bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of E/A ratio helps emergency clinicians in the management of patients with acute dyspnea
Authors: Arnone Maria Immacolata , Sforza Alfonso , Carlino Maria Viviana , Guarino Mario , Candido Riccardo , Bertolone Dario , Fucile Ilaria , De Luca Nicola , Mancusi Costantino 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAcute dyspnea (AD) is one of the main reasons for admission to the Emergency Department (ED). In the last years integrated ultrasound examination (IUE) of lung, heart and inferior vena cava (IVC) has become an extension of clinical examination for a fast differential diagnosis. The aim of present study is to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of E/A ratio for diagnosing acute heart failure (aHF) in patients with acute dyspnea. We included 92 patients presenting to the ED of CTO Hospital in Naples (Italy) for AD. All patients underwent IUE of lung-heart-IVC with a portable ultrasound device. Left ventricle diastolic function was assessed using pulse wave doppler at the tips of the mitral valve and E wave velocity and E/A ratio were recorded. The FINAL diagnosis was determined by two expert reviewers: acute HF or non-acute HF (non-aHF). We used 2 × 2 contingency tables to analyze sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value of ultrasound parameters for the diagnosis of AD, comparing with the FINAL diagnosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) showed high sensitivity, good specificity and accuracy in identification of patients with aHF. However, the highest accuracy was obtained by diastolic function parameters. The E/A ratio showed the highest diagnostic performance with an AUC for aHF of 0.93. In patients presenting with AD, E/A ratio is easy to obtain in a fast ultrasound protocol and showed an excellent accuracy for diagnosis of aHF.
Applying the extended attitude formation theory to central bank digital currencies
Authors: Tronnier Frédéric , Harborth David , Biker Patrick 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis work analyzes the attitude formation process of individuals for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), specifically for the digital euro. CBDCs are heavily researched, with pilot projects being conducted worldwide. Following the emergence of cryptocurrencies and a decrease in cash usage for retail transactions, CBDCs are viewed as the possible payment solution of the future. Using a qualitative approach, we conduct expert and non-expert interviews to apply and extend existing research on attitude formation to study how individuals form attitudes towards a CBDC in Germany. We find that individuals form their attitudes towards a digital euro through the perceived benefits, limitations, and concerns regarding related payment solutions, moderated through the perceived equivalence of these related technologies and the CBDC. The results contribute to the literature on CBDC and can be used by practitioners to develop a digital euro that offers a competitive advantage for retail transactions over established payment solutions.
Assessment of soil loss using RUSLE around Mongolian mining sites: a case study on soil erosion at the Baganuur lignite and Erdenet copper–molybdenum mines
Authors: Sodnomdarjaa Enkhjargal , Lehmkuhl Frank , Karthe Daniel , Knippertz Martin , Ganbat Gantuya 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMining constitutes an integral part of Mongolia’s national economy and dominates the country’s export revenue. At the same time, a wide range of mining impacts on soil, water resources, the atmosphere and the biosphere have been documented across the country. This case study addresses the long-term soil degradation around two mining sites located in the semi-arid steppe zone of Mongolia: the open-cast lignite mine of Baganuur about 140 km east of Ulaanbaatar, and the open-pit copper–molybdenum mine of Erdenet about 240 km northwest of Ulaanbaatar, both of which started commercial extraction in the late 1970s. For the assessment of soil erosion, the RUSLE model was applied in different seasons for the period from 1989 to 2018 at 3-year intervals, considering both climatic variation and the expansion of the mines based on maps and satellite imagery. Rainfall erosivity was identified as the most dominant factor driving soil erosion in the study regions, with mining leading to local increases in soil erodibility. The highest soil erosion rates were found in both areas in July 2018, reaching 7.88 t ha–1 month–1 in the Erdenet area and 9.46 t ha–1 month–1 in the Baganuur area. The spatial patterns of soil erosion showed higher soil loss rates were in the vicinity of the mines and adjoining industrial sites. Particularly high soil losses were identified in July 1998, July and August in 2013 and July 2018 in both mining areas. The combination of the RUSLE model, remote sensing and ground truth data as and their processing by GIS was found to be a time-saving and cost-effective technique for continuous monitoring of soil erosion and planning of preventive measures in and around mining areas.
Energy harvesting from tropical biomasses in Wallacea region: scenarios, technologies, and perspectives
Authors: Darmawan Arif , Asyhari Taufiq , Dunggio Iswan , Salmahaminati  , Aziz Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWallacea attracts much attention from researchers because it is a meeting point between Asia and Australia with rich biodiversity. Therefore, bioenergy source identification in this region is crucial to better understanding biomass potential and utilization. On the other hand, national bioenergy development usually refers to government policies, including granting permits to use forest land, especially on unproductive land. Thus, balanced utilization of tropical forests as an energy source is required. It must consider several aspects comprehensively, including its function in protecting the surrounding landscape, contributing to food security, and creating economic opportunities for communities around forest areas. This paper addresses biomass utilization in the Wallacea region aligned with Indonesian policy targets for bioenergy generation to achieve the net zero emission target by 2060. The study is carried out by limiting the scope of the area and relying on international databases and the nation’s potential targeting biomass research. In addition, the recent development of conversion technologies is adjusted based on available biomass types, including geographic information systems for potential biomass analysis. The analysis and data synchronization are presented in charts, graphs, and tables. In the early section, the potential of biomass in the Wallacea is explained. The following section discusses several scenarios, routes, and utilization technology options for biomass utilization. Various studies that have been conducted are presented in this section, including machine learning adoptions to model and optimize biomass conversion processes. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities are discussed by looking at various factors, such as accessibility, socio-economics, life cycle assessment, and environmental issues.
Phenology and Fruit Growth Dynamics of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Greenhouse and Open Air in Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Scuderi Dario , Gianguzzi Giuseppe , Tinebra Ilenia , Gugliuzza Giovanni , Farina Vittorio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPhenological evolution of shoots and fruit growth of three mango varieties—Keitt, Osteen and Tommy Atkins—were monitored during two reproductive seasons, from full flowering to fruit harvest on trees cultivated in the open air and inside a greenhouse, in the island of Sicily—Italy. The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of mango trees subjected to summer high temperatures under a permanent plastic cover in the Mediterranean climate. Differences between open air and greenhouse emerged in the dates of first record of major phenological stages and in their duration, and in the fruit growth rates. Greenhouse cultivated trees showed a significant anticipation of flowering and ripening of the fruits respect to open air trees, with harvest conducted earlier during the season. On the other hand, open air cultivated trees achieved fruit maturity in a shorter time compared to the greenhouse, with fruits needing between 90 and 110 days after full flowering to reach their final dimensions—while the trees in the greenhouse needed at least 125 days. The study allowed to understand the growth dynamics of mango fruits subjected to extreme high temperatures and provides new information to evaluate the opportunity of greenhouse cultivation of mango in the Mediterranean climate.
On the Use of the Value Added Tax for Redistributive Purposes in Italy
Authors: Lanterna Federica , Liberati Paolo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper shows that a Value Added Tax (VAT) with multiple tax rates in Italy is not the most effective way to pursue redistributive aims. As the tax revenue of the Italian VAT is significantly affected by the use of reduced tax rates and exemptions, we suggest that a shift to a uniform VAT coupled with cash transfers to households with children might better achieve redistributive targets. This outcome is also robust to alternative ways of targeting cash transfers to the poorest households. We also show that a uniform VAT with cash transfers, from a distributive point of view, is preferred to the extensive use of the zero rate on specific goods and services. Further improvement in the distributional results could even be achieved by considering that a uniform VAT may significantly reduce VAT evasion due to the difference of tax rates applied to the intermediate stages.
Software-Tool Support for Collaborative, Virtual, Multi-Site Molecular Tumor Boards
Authors: Schapranow Matthieu-P. , Borchert Florian , Bougatf Nina , Hund Hauke , Eils Roland 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe availability of high-throughput molecular diagnostics builds the foundation for Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs). Although more fine-grained data is expected to support decision making of oncologists, assessment of data is complex and time-consuming slowing down the implementation of MTBs, e.g., due to retrieval of the latest medical publications, assessment of clinical evidence, or linkage to the latest clinical guidelines. We share our findings from analysis of existing tumor board processes and defininion of clinical processes for the adoption of MTBs. Building on our findings, we have developed a real-world software prototype together with oncologists and medical professionals, which supports the preparation and conduct of MTBs and enables collaboration between medical experts by sharing medical knowledge even across the hospital locations. We worked in interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, oncologists, medical experts, medical informaticians, and software engineers using design thinking methodology. With their input, we identified challenges and limitations of the current MTB approaches, derived clinical process models using Business Process and Modeling Notation (BMPN), and defined personas, functional and non-functional requirements for software tool support. Based on it, we developed software prototypes and evaluated them with clinical experts from major university hospitals across Germany. We extended the Kanban methodology enabling holistic tracking of patient cases from “backlog” to “follow-up” in our app. The feedback from interviewed medical professionals showed that our clinical process models and software prototype provide suitable process support for the preparation and conduction of molecular tumor boards. The combination of oncology knowledge across hospitals and the documentation of treatment decision can be used to form a unique medical knowledge base by oncologists for oncologists. Due to the high heterogeneity of tumor diseases and the spread of the latest medical knowledge, a cooperative decision-making process including insights from similar patient cases was considered as a very valuable feature. The ability to transform prepared case data into a screen presentation was recognized as an essential feature speeding up the preparation process. Oncologists require special software tool support to incorporate and assess molecular data for the decision-making process. In particular, the need for linkage to the latest medical knowledge, clinical evidence, and collaborative tools to discuss individual cases were named to be of importance. With the experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, the acceptance of online tools and collaborative working is expected to grow. Our virtual multi-site approach proved to allow a collaborative decision-making process for the first time, which we consider to have a positive impact on the overall treatment quality.
Approximate smoothness in normed linear spaces
Authors: Chmieliński Jacek , Khurana Divya , Sain Debmalya 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe introduce the notion of approximate smoothness in a normed linear space. We characterize this property and show the connections between smoothness and approximate smoothness for some spaces. As an application, we consider in particular the Birkhoff–James orthogonality and its right-additivity under the assumption of approximate smoothness.
Materiovigilance in Perspective: Understanding Its Concept and Practice in the Global Healthcare System
Authors: Sapkota Binaya , Palaian Subish , Shrestha Sunil , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMateriovigilance (Mv) has the same purpose and approach in ensuring patient safety as pharmacovigilance but deals with medical devices associated with adverse events (MDAEs) and their monitoring. Mv has been instrumental in recalling many defective or malfunctioning devices based on their safety data. All MDAEs, such as critical or non-critical, known, or unknown, those with inadequate or incomplete specifications, and frequent or rare events should be reported and evaluated. Mv helps to improve medical devices’ design and efficiency profile and avoid device-related complications and associated failures. It alerts consumers and health professionals regarding counterfeit or substandard devices. Common events reported through Mv are device breakage and malfunction, entry- and exit-site infections, organ perforations or injuries, need for surgery and even death, and life cycle assessment of devices. Health authorities globally have developed reporting frameworks with timeframes for MDAEs, such as MedWatch in the USA, MedSafe in New Zealand, and others. Health professionals and consumers need to be made aware of the significance of Mv in ensuring the safe use of medical devices and getting familiar with the reporting procedures and action plans in case of a device-induced adverse event.
Physically and chemically-crosslinked L-arginine-loaded polyvinyl alcohol- hyaluronic acid- cellulose nanocrystals hydrogel membranes for wound healing: influence of crosslinking methods on biological performance of membranes in-Vitro
Authors: Hussein Yasmein , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Loutfy Samah A. , Amin Rehab , El-Fakharany Esmail M. , Taha Tarek H. , Amer Mahmoud 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTwo types of polyvinyl alcohol-blended hyaluronic acid and cellulose nanocrystals (PVA/HA/CNCs) hydrogels membranes were developed as delivery agents for L-arginine using chemical/and/physical crosslinking methods for exploring biological performance of the obtained membranes. Chemically and physically/crosslinked membranes were fabricated by solution-casting and freeze-thawing techniques, respectively. The characterization of the crosslinked PVA/HA/CNCs/L-arginine membranes were conducted by SEM, FTIR, TGA, swelling ratio, andin—vitroL-arginine release. Furthermore, applying two types of crosslinked membranes in vitro were investigated in terms of cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and cell adhesion affinity ofHFB-4cell line. Chemical and physical-crosslinked membranes were verified through the esterification and hydrogen bonds interactions, respectively as shown the FTIR spectra. The chemically-crosslinked membranes showed more thermal and mechanical stability than the physically-crosslinked ones. Besides, the chemically-crosslinked hydrogels exhibited biphasic release behavior of L-arginine reached 50% in the first hour and 92% after 48 h. Notably, chemically-crosslinked membranes a somewhat affect the cell viability %, while both crosslinked membranes exhibited excellent cell adhesion affinity and low hemolysis. However, the physically- crosslinked members showed high cell viability ~ 172%, compared to the chemically-crosslinked membranes at 98.5%; and low hemolysisca. 0.84versus1.34 for chemically-crosslinked membranes. Accordingly, both types of crosslinked membranes have a potential for applying in biomedical applications, particularly for designing promising wound dressing biomaterials.
Stranger things: the erector spinae block, extra sensory perception, or paranormal block by proxy?
Authors: Coppens Steve , Eochagain Aisling Ni , Hoogma Danny Feike , Dewinter Geertrui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe erector spinae plane block remains a divisive regional technique which has split the regional anesthesia community into believers and non-believers. Its main mechanism of action remains controversial and this has been pivotal in the controversy. We explore our current understanding of fascial plane blocks and erector spinae blocks as well as explore the gaps in knowledge. This opinion paper is meant to give a balanced view of the current state of this block in regard to guidelines, research and future. The viewpoint of the authors may not necessarily align with current ideas, however, hopefully will guide subsequent trials to more robust evidence.
Inertial confinement fusion ignition achieved at the National Ignition Facility – an editorial
Authors: Danson C. N. , Gizzi L. A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
On behalf of all at High Power Laser Science and Engineering we would like to congratulate the team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on demonstrating fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility. This major scientific achievement was realized on the 5 December 2022 at the LLNL and announced at a press briefing on the 13 December 2022 by the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. This was a historic milestone and the culmination of decades of effort.
Conulariid soft parts replicated in silica from the Scotch Grove Formation (lower Middle Silurian) of east-central Iowa
Authors: Van Iten Heyo , Hughes Nigel C. , John Douglas L. , Gaines Robert R. , Colbert Matthew W. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTwo specimens ofMetaconularia manni(Roy, 1935) from the lower Middle Silurian Scotch Grove Formation (eastern Iowa) exhibit well-defined, relict soft parts replicated in silica. One of these specimens bears phosphatic periderm, whereas the other specimen is a mold. Present within the erect, undistorted apical region of the specimen preserving periderm, on opposite sides of the peridermal cavity, are two small, elongate masses of silica located near the midlines of two of the four faces. Present in the central portion of the other specimen, at a somewhat greater distance from the apex, are five pairs of hollow, elongate, keeled pouch-like bodies (hereafter pouches), the long axes of which converge on the center of the fossil. Each pair of pouches is associated with a short, narrow, gently curved or broadly U-shaped tube, also composed of silica. Additionally, two of the pouch/tube combinations are associated with a pair of rectilinear furrows that correspond to the paired internal carinae that straddled the conulariid's facial midlines. We interpret the paired pouches and short tubes in the moldic specimen as relic conulariid soft parts homologous, respectively, to the interradial gonads and retractor muscles of extant, stauromedusan and polypoid scyphozoan cnidarians. Unlike most conulariids, which exhibit four faces, this individual had five faces, an aberrant morphology known in one other conulariid. The two small masses in the other specimen are more difficult to interpret, but they, too, could be relic gonads or longitudinal muscles. These interpretations suggest that, as in certain extant scyphozoans, at least one conulariid lost the free-living, sexual medusoid life phase.
Does Shareholder Litigation Risk Cause Public Firms to Delist? Evidence from Securities Class Action Lawsuits
Authors: Brogaard Jonathan , Le Nhan , Nguyen Duc Duy , Sila Vathunyoo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUsing three exogenous shocks to ex ante litigation risk, including federal judge ideology and two influential judicial precedents, we find that lower shareholder litigation risk reduces a firm’s propensity to delist from the U.S. stock markets. The effect is at least partially driven by indirect costs of litigation and that being a private firm can significantly reduce the threat of litigation. Overall, the results suggest that mitigating excessive litigation costs for public firms is crucial to ensure the continued vibrancy of the U.S. stock market.
Convertible Debt Arbitrage Crashes Revisited
Authors: Lewis Craig , Munyan Ben , Verwijmeren Patrick 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis article examines the severity of the 2008 arbitrage crash in the convertible bond market by estimating how expensive it would have been to liquidate portfolio securities immediately. We consider whether funds actually demanded immediate liquidity or were able to delay trades. Our results indicate that the cost of immediacy was high, but that convertible bond sellers could largely avoid selling at fire sale prices. These results can be explained by dealers recognizing when trades are liquidity-motivated rather than information-based and by a shift to riskless principal trading, allowing dealers to avoid taking bonds into inventory.
Do religious fictionalists face a problem of evil?
Authors: Deng Natalja 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMuch of the literature on religious fictionalism has emphasized that religious fictionalists employing a theistic fiction cannot just leave evil out of the fiction, and that on the contrary, they face worries that very closely parallel the worries raised by the problem of evil. This article argues that when religious fictionalism is construed most charitably, these worries do not arise. It explores three fictionalist approaches to evil (Excision, Completeness, and Inconsistency), shows that each can serve religious fictionalist ends, and recommends a pluralist stance towards them.