bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Function and Quality of Life: Assessing Existing Tools and Considerations for New Technologies
Authors: Barger Diana 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSexual activity is an important facet of social functioning and quality of life (QoL) reflected in its inclusion in the World Health Organization’s generic, 26-item, quality of life instrument, the WHOQOL-BREF, in the item “how satisfied are you with your sex life?” Several instruments designed to assess sexual activity, function or QoL have been developed, varying in their scope, measurement properties, and applicability to certain populations. Evidence from literature reviews of instruments was synthesized to (a) identify generic self-administered instruments, which have been developed for research or clinical practice in adults and (b) to investigate their scope, psychometric properties, and applicability. We then considered these methods together with emerging Quality of Life Technologies. In total, 110 instruments were identified via nine reviews and 31 generic instruments were retained. There was a good evidence of the instruments’ internal consistency and reliability, but limited evidence of their responsiveness to change. While 31 instruments provide an adequate assessment of function/sexual QoL, fitting with COSMIN guidance, their scope varied and only three of these were developed since the revision of the definition of sexual dysfunction in 2013. Computerized self-reported measures may facilitate data collection yet were rarely discussed by authors. This meta-review has compiled evidence on generic instruments that can improve the collection of data on sexual function/QoL in research and clinical practice. We also discuss the emerging use of applications, connected wearables and devices that may provide another less invasive avenue for the assessment of sexual function/QoL at the individual and population level.
Artificial Intelligence and Quality of Life: Four Scenarios for Personal Security and Safety in the Future
Authors: Mercuri Chapuis Sylvaine 
Published: April 2022

AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) paves the way for many innovations and undoubtedly impacts individuals’ quality of life (QoL). It is also a risk factor, especially when it comes to personal safety and security. In today’s world, however, every person has a role to play in identifying and managing the risks of using AI, not only the AI experts. The first essential step in identifying those risks is to know individuals’ attitudes and motivations regarding the use of AI and the behaviors and practices of AI use (or non-use) they engage in. In 2016 and 2017, we surveyed 1000 bachelor’s and master’s students from various academic departments in Western Switzerland. We aimed to explore their current attitudes and motivations and outline scenarios for possible futures focusing on AI, security, safety, and QoL in Switzerland. This chapter summarizes the survey results and discusses individuals’ behaviors and interactions in the context of the identified scenarios. Based on the scenarios, we attempted to determine how businesses and governments in the present might seize future opportunities offered by AI while also addressing some of the implications of AI for individuals’ QoL. Our research results may serve as starting points to enrich discussion concerning AI and QoL and help individuals, along with businesses and governments, make better decisions in an increasingly connected world.
TRAWEL: A Transportation and Wellbeing Conceptual Framework for Broadening the Understanding of Quality of Life
Authors: Chidambaram Bhuvanachithra 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTransportation has been recently recognized as a key element in the study of individual Quality of Life (QoL). However, relatively little is known about the interconnectedness between various transport dimensions and wellbeing measures. In scoping the existing literature, the chapter identifies studies reporting on a link between one of the seven transport indicators (mobility, affordability, accessibility, connectivity, externality, travel needs, and attitudes) and QoL. Based on the scoping review, a conceptual framework (TRAWEL) was deductively developed to understand wellbeing measures in five broader dimensions of transportation: transportation infrastructure, the built environment, and transport externalities at a societal level, travel and time use, and travel satisfaction at the individual level. Furthermore, the data requirements for accurate quantification and the possible study groups of interest are also discussed. The chapter concludes by summarizing the key points of the framework and by highlighting policy implications and areas for future research.
Technologies for Quantifying Sleep: Improved Quality of Life or Overwhelming Gadgets?
Authors: Roomkham Sirinthip , Ploderer Bernd , Smith Simon , Perrin Dimitri 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSleep is critical for a healthy, engaged and satisfying life. A large proportion of our lives is spent asleep, and a large proportion of our housing, resources, expenditure, and attention are dedicated to it. Good sleep strongly predicts better outcomes across a very broad range of life-long health, social, and industrial indices. Poor sleep has very significant and costly impacts upon physical and mental health (including metabolic health, depression, and anxiety), learning and education outcomes, and work-related outcomes (including stress, absenteeism, safety and performance). The social importance of good sleep can be seen in robust associations between sleep and loneliness, isolation, perceived social support, family and interpersonal relationships, and broader community participation and engagement. The availability and power of new sleep tracking devices mean that access and opportunity for satisfactory, satisfying, and sufficient sleep could be greatly increased. In this Chapter, we discuss the importance of sleep for quality of life and the limitations of existing monitoring technologies. We then introduce new tracking technologies and consider their benefits as well as potential pitfalls.
Der Identitätskonflikt zwischen Entdeckern und Verteidigern: Ein erster Überblick
Authors: Back Mitja , Echterhoff Gerald , Müller Olaf , Pollack Detlef , Schlipphak Bernd 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungDieses Kapitel diskutiert den Identitätskonflikt als neue gesellschaftliche Konfliktlinie. Als Ergebnis einer großen internationalen Umfrage-Studie, deren methodologische Grundlagen wir ausführlich vorstellen, zeigen wir auf, dass sich in der Gesellschaft zwei Gruppen im Hinblick auf ihre Identitätskonzepte diametral gegenüberstehen. Wir nennen diese beiden Gruppen Entdecker und Verteidiger und präsentieren in Kap. 1 erste Befunde zu länderübergreifenden Ähnlichkeiten und Unterschieden in Bezug auf diese beiden Gruppen.
Study of Cloud Condensation Nuclei Activities and Hygroscopic Properties Based on Core-Shell Model
Authors: Zhang Zefeng , Qin Xin , Wang Weiwei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activities and hygroscopic properties of aerosol particles were studied based on the core-shell model with extended Köhler equation. Three kinds of core-shell particles were mainly considered: (1) insoluble core and soluble inorganic shell; (2) insoluble core and organic shell with limited solubility; (3) organic core with limited solubility and soluble inorganic shell. Results of the model calculations showed that Köhler curves of aerosol particles were different from classical Köhler curves of inorganic particles. Particle size, chemical composition and mass fraction of components all influence the curve shape, and the curve might show one or more extreme points of supersaturation. Critical supersaturation decreased when the mass fraction of the shell increased. This implied that the heterogeneous chemical reaction that happened to suspended particles in air could increase shell mass fraction and make particles more CCN active and hygroscopic. When the three models were compared, particles in model 3 were most CCN active, while those in model 2 were least CCN active. If the shell mass fraction was 0.1–0.2 for model 3 and 0.3–0.4 for model 1, the calculated hygroscopic parameter κ was closer to historical measuring results of 0.2–0.3 in polluted areas in China while the hygroscopic parameter would never be close to measuring results in model 2 no matter how high the shell mass fraction was. Based on discussion of two component particles of the core-shell model, more components in core-shell model could be considered, and the calculations were discussed in this article.
Fallbericht zur Entstehung einer medialen Gonarthrose nach Innenmeniskusläsion und erfolgter Teilresektion
Authors: Finger Felix , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Ihle Christoph , Histing Tina , Schröter Steffen 
Published: April 2022

ZusammenfassungMeniskusverletzungen führen zur Veränderung der Belastungsverteilung im Kniegelenk. Das Risiko, eine Gonarthrose zu entwickeln, steigt mit Zunahme der resezierten Meniskusfläche. Der Fallbericht zeigt, basierend auf 4 MRT-Untersuchungen, die über einen Zeitraum von 8 Jahren stattfanden, die fortschreitende Knorpeldegeneration nach traumatischer Innenmeniskusläsion und resultierender Teilresektion eines zum Unfallzeitpunkt 46-jährigen Patienten. Angeborene oder unfallunabhängige Risikofaktoren wie eine varische Beinachse müssen bei einer möglichen Begutachtung Berücksichtigung finden.
Metal Accumulation and DNA Damage in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus After Chronic Exposure to Discharges of the Batts Drain: Potential Risk to Human Health
Authors: Moussa Moussa Attia , Mohamed Hanan Ramadan H. , Abdel-Khalek Amr Adel 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe present work showed the impact of long-term exposure to the Batts drain’s discharges on O. niloticus and C. gariepinus fish species. The accumulation level of Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb and Al in five vital tissues was markedly elevated near the Batts drain (site2) compared to the samples from the reference site (site 1). At the same site, C. gariepinus displayed the highest accumulation capacities when compared to O. niloticus. Based on the metal pollution index, livers and kidneys, followed by gills, showed the maximum overall metal load. The degree of DNA damage (assessed by comet and diphenylamine assays) was relative to the accumulated metals in tissues with species and site specification. The values of the hazard index for human consumption showed that the studied metals were within safe values at normal consumption rates. While harmful health consequences were observed at the habitual consumption level at site 2.
Approximation schemes for stochastic compliance-based topology optimization with many loading scenarios
Authors: Tarek Mohamed , Ray Tapabrata 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this paper, approximation schemes are proposed for handling load uncertainty in compliance-based topology optimization problems, where the uncertainty is described in the form of a set of finitely many loading scenarios. Efficient approximate methods are proposed to approximately evaluate and differentiate either (1) the mean compliance, or (2) a class of scalar-valued function of the individual load compliances such as the weighted sum of the mean and standard deviation. The computational time complexities of the proposed algorithms are analyzed, compared to the exact approaches and then experimentally verified. Finally, some mean compliance minimization problems and some risk-averse compliance minimization problems are solved for verification.
Coaxiality error analysis and optimization of cylindrical parts of CNC turning process
Authors: Rangappa Ravichandra , Patel G. C. Manjunath , Chate Ganesh R. , Lokare Deepak , Lakshmikanthan Avinash , Giasin Khaled , Pimenov Danil Yu. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHigh precision rotary shafts with precise geometrical tolerances are generally mounted with a micron level clearance between the gears and casing during operation in industrial applications. Dynamics cyclic loads are inevitable in most of these applications which has an adverse effect on the fatigue life of the critical parts. Ensuring close dimensional tolerances and coaxiality during machining is highly desirable, as it affects the rotary characteristics in many applications. Thus, control of coaxiality error plays a vital role in rotating shafts and high precision machine tools. However, use of high precision machining would drastically increase the cost of manufacturing. Thus, a cost-effective machining process that could potentially reduce the coaxiality error is of high industrial importance. The present research efforts made an attempt to achieve minimum coaxiality error on cylindrical machined parts by optimizing parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and cutting tool nose radius). Experiments are planned, viz. central composite design matrix and statistical analysis determine the influence of machine parameters on coaxiality error of high-strength Al 7075 alloy by applying response surface methodology. Feed rate and depth of cut factors showed significant effect on coaxiality error. All machining parameters showed a non-linear effect on coaxiality error, which defines the strong interaction factor effects. The empirical equations derived were used to minimize coaxiality error by determining a set of machining parameters, viz. applying Big-Bang and Big Crunch and Rao (Rao-1, Rao-2 and Rao-3) algorithms. Rao algorithms outperform the Big-Bang and Big Crunch algorithm both in computation effort and solution accuracy. The results of Rao algorithms are experimentally verified, which resulted in reduced coaxiality error equal to 1.013 µm and resulted in 72.6% improvement compared to CCD experiments.
Success factors for lean six sigma projects in healthcare
Authors: Sohal Amrik , De Vass Tharaka , Vasquez Tristan , Bamber Greg J. , Bartram Timothy , Stanton Pauline 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIdentifying critical success factors (CSFs) of continuous improvement projects is crucial for management control and operations management domains. Despite the availability of manufacturing-related literature, studies on CSFs in more dynamic and complex healthcare-related operations are scarce. This study, based at a large public tertiary healthcare organization, identifies CSFs in implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS). 62 LSS projects completed by Green Belts in consultation with Black Belts were analyzed for project success by a review team of practitioners (Black Belters) and academics. Using a grounded theory approach, numerous success factors were initially identified. A series of brainstorming sessions and workshops helped to narrow down and revise all the CSFs present in each of the 62 LSS projects to eight CSFs. The success of the 62 completed projects was assessed against each of the eight CSFs on a five-point Likert scale. Success was measured against whether the project met its stated aim and achieved the Key Performance Indicators that had initially been identified. Finally, the correlations of each factor rating against project success were analyzed to validate the relationship between each success factor and project success. The findings confirm that all eight CSFs identified are significantly correlated to project success. This study contributes to the management control, operations management, and healthcare literature by identifying CSFs of continuous improvement projects and introducing a relatively unique, rigorous, and practically proven evaluation method applied via an industry and academic partnership. Specified CSFs and the method used to identify these will benefit managers of continuous improvement projects.
Differences in renal cortex transcriptional profiling of wild-type and novel type B cystinuria model rats
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Zheng Rui , Chen Zhoutong , Zhan Xia , Fang Xiaoliang , Liu Meizhen , Li Yongmei , Xu Yonghu , Li Dali , Geng Hongquan , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Guofeng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCystinuria is a genetic disorder of cystine transport that accounts for 1–2% of all cases of renal lithiasis. It is characterized by hyperexcretion of cystine in urine and recurrent cystine lithiasis. Defective transport of cystine into epithelial cells of renal tubules occurs because of mutations of the transport heterodimer, including protein b0,+AT (encoded by SLC7A9) and rBAT (encoded by SLC3A1) linked through a covalent disulfide bond. Study generated a novel type B cystinuria rat model by artificially deleting 7 bp ofSlc7a9gene exon 3 using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and thoseSlc7a9-deficient rats were proved to be similar with cystinuria in terms of genome, transcriptome, translation, and biologic phenotypes with no off-target editing. Subsequent comparisons of renal histopathology indicated model rats gained typical secondary changes as medullary fibrosis with no stone formation. A total of 689 DEGs (383 upregulated and 306 downregulated) were differentially expressed in the renal cortex of cystinuria rats. In accordance with the functional annotation of DEGs, the potential role of glutathione metabolism processes in the kidney of cystinuria rat model was proposed, and KEGG analysis results showed that knock-out ofSlc7a9gene triggered more biological changes which has not been studied. In short, for the first time, a rat model and its transcriptional database that mimics the pathogenesis and clinical consequences of human type B cystinuria were generated.
Nonlinear Filtering of Partially Observed Systems Arising in Singular Stochastic Optimal Control
Authors: Calvia Alessandro , Ferrari Giorgio 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper deals with a nonlinear filtering problem in which a multi-dimensional signal process is additively affected by a process$$\nu $$νwhose components have paths of bounded variation. The presence of the process$$\nu $$νprevents from directly applying classical results and novel estimates need to be derived. By making use of the so-called reference probability measure approach, we derive the Zakai equation satisfied by the unnormalized filtering process, and then we deduce the corresponding Kushner–Stratonovich equation. Under the condition that the jump times of the process$$\nu $$νdo not accumulate over the considered time horizon, we show that the unnormalized filtering process is the unique solution to the Zakai equation, in the class of measure-valued processes having a square-integrable density. Our analysis paves the way to the study of stochastic control problems where a decision maker can exert singular controls in order to adjust the dynamics of an unobservable Itô-process.
ENSO teleconnections and atmospheric mean state in idealised simulations
Authors: Di Carlo Emanuele , Ruggieri Paolo , Davini Paolo , Tibaldi Stefano , Corti Susanna 
Published: April 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the natural and forced variability of the general circulation of the atmosphere and its drivers is one of the grand challenges in climate science. In particular, it is of paramount importance to understand to what extent the systematic error of global climate models affects the processes driving such variability. This is done by performing a set of simulations (ROCK experiments) with an intermediate complexity atmospheric model (SPEEDY), in which the Rocky Mountains orography is modified (increased or decreased) to influence the structure of the North Pacific jet stream. For each of these modified-orography experiments, the climatic response to idealized sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies of varying intensity in the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) region is studied. ROCK experiments are characterized by variations in the Pacific jet stream intensity whose extension encompasses the spread of the systematic error found in state-of-the-art climate models. When forced with ENSO-like idealised anomalies, they exhibit a non-negligible sensitivity in the response pattern over the Pacific North American region, indicating that a change/bias in the model mean state can affect the model response to ENSO. It is found that the classical Rossby wave train response generated by ENSO is more meridionally oriented when the Pacific jet stream is weaker, while it exhibits a more zonal structure when the jet is stronger. Rossby wave linear theory, used here to interpret the results, suggests that a stronger jet implies a stronger waveguide, which traps Rossby waves at a lower latitude, favouring a more zonally oriented propagation of the tropically induced Rossby waves. The shape of the dynamical response to ENSO, determined by changes in the intensity of the Pacific Jet, affects in turn the ENSO impacts on surface temperature and precipitation over Central and North America. Furthermore, a comparison of the SPEEDY results with CMIP6 models behaviour suggests a wider applicability of the results to more resources-demanding, complete climate GCMs, opening up to future works focusing on the relationship between Pacific jet misrepresentation and response to external forcing in fully-fledged GCMs.
Objective and Subjective Measurement of Cough in Asthma: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Holmes Joshua , Heaney Liam G. , McGarvey Lorcan P. A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe extent to which objective and subjective tools has been used to measure the characteristics and burden of cough in patients with asthma has not been reported.ObjectiveTo review the large and extensive body of literature in asthma with the specific hypothesis that the characteristics of cough and clinical impact in this disease has only occasionally been studied.MethodsFor this systematic review, we searched EMBASE and MEDLINE databases using a combination of MeSH terms for “cough” and “asthma” for studies published up to and including end of August 2021. Studies included for analysis were confined to those undertaken in adult patients (≥ 18 years) with asthma of any severity where any tool or method to specifically measure cough was employed.ResultsOf 12,090 citations identified after our initial search, 112 full-text articles met criteria for inclusion in our analysis. We found that a broad range of objective and subjective measures have been used albeit with a lack of consistency between studies. Clinically important levels of cough associated with impaired health status were identified in patients with asthma.ConclusionAlthough cough is a common symptom in asthma, the clinical features and accompanying healthcare burden have been studied infrequently. In studies where cough was measured, the methods employed varied considerably. A more consistent use of cough-specific measurement tools is required to better determine the nature and burden of cough in asthma.