bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of moisture susceptibility and aging on interlaminar fracture behavior of fumed silica reinforced Jute‐Kevlar hybrid nanocomposite
Authors: Maharana Sunil Manohar , Pradhan Arun Kumar , Pandit Mihir Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis work aims to examine the influence of moisture uptake of fumed silica reinforced Jute (J)‐Kevlar (K) hybrid composite on Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness. Mode I interlaminar fracture behavior is characterized by using the double cantilever beam (DCB) test specimen. Thirteen different composites are prepared based on four stacking sequences (i.e., Jute‐Jute‐Jute‐Jute [JJJJ], Jute‐Kevlar‐Kevlar‐Jute [JKKJ], Kevlar‐Jute‐Jute‐Kevlar [KJJK], and Kevlar‐Kevlar‐Kevlar‐Kevlar [KKKK]) and four nanofiller percentages (i.e., 0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 4.5%). Mode I fracture is experimented by using DCB test specimens. Mode I fracture energy (GIC) and Resistance curve (R‐curve) is evaluated by using the modified beam theory (MBT) data reduction method at dry and wet conditions of the specimens. The interlaminar fracture surface of the composites is analyzed using an optical microscope. It is noticed that moisture ingression severely affects the fiber bridging, which is a key factor influencing the Mode I fracture resistance. The presence of fumed silica also plays a vital role by preventing the microcracks generation surrounding the fibers due to fiber swelling. The fiber swelling is caused by moisture ingression. The composite with stacking sequence JKKJ and 3% of nanofiller (JKKJ‐3) is proved to be the reasonable Mode I fracture‐resistant material in moist environment.
Boosting the dissociation of by employing shock‐free supersonic expansion
Authors: Khaji Maryam , Britun Nikolay , Degrez Gérard , Parente Alessandro , van der Mullen Joost 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe effect of shock‐free supersonic expansion on the dissociation of with elevated vibrational temperatures is investigated. It is found that expansion‐cooling not only favors dissociation but also obstructs recombination. The dissociation generated by VV ladder climbing is investigated using the two different model‐types: 1D Full Numerical (Fu‐N) and Semi‐Analytical (S‐An). The Fu‐N gives a more complete self‐consistent description but needs about times longer convergence time. Comparison between the models' results shows a good agreement. This justifies the application of the S‐An approach for a fast parameter space exploration of experimental settings. It is found that the dissociation degree mainly depends on the VDF‐temperature of at the inlet of the supersonic expansion.
Improving the performance of the attribute charts: X¯tn$\bar{X}_{tn}$ and Stn2$S^2_{tn}$
Authors: Yamauchi Tsubasa , Lee Ho Linda , da Costa Quinino Roberto 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSummaryThis paper proposes a procedure to improve the performance for the attribute control charts: and . In these control charts, a simple size is collected periodically and each item is allocated into one of the five categories defined by a go‐no‐go gauge. After that, a random value is generated for each item according to a truncated normal distribution with its upper and lower limits defined by the cut points of the go‐no‐go gauge. With the generated values, the sample mean and the sample variance are calculated and compared with the their respective control limits. In this paper, a procedure was implemented in order to improve the performance of these control charts, which consists of the sequential switches between two sample sizes and (with ) and checking whether the sample mean (or sample variance depending) exceeds the control limits or not. The proposal is relatively easy for practitioners to implement it. Extensive computational experiments showed that the procedure improved both control charts to detect small shifts in term of . With this procedure, the “Improved ” (shortly ) control chart performs similarly to chart for small shifts in the process mean provided that the sample sizes are raised by approximately two additional sample units and the “Improved ” (shortly ) control chart also has a similar performance to chart with more or less double sample size in the range of small shifts of the variance. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the use of the procedure.
The role of colour flows in matrix element computations and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Frixione Stefano , Webber Bryan R. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We discuss how colour flows can be used to simplify the computation of matrix elements, and in the context of parton shower Monte Carlos with accuracy beyond leading-colour. We show that, by systematically employing them, the results for tree-level matrix elements and their soft limits can be given in a closed form that does not require any colour algebra. The colour flows that we define are a natural generalization of those exploited by existing Monte Carlos; we construct their representations in terms of different but conceptually equivalent quantities, namely colour loops and dipole graphs, and examine how these objects may help to extend the accuracy of Monte Carlos through the inclusion of subleading-colour effects. We show how the results that we obtain can be used, with trivial modifications, in the context of QCD+QED simulations, since we are able to put the gluon and photon soft-radiation patterns on the same footing. We also comment on some peculiar properties of gluon-only colour flows, and their relationships with established results in the mathematics of permutations.
Time to abandon ampicillin plus gentamicin in favour of ampicillin plus ceftriaxone in Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis? A meta-analysis of comparative trials
Authors: Mirna Moritz , Topf Albert , Schmutzler Lukas , Hoppe Uta C. , Lichtenauer Michael 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Current guidelines recommend either ampicillin plus ceftriaxone (AC) or amoxicillin/ampicillin plus gentamicin (AG) with an equivalent class IB recommendation in Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis. However, previous observational studies suggest that AC might be favourable in terms of adverse events.

Objectives
To investigate whether AC is non-inferior to AG, and if it is associated with less adverse events.

Methods
In June 2021, a systematic literature search using the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CCAs, EBM Reviews, Web of Science and LILACS was conducted by two independent reviewers. Studies were considered eligible if (P) patients included were ≥ 18 years of age and had IE with E. faecalis, (I) treatment with AC was compared to (C) treatment with AG and (O) outcomes on in-hospital mortality, nephrotoxicity and adverse events requiring drug withdrawal were reported. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects models with the Mantel–Haenszel method, the Sidik–Jonkman estimator for τ2 and the Hartung–Knapp adjustment.

Results
Treatment with AC was non-inferior to AG, as depicted by no significant differences in-hospital mortality, 3-month mortality, relapses or treatment failure. Furthermore, AC was associated with a lower prevalence of nephrotoxicity (OR 0.45 [0.26–0.77], p = 0.0182) and drug withdrawal due to adverse events (OR 0.11 [0.03–0.46], p = 0.0160) than AG.

Conclusions
Treatment with AC was non-inferior to treatment with AG, and it was associated with a reduced prevalence of nephrotoxicity and drug withdrawal due to adverse events. Thus, combination therapy with AC appears favourable over AG in patients with E. faecalis IE.

Graphical abstract
Development and validity evidence of an objective structured assessment of technical skills score for minimally invasive linear-stapled, hand-sewn intestinal anastomoses: the A-OSATS score
Authors: Schmidt Mona W. , Haney Caelan M. , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Bintintan Vasile V. , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Arezzo Alberto , Bahra Marcus , Besselink Marc G. , Biebl Matthias , Boni Luigi , Diana Michele , Egberts Jan H. , Fischer Lars , Francis Nader , Hashimoto Daniel A. , Perez Daniel , Schijven Marlies , Schmelzle Moritz , Soltes Marek , Swanstrom Lee , Welsch Thilo , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Nickel Felix 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to develop a reliable objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score for linear-stapled, hand-sewn closure of enterotomy intestinal anastomoses (A-OSATS).

Materials and methods
The Delphi methodology was used to create a traditional and weighted A-OSATS score highlighting the more important steps for patient outcomes according to an international expert consensus. Minimally invasive novices, intermediates, and experts were asked to perform a minimally invasive linear-stapled intestinal anastomosis with hand-sewn closure of the enterotomy in a live animal model either laparoscopically or robot-assisted. Video recordings were scored by two blinded raters assessing intrarater and interrater reliability and discriminative abilities between novices (n = 8), intermediates (n = 24), and experts (n = 8).

Results
The Delphi process included 18 international experts and was successfully completed after 4 rounds. A total of 4 relevant main steps as well as 15 substeps were identified and a definition of each substep was provided. A maximum of 75 points could be reached in the unweighted A-OSATS score and 170 points in the weighted A-OSATS score respectively. A total of 41 anastomoses were evaluated. Excellent intrarater (r = 0.807–0.988, p < 0.001) and interrater (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.923–0.924, p < 0.001) reliability was demonstrated. Both versions of the A-OSATS correlated well with the general OSATS and discriminated between novices, intermediates, and experts defined by their OSATS global rating scale.

Conclusion
With the weighted and unweighted A-OSATS score, we propose a new reliable standard to assess the creation of minimally invasive linear-stapled, hand-sewn anastomoses based on an international expert consensus. Validity evidence in live animal models is provided in this study. Future research should focus on assessing whether the weighted A-OSATS exceeds the predictive capabilities of patient outcomes of the unweighted A-OSATS and provide further validity evidence on using the score on different anastomotic techniques in humans.
The diagnostic accuracy of truncated cardiovascular MR protocols for detecting non-ischemic cardiomyopathies
Authors: Hirschberg K. , Braun Sz. M. , Paul O. , Ochs M. , Riffel J. , Andre F. , Salatzki J. , Lebel J. , Luu J. , Hillier E. , Finster M. , Vago H. , Merkely B. , Katus H. A. , Friedrich M. G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most important diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of cardiomyopathies. However, significant limitations are the complex and time-consuming workflows and the need of contrast agents. The aim of this multi-center retrospective study was to assess workflows and diagnostic value of a short, contrast agent-free cardiac magnetic resonance protocol. 160 patients from Heidelberg, Germany and 119 patients from Montreal, Canada with suspected cardiomyopathy and 20 healthy volunteers have been enrolled. Scans were performed at a 1.5Tesla or 3Tesla scanner in Heidelberg and at a 3Tesla scanner in Montreal. We used single-slice T1 map only. A stepwise analysis of images has been performed. The possible differential diagnosis after each step has been defined. T1-values and color-encoded T1 maps significantly contributed to the differential diagnosis in 54% of the cases (161/299); the final diagnosis has been done without late gadolinium enhancement images in 83% of healthy individuals, in 99% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, in 93% of amyloidosis patients, in 94% of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in 85% of patients with hypertensive heart disease, respectively. Comparing the scan time with (48 ± 7 min) vs. without contrast agent (23 ± 5 min), significant time saving could be reached by the short protocol. Subgroup analysis showed the most additional diagnostic value of T1 maps in amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or in confirmation of normal findings. In patients with unclear left ventricular hypertrophy, a short, non-contrast protocol can be used for diagnostic decision-making, if the quality of the T1 map is diagnostic, even if only one slice is available.
Who benefits most from studying abroad? A conceptual and empirical overview
Authors: Netz Nicolai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis editorial to the special issue on heterogeneous effects of studying abroad starts with a review of studies on the determinants and individual-level effects of studying abroad. On that basis, it illustrates the necessity to place more emphasis on effect heterogeneity in research on international student mobility. It then develops a typology of heterogeneous effects of studying abroad, which shall function as an agenda for future research in the field. Thereafter, the editorial introduces the contributions to the special issue. It concludes by summarising major findings and directions for future research.
Sex-Specific Differences in Mortality of Patients with a History of Bariatric Surgery: a Nation-Wide Population-Based Study
Authors: Beiglböck Hannes , Mörth Eric , Reichardt Berthold , Stamm Tanja , Itariu Bianca , Harreiter Jürgen , Hufgard-Leitner Miriam , Fellinger Paul , Eichelter Jakob , Prager Gerhard , Kautzky Alexander , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Wolf Peter , Krebs Michael 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Bariatric surgery reduces mortality in patients with severe obesity and is predominantly performed in women. Therefore, an analysis of sex-specific differences after bariatric surgery in a population-based dataset from Austria was performed. The focus was on deceased patients after bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods
The Austrian health insurance funds cover about 98% of the Austrian population. Medical health claims data of all Austrians who underwent bariatric surgery from 01/2010 to 12/2018 were analyzed. In total, 19,901 patients with 107,806 observed years postoperative were eligible for this analysis. Comorbidities based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-codes and drug intake documented by Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical (ATC)-codes were analyzed in patients deceased and grouped according to clinically relevant obesity-associated comorbidities: diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CV), psychiatric disorder (PSY), and malignancy (M).

Results
In total, 367 deaths were observed (1.8%) within the observation period from 01/2010 to 04/2020. The overall mortality rate was 0.34% per year of observation and significantly higher in men compared to women (0.64 vs. 0.24%; p < 0.001(Chi-squared)). Moreover, the 30-day mortality was 0.19% and sixfold higher in men compared to women (0.48 vs. 0.08%; p < 0.001). CV (82%) and PSY (55%) were the most common comorbidities in deceased patients with no sex-specific differences. Diabetes (38%) was more common in men (43 vs. 33%; p = 0.034), whereas malignant diseases (36%) were more frequent in women (30 vs. 41%; p = 0.025).

Conclusion
After bariatric surgery, short-term mortality as well as long-term mortality was higher in men compared to women. In deceased patients, diabetes was more common in men, whereas malignant diseases were more common in women.

Graphical abstract
The Importance of Digital Elevation Model Selection in Flood Simulation and a Proposed Method to Reduce DEM Errors: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Xu Kepeng , Fang Jiayi , Fang Yongqiang , Sun Qinke , Wu Chengbo , Liu Min 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDigital Elevation Models (DEMs) play a critical role in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. Flood inundation mapping is highly dependent on the accuracy of DEMs. Various vertical differences exist among open access DEMs as they use various observation satellites and algorithms. The problem is particularly acute in small, flat coastal cities. Thus, it is necessary to assess the differences of the input of DEMs in flood simulation and to reduce anomalous errors of DEMs. In this study, we first conducted urban flood simulation in the Huangpu River Basin in Shanghai by using the LISFLOOD-FP hydrodynamic model and six open-access DEMs (SRTM, MERIT, CoastalDEM, GDEM, NASADEM, and AW3D30), and analyzed the differences in the results of the flood inundation simulations. Then, we processed the DEMs by using two statistically based methods and compared the results with those using the original DEMs. The results show that: (1) the flood inundation mappings using the six original DEMs are significantly different under the same simulation conditions—this indicates that only using a single DEM dataset may lead to bias of flood mapping and is not adequate for high confidence analysis of exposure and flood management; and (2) the accuracy of a DEM corrected by the Dixon criterion for predicting inundation extent is improved, in addition to reducing errors in extreme water depths—this indicates that the corrected datasets have some performance improvement in the accuracy of flood simulation. A freely available, accurate, high-resolution DEM is needed to support robust flood mapping. Flood-related researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders should pay attention to the uncertainty caused by DEM quality.
The EU Whistleblowing Directive: An Opportunity for (Operationalizing) Corporate Human Rights Grievance Mechanisms?
Authors: Saloranta Juho 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDespite being an internationally accepted corporate social responsibility framework, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have not managed to provide victims of corporate human rights violations with access to remedy. The European Commission has announced plans to introduce an EU-level human rights due diligence directive which may include corporate grievance mechanisms. This article considers potential synergies between the planned directive and the mechanism laid down in the Whistleblowing Directive. Three issues are highlighted. First, stakeholders usually face retaliation after making a complaint about human rights abuses in a company’s operations. By setting formal levels of protection against retaliation, the Whistleblowing Directive offers a regulatory framework to change this reality. Second, conducting effective human rights due diligence must be based on meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders. If companies approach this issue in atop-downmanner using auditing firms, they risk non-compliance with human rights due diligence requirements. Therefore, the legislation should include corporate grievance mechanisms to match remedies with victims’ expectations. Third, in terms of corporate grievance mechanisms, victims often lack resources to participate in them in a fair and respectful manner. This requires EU Member States to use their legislative power to lay down regulations that effectively enhance cooperation and coordination with independent monitoring bodies. To enhance the development as to access to remedy, the Whistleblowing Directive offers synergies through which to achieve greater accessibility, transparency, and victim empowerment. Corporate grievance mechanisms, facilitated by the Whistleblowing Directive, could take this a step further.
Effectiveness of Thermal Stimulation of Superplasticizers on Fresh Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Takigawa Mizuki , Nemoto Hiroshi , Hashimoto Shin-ichiro , Date Shigeyuki 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPolycarboxylic acid-based superplasticizers are used in various types of concrete work. Wide variations in environmental temperatures are known to affect how well chemical admixtures perform as superplasticizers, influencing the properties of the concrete. However, little has been reported on changes in performance caused by thermal variations. Previous studies have reported that heating superplasticizers change the polymer structure, improving and sustaining cement particles' dispersibility. Moreover, the improved fluidity from thermal stimulation is not temporary. The effect has been observed to remain for about seven days, with the residual characteristics differing depending on the superplasticizers used. Therefore this study evaluates mortar stiffness when using thermally stimulated superplasticizers and evaluates how the stimulation affects construction performance using measures such as the flow and rheological properties (plastic viscosity) of fresh mortar, vane shear tests, blade viscometer tests, and mortar vibration box tests. Mortar's fluidity was found to improve by about 25% when using thermally stimulated additives, with plastic viscosity dropping by up to 45% and the stress likely to be needed for pumping also being reduced by about 16%. Filling speed was also found to increase by about 26%. Thus, thermal stimulation improves mortar and concrete construction performance, and it may be possible in the future to carry out the construction with fewer workers utilizing this technology’s benefits. The study indicates a need for further investigation of how thermal stimulation affects polymer molecules’ adsorption efficiency with cement to elucidate the mechanism at full scale and propose ways to adopt thermal stimulation at actual construction sites.
Systemischer Lupus erythematodes in den Wechseljahren
Authors: Stute Petra , Keck Christoph 
Published: November 2021

ZusammenfassungDer systemische Lupus erythematodes (SLE) ist eine immunologische Systemerkrankung der Haut und des Gefässbindegewebes. Frauen sind häufiger als Männer betroffen. Der Krankheitsverlauf wird mehr von der Krankheitsdauer als der Menopause beeinflusst. Eine systemische HRT kann zur Reduktion von schweren vasomotorischen Beschwerden bei Frauen mit inaktivem/stabilem SLE und negativem Antiphospholipidantikörpertiter eingesetzt werden. Im Falle einer HRT sollte eine transdermale Östrogentherapie kombiniert mit einem stoffwechselneutralen Gestagen gewählt werden. Es sollten engmaschige gynäkologische und rheumatologische Verlaufskontrollen unter HRT durchgeführt werden.
Exploiting the antiviral potential of intermetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Matharu Rupy Kaur , Cheong Yuen-Ki , Ren Guogang , Edirisinghe Mohan , Ciric Lena 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Viral pandemic outbreaks cause a significant burden on global health as well as healthcare expenditure. The use of antiviral agents not only reduces the spread of viral pathogens but also diminishes the likelihood of them causing infection. The antiviral properties of novel copper-silver and copper-zinc intermetallic nanoparticles against Escherichia coli bacteriophage MS2 (RNA virus) and Escherichia coli bacteriophage T4 (DNA virus) are presented. The intermetallic nanoparticles were spherical in shape and were between 90 and 120 nm. Antiviral activity was assessed at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 wt/v% for 3 and 24 h using DNA and RNA virus model organisms. Both types of nanoparticles demonstrated strong potency towards RNA viruses (> 89% viral reduction), whilst copper-silver nanoparticles were slightly more toxic towards DNA viruses when compared to copper-zinc nanoparticles. Both nanoparticles were then incorporated into polymeric fibres (carrier) to investigate their antiviral effectiveness when composited into polymeric matrices. Fibres containing copper-silver nanoparticles exhibited favourable antiviral properties, with a viral reduction of 75% after 3 h of exposure. The excellent antiviral properties of the intermetallic nanoparticles reported in this study against both types of viruses together with their unique material properties can make them significant alternatives to conventional antiviral therapies and decontamination agents.