bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A classroom station work on the Wadden Sea and its influence on the motivation and interest
Authors: Schmäing Till , Grotjohann Norbert 
Published: May 2023

AbstractModern, student-oriented teaching can be characterized by the promotion of autonomy and interest. In the school subject of biology, it is necessary to focus on different ecosystems from different aspects. One ecosystem that has hardly been considered in biology didactics so far is the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. Therefore, this study implemented station work in a biology class as a method of teaching educational content on the Wadden Sea to determine the effects on the learners’ intrinsic motivation as well as on their situational and individual interest. A total of 157 students from secondary schools (age: M = 14.4 years, SD = 0.5) participated in the study. The results indicate that station work has a statistically significant positive effect on the aforementioned constructs. To clarify the relationship between the two constructs from the literature, the scales used were related to each other in a correlation analysis, revealing a significant correlation between interest and motivation. The findings of this study lay an important foundation for the school-based consideration of the Wadden Sea in biology education research and also provide important implications for related studies.
Infrastructure seismic risk assessment: an overview and integration to contemporary open tool towards global usage
Authors: Poudel Astha , Pitilakis Kyriazis , Silva Vitor , Rao Anirudh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInfrastructures are critical for the functioning of society. Due to globalization, damages between different components of infrastructure systems can cross international boundaries, resulting in broad economic and social impacts. Hence, it is fundamental to develop powerful tools for the assessment of infrastructure risk, considering a wide spectrum of uncertainties. Past studies covering infrastructure risk assessment are limited to a few countries, partly because for assessing the infrastructure risk, issues due to the complexity of the systems, like paucity and heterogeneity of the data and methods, the consideration of dependencies between components and systems, modeling of ground shaking in terms of scenario and probabilistic approach, taking into account site effects, spatial variability and cross correlation of ground motion at the urban scale, as well as consideration of risk metrics tailored to infrastructure, still remain partially or not properly answered. Moreover, the presently available infrastructure risk assessment tools are not sufficiently illustrative, user-friendly, and comprehensive to meet actual needs. To this end, the paper making an overview of these issues proposes a comprehensive approach that leverages the main strength of existing infrastructure risk methodologies, integrating them into a powerful open-source tool and providing common platform from hazard to risk analysis that will serve for global and easy usage. The methodology and its implementation are illustrated through a test-bed study of the water supply network of the city of Thessaloniki in Greece, considering an Mw6.5 scenario of the 1978 Thessaloniki earthquake and an event based probabilistic approach and, simultaneously evaluating the sensitivity of cross spatial correlation.
Engaging stakeholders in the use of an interactive simulation tool to support decision-making about the implementation of colorectal cancer screening interventions
Authors: O’Leary Meghan C. , Hassmiller Lich Kristen , Mayorga Maria E. , Hicklin Karen , Davis Melinda M. , Brenner Alison T. , Reuland Daniel S. , Birken Sarah A. , Wheeler Stephanie B. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to understand how an interactive, web-based simulation tool can be optimized to support decision-making about the implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for improving colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Methods
Interviews were conducted with decision-makers, including health administrators, advocates, and researchers, with a strong foundation in CRC prevention. Following a demonstration of the microsimulation modeling tool, participants reflected on the tool’s potential impact for informing the selection and implementation of strategies for improving CRC screening and outcomes. The interviews assessed participants’ preferences regarding the tool’s design and content, comprehension of the model results, and recommendations for improving the tool.

Results
Seventeen decision-makers completed interviews. Themes regarding the tool’s utility included building a case for EBI implementation, selecting EBIs to adopt, setting implementation goals, and understanding the evidence base. Reported barriers to guiding EBI implementation included the tool being too research-focused, contextual differences between the simulated and local contexts, and lack of specificity regarding the design of simulated EBIs. Recommendations to address these challenges included making the data more actionable, allowing users to enter their own model inputs, and providing a how-to guide for implementing the simulated EBIs.

Conclusion
Diverse decision-makers found the simulation tool to be most useful for supporting early implementation phases, especially deciding which EBI(s) to implement. To increase the tool’s utility, providing detailed guidance on how to implement the selected EBIs, and the extent to which users can expect similar CRC screening gains in their contexts, should be prioritized.
A comprehensive and policy-oriented model of the hydrogen vehicle fleet composition, applied to the UK market
Authors: Gueniat Florimond , Maryam Sahdia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRoad vehicles play an important role in the UK’s energy systems and are a critical component in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating emissions. A dynamic model of light-duty vehicle fleet, based on predator-prey concepts, is presented. This model is designed to be comprehensive but captures the important features of the competition between types of vehicles on the car market. It allows to predict the evolution of the hydrogen based vehicle’s role in the UK’s vehicle fleet. The model allows to forecast effects of policies, hence to inform policy makers. In particular, it is shown that the transition happens only if the hydrogen supply can absorb at least 350,000 new vehicles per year. In addition to this, the model is used to predict the demand for hydrogen for the passenger vehicle fleet for various scenarios. A key finding of the policy-oriented model is that a successful transition to a clean fleet before 2050 is unlikely without policies designed to fully support the supply chain development. It also shows that the amount of hydrogen required to support a full hydrogen based vehicle fleet is currently not economically viable; the needed infrastructure requires yearly investment larger than £2.5 billions. In order to mitigate these costs, the policy focus should shift from hydrogen based vehicles to hybrid vehicles and range extenders in the transport energy system.
Closing Data Gaps and Paving the Way for Pan-European Fire Safety Efforts: Part I—Overview of Current Practices for Fire Statistics
Authors: Manes Martina , Houssami Mohamad El , Campbell Richard , Sauca Ana , Rush David , Hofmann Anja , Andersson Petra , Wagner Peter , Sokolov Sergei , Veeneklaas Johanna , Kobes Margrethe , Oberhagemann Dirk , Rupp Nicola , Jomaas Grunde , Grone Friedrich , van Hees Patrick , Guillaume Eric 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe analysis of the current state of fire statistics and data collection in Europe and other countries is needed to increase awareness of how fire incidents affect buildings and to support pan-European fire prevention and fire mitigation measures. The terminology and data collected regarding fire incidents in buildings in the EU Member States were mapped to obtain meaningful datasets to determine common terminology, collection methodology, and data interpretation system. An extensive literature review showed that fire data collection systems have been instrumental in informing firefighting strategies, evidence-based planning, prevention, and educational programmes. Differences and similarities between fire data collection systems were also investigated. The amount and quality of the information in fire statistical recording systems appear to be influenced by the complexity and structure with which the data are collected. The analysis also examined the existing fire statistics in the EU Member States and a few other countries. Finally, a detailed investigation of the number of fires, fire deaths, and injuries from 2009 to 2018 in several countries was examined based on data from a report by CTIF. The trends showed differences attributable to the existing fire statistical practices in terms of terminology and data collection, and interpretation. Part II proposes a common terminology for selected fire statistical variables. The results provide relevant information regarding fire safety at the European level and should be used to guide the development of more uniform fire statistics across Europe.
Persistent SARS-CoV-2 PCR Positivity Despite Anti-viral Treatment in Immunodeficient Patients
Authors: Chan Michele , Linn Me Me Nay , O’Hagan Thomas , Guerra-Assunção José Afonso , Lackenby Angie , Workman Sarita , Dacre Anna , Burns Siobhan O. , Breuer Judith , Hart Jennifer , Tadros Susan , Lowe David M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
COVID-19 infection in immunodeficient individuals can result in chronically poor health, persistent or relapsing SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity, and long-term infectious potential. While clinical trials have demonstrated promising outcomes using anti-SARS-CoV-2 medicines in immunocompetent hosts, their ability to achieve sustained viral clearance in immunodeficient patients remains unknown. We therefore aimed to study long-term virological outcomes in patients treated at our centre.

Methods
We followed up immunocompromised inpatients treated with casirivimab-imdevimab (Ronapreve) between September and December 2021, and immunocompromised patients who received sotrovimab, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), or no treatment from December 2021 to March 2022. Nasopharyngeal swab and sputum samples were obtained either in hospital or in the community until sustained viral clearance, defined as 3 consecutive negative PCR samples, was achieved. Positive samples were sequenced and analysed for mutations of interest.

Results
We observed sustained viral clearance in 71 of 103 patients, none of whom died. Of the 32/103 patients where sustained clearance was not confirmed, 6 died (between 2 and 34 days from treatment). Notably, we observed 25 cases of sputum positivity despite negative nasopharyngeal swab samples, as well as recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 positivity following a negative sample in 12 cases. Patients were then divided into those who cleared within 28 days and those with PCR positivity beyond 28 days. We noted lower B cell counts in the group with persistent PCR positivity (mean (SD) 0.06 (0.10) ×109/L vs 0.22 (0.28) ×109/L, p = 0.015) as well as lower IgA (median (IQR) 0.00 (0.00–0.15) g/L vs 0.40 (0.00–0.95) g/L, p = 0.001) and IgM (median (IQR) 0.05 (0.00–0.28) g/L vs 0.35 (0.10–1.10) g/L, p = 0.005). No differences were seen in CD4+ or CD8+ T cell counts. Antiviral treatment did not impact risk of persistent PCR positivity.

Conclusion
Persistent SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity is common among immunodeficient individuals, especially those with antibody deficiencies, regardless of anti-viral treatment. Peripheral B cell count and serum IgA and IgM levels are predictors of viral persistence.
Positive Ion Critical Velocity for Nucleation of Quantized Vortices in Isotopically Pure $$^4$$He
Authors: Takahashi Daisuke , Ikegami Hiroki , Kono Kimitoshi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe critical velocity for the vortex nucleation of positive ions is determined experimentally in isotopically purified $$^4$$

4

He at temperatures as low as 50 mK. Systematic IV characteristic measurements for a two-dimensional positive ion pool at a depth of 37.6 nm from the surface are carried out with extremely fine control of driving electric fields. The critical velocity of $${\sim }$$
∼
32 ms$$^{-1}$$

-
1

at 500 mK decreases with decrease in temperature and approaches a temperature-independent value of $${\sim }$$
∼
18 ms$$^{-1}$$

-
1

below 200 mK. The decrease in critical velocity corresponds to the increase in nucleation rate. The temperature dependence of critical velocity is qualitatively attributed to the “superohmic” macroscopic quantum tunneling of the Caldeira–Leggett theory. The reduction in tunneling rate with increase in temperature is evidence for quantum friction.
On the Relation of One-Dimensional Diffusions on Natural Scale and Their Speed Measures
Authors: Criens David 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIt is well known that the law of a one-dimensional diffusion on natural scale is fully characterized by its speed measure. Stone proved a continuous dependence of such diffusions on their speed measures. In this paper we establish the converse direction, i.e., we prove a continuous dependence of the speed measures on their diffusions. Furthermore, we take a topological point of view on the relation. More precisely, for suitable topologies, we establish a homeomorphic relation between the set of regular diffusions on natural scale without absorbing boundaries and the set of locally finite speed measures.
On the Ergodicity of Certain Markov Chains in Random Environments
Authors: Gerencsér Balázs , Rásonyi Miklós 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe study the ergodic behaviour of a discrete-time processXwhich is a Markov chain in a stationary random environment. The laws of$$X_t$$Xtare shown to converge to a limiting law in (weighted) total variation distance as$$t\rightarrow \infty $$t→∞. Convergence speed is estimated, and an ergodic theorem is established for functionals ofX. Our hypotheses onXcombine the standard “drift” and “small set” conditions for geometrically ergodic Markov chains with conditions on the growth rate of a certain “maximal process” of the random environment. We are able to cover a wide range of models that have heretofore been intractable. In particular, our results are pertinent to difference equations modulated by a stationary (Gaussian) process. Such equations arise in applications such as discretized stochastic volatility models of mathematical finance.
Improved Bounds in Stein’s Method for Functions of Multivariate Normal Random Vectors
Authors: Gaunt Robert E. , Sutcliffe Heather 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn a recent paper, Gaunt (Ann I H Poincare Probab Stat 56:1484–1513, 2020) extended Stein’s method to limit distributions that can be represented as a function$$g:{\mathbb {R}}^d\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$g:Rd→Rof a centred multivariate normal random vector$$\Sigma ^{1/2}{\textbf{Z}}$$Σ1/2Zwith$${\textbf{Z}}$$Za standardd-dimensional multivariate normal random vector and$$\Sigma $$Σa non-negative-definite covariance matrix. In this paper, we obtain improved bounds, in the sense of weaker moment conditions, smaller constants and simpler forms, for the case thatghas derivatives with polynomial growth. We obtain new non-uniform bounds for the derivatives of the solution of the Stein equation and use these inequalities to obtain general bounds on the distance, measured using smooth test functions, between the distributions of$$g({\textbf{W}}_n)$$g(Wn)and$$g({\textbf{Z}})$$g(Z), where$${\textbf{W}}_n$$Wnis a standardised sum of random vectors with independent components and$${\textbf{Z}}$$Zis a standardd-dimensional multivariate normal random vector. We apply these general bounds to obtain bounds for the Chi-square approximation of the family of power divergence statistics (special cases include the Pearson and likelihood ratio statistics), for the case of two cell classifications, that improve on existing results in the literature.
Convergence of Weak Euler Approximation for Nondegenerate Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Point and Martingale Measures
Authors: Mikulevičius Remigijus , Zhang Changyong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper studies the weak Euler approximation for solutions to stochastic differential equations (SDEs) driven by point and martingale measures, with Hölder-continuous coefficients. The equation under consideration includes a nondegenerate main part whose jump intensity measure is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lévy measure of a spherically symmetric stable process. It encompasses a broad range of stochastic processes including the nondegenerate diffusions and SDEs driven by Lévy processes. To investigate the dependence of the convergence rate on the regularity of the coefficients and driving processes, the regularity of a solution to the associated backward Kolmogorov equation is considered. In particular, for the first time the Hölder norm of the subordinated part of the corresponding generator is rigorously estimated.
Changes in Income Poverty Risks at the Transition from Unemployment to Employment: Comparing the Short-Term and Medium-Term Effects of Fixed-Term and Permanent Jobs
Authors: Gebel Michael , Gundert Stefanie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnemployment is a major risk factor of poverty and employment is regarded key to overcoming it. The present study examines how the income poverty risk of unemployed individuals changes in the short and medium term, when they take up work, and whether the effects differ according to the type of employment. The focus is on permanent and fixed-term job contracts, as the political promotion of fixed-term employment has often been framed as an effort to reduce long-term unemployment and poverty. Drawing on longitudinal data from the German panel study ‘Labour Market and Social Security’ (PASS) 2010–18, we apply a first difference estimator with asymmetric effects to examine the effect of starting a job out of unemployment on income poverty risks in the subsequent four years. Strikingly, starting in a fixed-term and permanent contract have similarly strong and lasting poverty-reducing effects in the short and medium term. Thus, with regard to risks of income poverty, starting a permanent job does not appear more beneficial than starting a fixed-term job for unemployed persons. We discuss the reasons for this finding and also explore how the poverty-reducing effects of transitions from unemployment to fixed-term versus permanent employment vary by household type, occupation, working time and firm size.
The relationship between strong belief and assumption
Authors: Brandenburger Adam , Friedenberg Amanda , Keisler H. Jerome 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe define two maps, one map from the set of conditional probability systems (CPS’s) onto the set of lexicographic probability systems (LPS’s), and another map from the set of LPS’s with full support onto the set of CPS’s. We use these maps to establish a relationship between strong belief (defined on CPS’s) and assumption (defined on LPS’s). This establishes a relationship at the abstract level between these two widely used notions of belief in an extended probability-theoretic setting.
Activity of Nickel Supported Over Nanorod-Shaped Strontium Hydroxyapatite Catalysts in Selective Methanation of CO & CO2
Authors: Seelam Prem Kumar , Balla Putrakumar , Rajendiran Rajesh , Ravi Balaga , Prathap Challa , Lassi Ulla , Kim Sungtak , Vijayanand Perupogu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNickel modified strontium hydroxyapatite (Ni/Sr-HAP) supported catalysts are studied in selective methanation of CO/CO2. In this work, a new type of nano rod-shaped strontium hydroxyapatite-based catalysts with two different sizes and aspect ratios were prepared by sol–gel method and in next step, Ni precursor was wet impregnated i.e., denoted as Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127). The catalytic tests were performed in CO and CO2 methanation reactions and evaluated the light-off temperatures curves (225–450 °C) under ambient pressure in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, SEM, TPR, CO2/H2-TPD and H2-chemisorption techniques. From XRD analysis, both Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) were identified as the hydroxyapatite type structure with high crystallinity and very low intensity peaks corresponds to strontium phosphates as the main phase and structure. The TEM and SEM micrographs of Ni/Sr-HAP catalysts displayed a nano- rod shaped morphology with different dimensions and exhibited average Ni particle size of ~ 9.2 nm. While Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) shown the rod size in the length in the range of 100–250 nm and width in the range of 20–40 nm with average Ni particle size 5.7 nm. The F127 mediated support Sr-HAP synthesis i.e., Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) mesoporous catalyst possessed higher metal surface with smaller Ni particles size and possessed higher CO2 adsorption capacity. The medium strength basic sites of Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst played an important role in methanation reactions. Based on the characterization and the catalysts activity results, small sized nanorods of Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) is the most active and selective catalyst due to the higher Ni dispersion, higher amounts of medium basic sites, and reducibility character than the bigger nanorods based Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst.
Voiding function improves under long-term testosterone treatment (TTh) in hypogonadal men, independent of prostate size
Authors: Yassin Aksam , Alwani Mustafa , Al-Zoubi Raed M. , Aboumarzouk Omar M. , Talib Raidh , Nettleship Joanne , Kelly Daniel , Albaba Bassam 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Functional hypogonadism is a condition in which some, but not all, older men have low testosterone levels. Rather than chronological age per se, the causality of hypogonadism includes obesity and impaired general health (e.g., metabolic syndrome). An association between testosterone deficiency and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has been reported, yet due to prostate safety concerns, men with severe LUTS (IPSS score > 19) have invariably been excluded from entering testosterone trials. Irrespective, exogenous testosterone has not been demonstrated to cause de novo or worsen mild to moderate LUTS.

Objective
This study investigated whether long-term testosterone therapy (TTh) could have a protective effect on improving the symptoms of LUTS in hypogonadal men. However, the exact mechanism by which testosterone exerts is beneficial effect remains uncertain.

Patients and methods
In this study 321 hypogonadal patients with an average age of 58.9 ± 9.52 years received testosterone undecanoate in 12-week intervals for 12 years. One hundred and forty-seven of these males had the testosterone treatment interrupted for a mean of 16.9 months before it was resumed. Total testosterone, International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS), post-voiding residual bladder volume and aging male symptoms (AMS) were measured over the study period.

Results
Prior to TTh interruption, it was observed that testosterone stimulation improved the men’s IPSS, AMS and post-voiding residual bladder volume, while their prostate volume significantly increased. During the TTh interruption, there was a significant worsening in these parameters, although the increase in prostate volume continued. When TTh was resumed, these effects were reversed, implying that hypogonadism may require lifelong treatment.