bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual function in male cancer survivors is not correlated to sperm quality
Authors: Reiser Elisabeth , Zippl Anna Lena , Vomstein Kilian , Strassgschwandter Elena , Hofer-Tollinger Susanne , Pinggera Germar Michael , Toth Bettina 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Both infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED) are known long-term consequences of cancer treatment in young male cancer survivors. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether sperm quality and sexual function in male cancer survivors are associated.

Methods
In this prospective study, n = 244 patients male cancer survivors who underwent sperm analysis and cryopreservation between 2008 and 2018 prior to the initiation of gonadotoxic treatment were invited. In total n = 50 had a follow-up sperm analysis and completed two questionnaires, the Aging Males’ Symptom Scale (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). Differences between the individual parameters were analyzed using the Wilcoxon or Mann Whitney test.

Results
Azoospermia was present in n = 16/50 (32.0%) patients at time of follow-up. ED occurred in n = 9/43 (20.9%) patients and was observed more frequently in patients with oligo- or azoospermia than in those with normospermia, even though this association was not statistically significant. Sperm parameters (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility) did not differ between time of cryopreservation and time of follow-up. Mean total, somatic, psychological, and sexual AMS score was 23.6, 9.9, 6.6, and 6.8, respectively. Mean total IIEF-EF score was 27.3, indicating mainly mild ED.

Conclusions
More than one-third of cancer patients suffered from azoospermia, and ED was primarily present in this subgroup. We recommend implementing the screening of sexual dysfunction in the annual sperm testing that should be offered to all men after gonadotoxic treatment. Our study highlights the importance of counseling young cancer patients on both aspects—future infertility and sexual function—prior to treatment and at follow-up visits.
Integrating online differential titrimetry and dynamic modelling as innovative energy saving strategy in a large industrial WWTP
Authors: Polizzi Cecilia , Falcioni Serena , Mannucci Alberto , Mori Gualtiero , Nardi Arianna , Spennati Francesco , Munz Giulio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are required to meet increasingly stringent effluent quality standards as well as to improve process sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, in line with the call for a paradigm shift towards the more sustainable concept of wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF). In this context, optimised Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA) systems as well as process and plant-wide modelling have become key tools for optimising economic and environmental costs. The present work reports on the successfull integration of an innovative on-line continuous titrimeter and plant-wide modelling as a support tool for the optimisation of the nitritification unit in a large-scale industrial WWTP. The information gathered from the on-line titrimeter allowed for real-time estimation of the Ammonia Oxidation Rate of the activated sludge and, ultimately, of the nitrification residual capacity of the plant. Results on the titrimeter long-term operation and historical data modelling supported plant managing decisions, such as lowering the dissolved oxygen (DO) set-point of the oxidation unit, straightforwardly resulting in energy saving.
Graphical abstract
Absolute adsorption and adsorbed volume modeling for supercritical methane adsorption on shale
Authors: Hu Ke , Mischo Helmut 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAdsorbed methane significantly affects shale gas reservoir estimates and shale gas transport in shale formations. Hence, a practical model for accurately representing methane adsorption behavior at high-pressure and high-temperature in shale is imperative. In this study, a reliable mathematical framework that estimates the absolute adsorption directly from low-pressure excess adsorption data is applied to describe the excess methane adsorption data in literature. This method provides detailed information on the volume and density of adsorbed methane. The obtained results indicate that the extensively used supercritical Dubinin-Radushkevich model with constant adsorbed phase density underestimates absolute adsorption at high pressure. The adsorbed methane volume increases both the pressure and expands with the temperature. The adsorbed methane density reduces above 10 MPa, and approaches a steady value at high pressure. This study provides a novel method for estimating adsorbed shale gas, which is expected improve the prediction of shale gas in place and gas production.
Economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Huang Iona Y. , James Katy , Thamthanakoon Nithicha , Pinitjitsamut Pim , Rattanamanee Nararat , Pinitjitsamut Montchai , Yamklin Sophon , Lowenberg-DeBoer James 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA systematic review was conducted to examine expected economic outcomes of rubber-based agroforestry systems during mature rubber stage in comparison with monoculture rubber farming. Twelve studies were identified for a narrative synthesis of economic outcomes of the mature rubber production systems. The review found that whilst monoculture rubber production may produce higher income in some cases, particularly when rubber prices are high, profitable diversified rubber agroforestry systems were reported in all but one study. Rubber agroforestry has the potential to reduce the vulnerability of smallholders to volatile markets for rubber, particularly if the share of income from secondary species is substantial. Shade-tolerant crops with small canopies (e.g. coffee, bamboo and tea) are reported as ideal intercrops for rubber. Economically advantageous systems reported appeared to be rubber combined with species which provide additional income in the medium to long term (e.g. sheep and high value timber) and/or enhance ongoing cash flow with a lengthy productive lifespan and regular harvests (e.g. durian and gnetum). However, these systems are subject to many constraints such as labour availability, investment and management capacity and market conditions for secondary products. The review showed an absence of farm portfolio studies aimed at finding risk reducing enterprise combinations. Future research on economic outcomes of rubber agroforestry systems should firstly distinguish traditional jungle rubber from rubber agroforestry systems which use clonal rubber similar to those used in monoculture rubber, and secondly consider the full value of secondary products even if they are grown for own consumption.
Forearm and Hand Muscles Exhibit High Coactivation and Overlapping of Cortical Motor Representations
Authors: Tardelli Gabriela P. , Souza Victor H. , Matsuda Renan H. , Garcia Marco A. C. , Novikov Pavel A. , Nazarova Maria A. , Baffa Oswaldo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMost of the motor mapping procedures using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) follow the conventional somatotopic organization of the primary motor cortex (M1) by assessing the representation of a particular target muscle, disregarding the possible coactivation of synergistic muscles. In turn, multiple reports describe a functional organization of the M1 with an overlapping among motor representations acting together to execute movements. In this context, the overlap degree among cortical representations of synergistic hand and forearm muscles remains an open question. This study aimed to evaluate the muscle coactivation and representation overlapping common to the grasping movement and its dependence on the stimulation parameters. The nTMS motor maps were obtained from one carpal muscle and two intrinsic hand muscles during rest. We quantified the overlapping motor maps in size (area and volume overlap degree) and topography (similarity and centroid Euclidean distance) parameters. We demonstrated that these muscle representations are highly overlapped and similar in shape. The overlap degrees involving the forearm muscle were significantly higher than only among the intrinsic hand muscles. Moreover, the stimulation intensity had a stronger effect on the size compared to the topography parameters. Our study contributes to a more detailed cortical motor representation towards a synergistic, functional arrangement of M1. Understanding the muscle group coactivation may provide more accurate motor maps when delineating the eloquent brain tissue during pre-surgical planning.
Ponderous, Proficient or Professional? Survey Experience and Smartphone Effects in Stated Preference Research
Authors: Sandorf Erlend Dancke , Grimsrud Kristine , Lindhjem Henrik 
Published: March 2022

AbstractStated preference surveys are increasingly conducted online using internet panel samples, where a fast-growing share of respondents answer on smartphones. These panel members range from novices to “professionals” in terms of previous survey experience. Little is known about the potential effects of smartphone responding and survey experience on the data quality of stated preference surveys. This paper uses a discrete choice experiment dataset on the Norwegian population’s willingness to pay to plant climate forests to explore how these two factors affect data quality. These data by type of response device, gathered using a probability-based internet panel, were combined with a unique dataset obtained from the survey company on respondents’ actual experience answering surveys on different types of devices. Our results show that differences in elicited preferences between smartphone and computer respondents are not caused by the device used, suggesting that initial concerns about smartphone responses may be exaggerated. Furthermore, more experience is associated with an increasing scale parameter (indicating lower error variance), but at a decreasing rate; and a higher propensity to choose the status quo (indicating possible simplifying strategies employed by respondents). Combined this suggest some optimal level of experience that is neither too high nor too low. We discuss the implications of our results for stated preference research and provide a few avenues for future research.
Endothelial-cell-mediated mechanism of coronary microvascular dysfunction leading to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Juan , Wang Zhen , Wang Cheng , Ma Dufang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Although the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is growing worldwide, its complex pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated, and multiple hypotheses have all failed to produce a viable target for therapeutic action or provide effective treatment. Cardiac remodeling has long been considered an important mechanism of HFpEF. Strong evidence has been reported over the past years that coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), manifesting as structural and functional abnormalities of coronary microvasculature, also contributes to the evolution of HFpEF. However, the mechanisms of CMD are still not well understood and need to be studied further. Coronary microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) are one of the most abundant cell types in the heart by number and active players in cardiac physiology and pathology. CMECs are not only important cellular mediators of cardiac vascularization but also play an important role in disease pathophysiology by participating in the inception and progression of cardiac remodeling. CMECs are also actively involved in the pathogenesis of CMD. Numerous studies have confirmed that CMD is closely related to cardiac remodeling. ECs may serve a critical function in mediating the connection between CMD and HFpEF. It follows that CMECs participate in the mechanism of CMD leading to HFpEF. In this review article, we focus on the role of CMD in the pathogenesis of HFpEF resulting from cardiac remodeling and highlight the subsequent complexity of the EC-mediated correlation between CMD and HFpEF.
Opportunities for Inclusion and Engagement in the Transition of Autistic Youth from Pediatric to Adult Healthcare: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ames Jennifer L. , Mahajan Arjun , Davignon Meghan N. , Massolo Maria L. , Croen Lisa A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTransitioning autistic youth from pediatric to adult healthcare requires coordination of multiple stakeholders, including youth, caregivers, and pediatric and adult care providers, whose interests at times overlap but often differ. To understand barriers and facilitators to inclusive transition experiences, we conducted thematic analysis of interviews with 39 stakeholders from the same large, integrated healthcare system. We identified three major themes: (1) Navigating the healthcare transition without guidance, (2) Health consequences of a passive healthcare transition, and (3) Strategies for inclusion and continuous engagement. Facilitators included gradual transition planning, a warm handoff between providers, and support of shared healthcare decision-making. Providers also sought clinical tools and logistical supports such as care coordinators and longer transition-specific visit types to enhance patient-centered care.
Interpregnancy Interval and Birth Outcomes: A Propensity Matching Study in the California Population
Authors: Congdon Jayme L. , Baer Rebecca J. , Arcara Jennet , Feuer Sky K. , Gómez Anu Manchikanti , Karasek Deborah , Oltman Scott P. , Pantell Matthew S. , Ryckman Kelli , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Previous studies that used traditional multivariable and sibling matched analyses to investigate interpregnancy interval (IPI) and birth outcomes have reached mixed conclusions about a minimum recommended IPI, raising concerns about confounding. Our objective was to isolate the contribution of interpregnancy interval to the risk for adverse birth outcomes using propensity score matching.

Methods
For this retrospective cohort study, data were drawn from a California Department of Health Care Access and Information database with linked vital records and hospital discharge records (2007–2012). We compared short IPIs of < 6, 6–11, and 12–17 months to a referent IPI of 18–23 months using 1:1 exact propensity score matching on 13 maternal sociodemographic and clinical factors. We used logistic regression to calculate the odds of preterm birth, early-term birth, and small for gestational age (SGA).

Results
Of 144,733 women, 73.6% had IPIs < 18 months, 5.5% delivered preterm, 27.0% delivered early-term, and 6.0% had SGA infants. In the propensity matched sample (n = 83,788), odds of preterm birth were increased among women with IPI < 6 and 6–11 months (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.71–2.0; OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.31, respectively) and not with IPI 12–17 months (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94–1.09); a similar pattern emerged for early-term birth. The odds of SGA were slightly elevated only for intervals < 6 months (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00–1.20, p < .05).

Discussion
This study demonstrates a dose response association between short IPI and adverse birth outcomes, with no increased risk beyond 12 months. Findings suggest that longer IPI recommendations may be overly proscriptive.
Use of GIS and dasymetric mapping for estimating tsunami-affected population to facilitate humanitarian relief logistics: a case study from Phuket, Thailand
Authors: Jitt-Aer Kiatkulchai , Wall Graham , Jones Dylan , Teeuw Richard 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami led to improvements in Thailand’s early warning systems and evacuation procedures. However, there was no consideration of better aid delivery, which critically depends on estimates of the affected population. With the widespread use of geographical information systems (GIS), there has been renewed interest in spatial population estimation. This study has developed an application to determine the number of disaster-impacted people in a given district, by integrating GIS and population estimation algorithms, to facilitate humanitarian relief logistics. A multi-stage spatial interpolation is used for estimating the affected populations using ArcGIS software. We present a dasymetric mapping approach using a population-weighted technique coupled with remote sensing data. The results in each target area show the coordinates of each shelter location for evacuees, with the minimum and maximum numbers of people affected by the tsunami inundation. This innovative tool produces not only numerical solutions for decision makers, but also a variety of maps that improve visualisation of disaster severity across neighbourhoods. A case study in Patong, a town of Phuket, illustrates the application of this GIS-based approach. The outcomes can be used as key decision-making factors in planning and managing humanitarian relief logistics in the preparedness and response phases to improve performance with future tsunami occurrences, or with other types of flood disaster.
Two comparative studies of computer simulations and experiments as learning tools in school and out-of-school education
Authors: Krüger Johanna T. , Höffler Tim N. , Wahl Martin , Knickmeier Katrin , Parchmann Ilka 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInteractive computer simulations and hands-on experiments are important teaching methods in modern science education. Especially for the communication of complex current topics with social relevance (socioscientific issues), suitable methods in science education are of great importance. However, previous studies could not sufficiently clarify the educational advantages and disadvantages of both methods and often lack adequate comparability. This paper presents two studies of direct comparisons of hands-on experiments and interactive computer simulations as learning tools in science education for secondary school students in two different learning locations (Study I: school; Study II: student laboratory). Using a simple experimental research design with type of learning location as between-subjects factor (NStudy I = 443, NStudy II = 367), these studies compare working on computer simulations versus experiments in terms of knowledge achievement, development of situational interest and cognitive load. Independent of the learning location, the results showed higher learning success for students working on computer simulations than while working on experiments, despite higher cognitive load. However, working on experiments promoted situational interest more than computer simulations (especially the epistemic and value-related component). We stated that simulations might be particularly suitable for teaching complex topics. The findings reviewed in this paper moreover imply that working with one method may complement and supplement the weaknesses of the other. We conclude that that the most effective way to communicate complex current research topics might be a combination of both methods. These conclusions derive a contribution to successful modern science education in school and out-of-school learning contexts.
Adaptive wideband sensing scheme based on Bayesian experimental design
Authors: Wu Keyu , Hu Xingchen , Du Hang , Huang Kuihua 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the problem of wideband sensing for cognitive radio. Due to resource constraint, a cognitive node targets at finding a given number of spectrum holes, which is studied under a novel wideband sensing architecture. Specifically, the cognitive node can dynamically focus its sensing measurements on different portions of contiguous channels. An adaptive wideband sensing scheme is proposed under the standard Bayesian experimental design framework via three steps: (1) define a Bayesian cost that incorporates the numbers of desired spectrum holes, (2) design hypothesis testing rule to detect access opportunities, and (3) identify a scheme to adapt the measurements during the sensing process. In order to facilitate implementation, we further propose an approximated Bayesian experiment design scheme to reduce the computational complexity. The performance gain of our wideband sensing scheme is demonstrated via numerical simulation.
IIoT platforms’ architectural features – a taxonomy and five prevalent archetypes
Authors: Arnold Laurin , Jöhnk Jan , Vogt Florian , Urbach Nils 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), digital platforms have recently received significant attention. Although IIoT platforms revolve around similar business objectives, they address various use cases and, thus, differ considerably in their architectural setup. While research has already investigated IIoT platforms from a business or design perspective, little is known about their underlying technology stack and its implications. To unveil different IIoT platform configurations and better understand their architectural design, we systematically develop and validate a taxonomy of IIoT platforms’ architectural features based on related literature, real-world cases, and expert interviews. On this foundation, we identify and discuss five IIoT platform archetypes (Allrounder, Device Controller, Data Hub, Service Enabler, Connector). Our findings contribute to the descriptive knowledge in this ambiguous research field while also elucidating the interplay of IIoT platforms’ architectural setup and their purpose. From a managerial viewpoint, our results may guide practitioners in comparing and selecting a suitable IIoT platform.
Effects of yield stress and chemical reaction on magnetic two-phase nanofluid flow in a porous regime with thermal ray
Authors: Abdelhafez M. A. , Awad Amal A. , Nafe Mohamed A. , Eisa Dalia A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study investigates consequences of the steady flow of nanofluid via contracting cylinder utilizing the mathematical Buongiorno's model of nanofluid. Herein, the influence of magnetic field and porous materials are discussed in this paper. The parameters of heat sink/source and radiation are taken into respect. Furthermore, the react of chemical and the yield stress within the nanoingredients too, take up a new niche in this research. The transformations of similarity facilitate the paradigm of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. To hit the solutions of the nonlinear equations, the spectral local linearization method has been utilized. Consequences are discussed with diagrams and discussions. The physical consignments as a local Sherwood number, local Nusselt number and drag force are displayed. Excellent advancement in transmit of mass and heat is spotted, which can be conceived through graphs. Results elucidate that the transport of heat increased by increasing the porous medium permeability, thermal radiation, chemical reaction and magnetic field, but raising the heat sink/source and yield stress reduce the heat transfer, whereas the adverse behavior is noticed with the transmit of mass for these parameters.