetta , Imlau Michelle , Schertzer Jacklyn , Zhang Han , Saint-Marc Audrey , Schmidt Olaf , Toomey Oscar , Jahns Hanne
Published: September 2024

Stranded seals are often infected with a broad range of parasites, although whether they are the cause of significant morbidity or an incidental finding is usually unclear. In this study we used stable isotope ratio analysis, a method frequently used to investigate food webs, to explore the extent to which common seal parasites feed directly on host tissue and fluids or absorb host-derived metabolites, which in turn may give an indication of their potential impact on the host's health. The trophic discrimination factor Δ15N for the nasal mite, Halarachne halichoeri, was mostly positive, ranging between −0.015 and 3.2‰ (n = 6), while for the Acanthocephalan worm, Corynosoma strumosum and the anisakid nematode, Pseudoterranova decipiens, Δ15N ranged between −4.2 and −2.0‰ (n = 7), and between −6.7 and −0.8‰ (n = 5) respectively. In the case of the lungworm, Otostrongylus circumlitus, Δ15N measured between −5.6 and 0‰ for worms collected in the stomach (n = 5), between −1.1 and 0.2‰ for worms collected from the heart (n = 3), between −0.7 and 1.9‰ for worms situated in the lungs (n = 4). Based on Δ15N, parasites could be clearly divided into those that were on a higher trophic level than their host suggesting a predator–prey-like relationship, and those that were not. It is hypothesized that Δ15N may be indicative of the clinical significance of parasite–host associations.
Torque, speed, and power requirements for the design of a lower limb exoskeleton to augment human finned swimming
Authors: Johnson Beau , Goldfarb Michael
Published: September 2024

The authors seek to design a lower limb exoskeleton to augment human finned swimming; however, data associated with human finned swimming previously did not exist, particularly data that characterizes the active joint torque requirements for human-scale finned swimming motion and the corresponding thrust generation. Since these data are not directly measurable nor easily computed in human subject experiments, the authors instead employed a human-scale robotic platform to characterize the relationship between joint torque, speed, power, and thrust production during flutter kick swimming, specifically at the hip joints. Among the useful insights from this study: (1) the underwater environment can be accurately modeled as a simple viscous load as seen by the hip joints, where viscous coefficient depends on the type of fin; (2) accordingly, for a given fin, movement at any amplitude and frequency is invariant when motion is normalized by amplitude; velocity and torque by the product of amplitude and frequency; and power and thrust by the square of the product of amplitude and frequency; (3) the power-specific thrust is invariant, regardless of fin type, amplitude of motion, and frequency of motion; and 4) the phasing between right and left legs does not have a significant effect on thrust generation (i.e., kicking in-phase and kicking in opposition behave similarly). The authors hope this data will be useful to other researchers interested in developing lower limb exoskeletons to augment underwater human finned swimming.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-reactive salivary antibody detection in South Carolina emergency healthcare workers, September 2019–March 2020
Authors: Meltzer Haley C. , Goodwin Jane L. , Fowler Lauren A. , Britt Thomas W. , Pirrallo Ronald G. , Grier Jennifer T.
Published: September 2024

On 19 January 2020, the first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was identified in the United States, with the first cases in South Carolina confirmed on 06 March 2020. Due to initial limited testing capabilities and potential for asymptomatic transmission, it is possible that SARS-CoV-2 may have been present earlier than previously thought, while the immune status of at-risk populations was unknown. Saliva from 55 South Carolina emergency healthcare workers (EHCWs) was collected from September 2019 to March 2020, pre- and post-healthcare shifts, and stored frozen. To determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2-reactive antibodies, saliva-acquired post-shift was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a repeat of positive or inconclusive results and follow-up testing of pre-shift samples. Two participants were positive for SARS-CoV-2 N/S1-reactive IgG, confirmed by follow-up testing, with S1 receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG present in one individual. Positive samples were collected from medical students working in emergency medical services (EMSs) in October or November 2019. The presence of detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 2019 suggests that immune responses to the virus existed in South Carolina, and the United States, in a small percentage of EHCWs prior to the earliest documented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These findings suggest the feasibility of saliva as a noninvasive tool for surveillance of emerging outbreaks, and EHCWs represent a high-risk population that should be the focus of infectious disease surveillance.
Glacier Surges Controlled by the Close Interplay Between Subglacial Friction and Drainage
Authors: Thøgersen Kjetil , Gilbert Adrien , Bouchayer Coline , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar
Published: September 2024

The flow of glaciers and ice sheets is largely influenced by friction at the ice‐bed interface that can trigger rapid changes in glacier motion ranging from seasonal velocity variations to cyclic surge instabilities or even devastating glacier collapse. This wide range of transient glacier dynamics is currently not captured by models, and its implications for long‐term glacier evolution are uncertain. This highlights the need of developing improved descriptions for processes that occur at the glacier bed. Here, we present a model that describes the evolution of basal friction inspired by a “rate and state” approach, coupled to models of subglacial drainage and glacier flow, and investigate how these couplings affect the dynamics of glaciers. We show that a wide range of sliding behavior results from a feedback loop between subglacial drainage efficiency and friction which depends on the evolution of a frictional state that can be interpreted as the degree of cavitation or till porosity for hard and soft beds, respectively. In our simulations, we find that glaciers are susceptible to surging if they exhibit a transition to velocity weakening friction associated with a poor sensitivity of the drainage capacity to the frictional state. This potential materializes if the local topography and mass balance create the conditions for high water pressure to build up in an area sufficiently large to exceed a critical length. We advocate accounting for feedback loops between friction and drainage as a promising avenue for better understanding dynamical instabilities of glaciers and ice sheets.
Longshore Sediment Transport Across a Tombolo Determined by Two Adjacent Circulation Cells
Authors: Xie Danghan , Hughes Zoe , FitzGerald Duncan , Tas Silke , Asik Tansir Zaman , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: September 2024

Longshore sediment transport (LST) is essential for shaping sandy shorelines. Many shorelines are complex and indented, containing headlands, offshore islands and tombolos. Tombolos often form between islands and the mainland; however, the conditions for LST across tombolos are unclear. This question is important because tombolos are often reinforced with anthropogenic infrastructure, potentially causing sediment starvation of downdrift beaches. Along many shorelines, the return to a tombolo's natural condition has been proposed to promote sediment connectivity and counteract erosion. Nevertheless, the implications of such restorations remain uncertain. In this study, we employ the Delft3D wave‐current model to investigate hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics across a tombolo, examining its role as a connector between adjacent beaches. Contrary to expectations, our simulations show only diminutive longshore currents from the updrift beach across the tombolo unless offshore wave heights exceed 8 m. Instead, predominant currents crossing the tombolo originate from offshore of the island, driven by storm‐induced water level differences and circulation cells on both sides of the tombolo. The offshore island shelters the downdrift domain, resulting in higher wave energy and dissipation updrift of the tombolo. Further, increasing wave height or wave approach angle not only intensifies water level differences but also relocates circulation cells, enhancing total sediment transport from the updrift beach across the tombolo. However, in general, the deposition of sediment from the updrift side of the domain does not compensate for the sediment loss on the downdrift beach. We conclude that LST across tombolos is limited and occurs only under extreme wave conditions.