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Introduction/purpose: The aim of this paper is to obtain quantitative and qualitative indicators of vehicle condition and reliability based on operational data which can be used to determine the optimal periodicity of preventive maintenance for special purpose vehicles, and to more accurately manage the maintenance process and the operational readiness of these vehicles. Methods: Based on operational failure data and statistical methods, a mathematical model of the reliability of special purpose vehicles was determined. Using this model and operational data, the periodicity of preventive maintenance for the vehicles was determined through multicriteria optimization, considering both readiness and minimum maintenance costs. The same methodology was applied to determine the optimal preventive maintenance periodicity for 15 components of the mechanical system of special purpose vehicles. A group analysis was conducted using Minitab 15 statistical software, based on the theory of similarity in preventive maintenance periodicity for the 15 components, and a statistical analysis of the conducted research was performed using Minitab 16 statistical software. Results: Models for preventive maintenance of special purpose vehicles were developed based on the recorded vehicle failures and the failures of fifteen vital components. A group analysis grouped the fifteen components into optimal maintenance groups, similar in terms of working time between failures. The statistical analysis of the research determined a functional relationship for the optimal periodicity of preventive maintenance for special purpose vehicles. Conclusion: The maintenance periodicity obtained through multi-criteria analysis is optimal, as it achieves satisfactory vehicle readiness with optimal maintenance costs. The statistical analysis of the research concluded that the maintenance periodicities of the vehicle components are different. In both fleets, the engine and the transmission block have the longest maintenance intervals. The research results can be used to rationalize the existing preventive maintenance concept.

Research studies on situational leadership often focus on matching leadership style with team maturity, but very few studies have explored situational leadership in pandemic situations. This study aims to identify the most effective leadership style during the COVID-19 pandemic. We introduce the situational model commonly used to enhance the performance of medical crisis teams based on team members' maturity. Additionally, we discuss the decision to implement delegating leadership during the pandemic. By identifying the most appropriate leadership style based on the team's maturity, we can recommend activities to help medical care teams maintain their performance during pandemics.

Warehouses represent key links in domestic and international commodity flows. The increasing shortage of workers and increasing costs on the one hand, and the increasing number and stricter demands of users on the other hand lead warehouse managers to realize their operations as efficiently as possible. A proposed model has an objective of enabling companies to monitor warehouse performance in an authoritative, reliable, and simple way and define appropriate corrective measures accordingly. The proposed empirical research consists of three stages, where in the first stage a combination of Principal Component Analysis-Data Envelopment Analysis methods was applied in order to determine efficient warehouses based on 90 decision making units. In the second phase, a completely new method called Interval Fuzzy Rough Pivot Pair-wise Relative Criteria Importance Assessment method used for determining criteria weights was developed and applied, which is one of the most important novelties of this study. In the last phase, the Interval Fuzzy Rough Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution method was applied to rank the alternatives. Twelve criteria were observed to evaluate 21 alternatives. Based on the results, it was concluded that salary stood out as the most important criterion, while amortization stood out as the least significant criterion. On the other hand, alternatives A9 and A10 stood out as the best-ranked alternatives while A1, A2, and A3 stood out as the least efficient ones. The paper provides clear scientific contributions that are reflected in the reduction of the gap that was observed after reviewing the literature where there is a lack of papers dealing with this task. Also, the combination of methods applied in the paper has not been used so far, so it can be said that this paper represents an excellent basis for further research. The model has practical contributions as it allows decision-makers to make quality decisions regarding the operation of their warehouses in different time periods or observation periods, as well as it represents a decision support tool that can be used for better warehouse management.

Frequently, various sectors within the same company often find themselves at odds with one another due to conflicting objectives. For example, the sales and logistics departments frequently fail to synchronize, with sales viewing logistics merely as a cost center. Conversely, sales place demanding delivery tasks on logistics, particularly evident in scenarios involving out-of-stock or non-assortment items. To address this pervasive issue, the primary objective of this paper is to propose a model for assessing the efficiency of logistical processes, distribution centers, and drivers. Hence, it can be asserted that this study, through its proposed model, aims to accomplish several aims: (i) determine the effectiveness of distribution centers (DCs), (ii) analyze how the efficiency of DCs evolves over time, (iii) evaluate the performance of distribution drivers, and (iv) rank proficient drivers for bonus allocation based on their performance. To achieve these objectives, the suggested model relies on the application of the CI-DEA-Malmquist Index-DEA-MEREC-ADAM methodology. Specifically, the model is delineated into three distinct phases. The initial phase entails employing the CI-DEA and Malmquist index methodologies to condense the multitude of parameters considered in the study by utilizing the CI-DEA approach. Additionally, Malmquist analysis is applied to observe the multi factor productivity change in the efficiency of DCs and to identify the most efficient DC across all time periods. Following the identification of the most efficient DC, the subsequent phase focuses on selecting drivers from that center, followed by applying the DEA method to isolate only the most efficient drivers, who are then further evaluated and ranked accordingly. Through the application of these methodologies, it was determined that out of a total of 10 drivers, only four were deemed efficient. In the final phase of the model, these drivers were assessed based on seven criteria for ranking purposes. During this phase, the MEREC method was utilized to ascertain the criteria weights, while the ADAM method was employed for driver ranking. The findings revealed that the second driver ranked the highest and thus should be granted the highest bonus.

Research question (RQ): Is pragmatic research the answer to researching complex, uncertain, and irrational organisational landscapes? Purpose and originality: This article explains a mechanism-based pragmatic approach to organizational science. A comprehensive examination of core approaches to organizational research reveals that traditional organizational theories and classical models prove inadequate in providing a holistic understanding of the escalating complexity and multimodality of organizational phenomena. This underscores the novelty and potential of the pragmatic approach in tackling these complexities. Method: The research used organizational source criticism as a historical methodology to analyse the shift in organizational science beyond classical objectivist conceptualizations. Mechanism-based research explored and understood the contingency of knowledge and action using a pragmatic approach to organisation research. Results: This study's findings underscore the practical implications of pragmatic research in organizational science. It is not a static method but a dynamic and evolving one that effectively addresses organizations' changing needs, societal trends, and technological advancements. This emphasis on adaptability and relevance keeps pragmatic research at the forefront of organizational science, making our findings all the more significant and interesting. Limitations/Further research: It's important to note that this research is based on conceptual views of organizational pragmatic research. While it involved a systematic analysis of the application of pragmatic research methods in the empirical field, it's crucial to acknowledge that further analysis is not just a suggestion but a necessity to fully understand the method's role in explaining complex organizational phenomena. This acknowledgement of the need for more research encourages the reader to delve deeper into the topic, fostering a sense of curiosity and engagement.

3D pose estimation and gesture command recognition are crucial for ensuring safety and improving human-robot interaction. While RGB-D cameras are commonly used for these tasks, they often raise privacy concerns due to their ability to capture detailed visual data of human operators. In contrast, using RaDAR sensors offers a privacy-preserving alternative, as they can output point-cloud data rather than images. We introduce mmPrivPose3D, a dataset of 3D RaDAR point-cloud data that captures human movements and gestures using a single IWR6843AOPEVM RaDAR sensor with a frequency of 10 Hz synchronized with 19 corresponding 3D skeleton keypoints as the ground truth. These keypoints were extracted from RGB-D images captured by an Intel RealSense camera recorded at 30 frames per second using the Nuitrack SDK, and labeled with gestures. The dataset was collected from n = 15 participants. Our dataset serves as a fundamental resource for developing machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of pose estimation and gesture recognition using RaDAR data.

The food supply chain (FSC) faces significant challenges, including the short shelf life of products, stringent food safety standards, and the growing demand for online ordering. These challenges underscore the need for a resilient and sustainable FSC, particularly in the confectionery industry, which is further burdened by the demand for innovative and healthier products. The aim of this paper is to optimize material handling activities in warehouse operations within the confectionery industry by ranking and selecting adequate material handling equipment (MHE). This paper proposes a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model that integrates the Simple Aggregation of Preferences Expressed by Ordinal Vectors Group Decision Making (SAPEVO-M), Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), and Fuzzy COmprehensive distance-Based Ranking (FCOBRA) methods. The model was applied to a real-world case study involving four alternative solutions and twelve defined evaluation criteria. The application of the model identified the implementation of an Automated Guided Vehicle system (AGVs) as the optimal alternative, offering substantial automation of logistics activities and addressing identified company challenges. The engagement of AGVs is estimated to reduce operational costs by 20%, improve warehouse operation efficiency by 30%, and decrease CO2 emissions by 25%. The contribution of this paper lies in the development of a methodological framework for evaluating and selecting MHE, as well as in highlighting the importance of optimizing material handling processes in the confectionery industry.

AbstractThe lifespan of the European hare (Lepus europaeus P.) is affected by a number of negative factors, including pollutants. In this paper, the individual and joint influence of age and habitat (elevation and distance from the thermal power plant - TPP) on pathomorphological findings of hares shot during three hunting seasons was investigated. Pathomorphological changes were found in 95.12% of hares. In hares up to 1 year of age, the changes were predominant in the lungs, and in older hares, in the kidneys. Degenerative changes in kidneys and liver and inflammatory changes in kidneys and lungs were considered important most in discussing the influence of chemical pollution. The proximity of TPP influenced the type of changes in the liver. A significant joint effect of age and elevation on the type of changes in the lungs of adult hares and on the heart of young hares was found. Elevation and distance from TPP had a joint effect on the occurrence of changes in the lungs, intestines, and heart in hares from the field farther from TPP. The results indicate that the hares were highly exposed to chemical pollutants that may affect their immunity, and lifespan.

Today’s market with more frequent but smaller deliveries complicates the realization of logistics processes and activities. Customers expect products within 24 h or 48 h. This poses a logistics challenge for companies in fulfilling the expected time window. In these situations, companies can either perform self-distribution or they can outsource it. When outsourcing, companies must define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency of the distribution process. One such KPI is On-Time In-Full (OTIF). OTIF fulfillment is increasingly becoming a fundamental requirement not only in distribution but also throughout the entire supply chain. Two essential prerequisites for successful outsourcing collaboration are ensuring that orders are delivered on time and in full. A review of the existing literature revealed that no studies simultaneously address this complex issue. This was exactly the main motive for developing a model that simultaneously takes into account the utilization of logistics resources on one hand, and OTIF on the other when calculating the efficiency. The model developed in this paper was tested on the data of a company operating in the Serbian market. The results showed that seven of the company’s warehouses are inefficient. A two-stage matrix analysis with the three most important indicators (operational efficiency, on-time delivery, and in-full delivery) was performed based on the obtained results. Other than the obvious scientific contributions, the proposed model can help companies increase their resource utilization efficiency as well as OTIF fulfillment.

Giulia Benevolo,1 Monia Marchetti,2 Remo Melchio,3 Eloise Beggiato,1 Chiara Sartori,4 Carlo Alberto Biolé,5 Davide Rapezzi,6 Benedetto Bruno,1,7 Alberto Milan8 1University Hematology Division, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy; 2Hematology and Transplant Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy; 3Division of Internal Medicine, A.O. S. Croce E Carle, Cuneo, Italy; 4Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy; 5SCDO Cardiology, AOU San Luigi Gonzaga Orbassano, Turin, Italy; 6Hematology Division A.O. S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy; 7Department of Molecular Biotechnolgies and Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; 8Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, ItalyCorrespondence: Giulia Benevolo, University Hematology Division, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, via Genova 3, Turin, 10126, Italy, Tel +39 011 633 4301, Fax +39 011 633 4187, Email gbenevolo@cittadellasalute.to.itAbstract: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by aberrant myeloid lineage hematopoiesis with excessive red blood cell and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Patients with PV present with a range of thrombotic and hemorrhagic symptoms that affect quality of life and reduce overall survival expectancy. Thrombotic events, transformation into acute myeloid leukemia, and myelofibrosis are largely responsible for the observed mortality. Treatment of PV is thus primarily focused on symptom control and survival extension through the prevention of thrombosis and leukemic transformation. Patients with PV frequently experience thrombotic events and have elevated cardiovascular risk, including hypertension, dyslipidemias, obesity, and smoking, all of which negatively affect survival. To reduce the risk of thrombotic complications, PV therapy should aim to normalize hemoglobin, hematocrit, and leukocytosis and, in addition, identify and modify cardiovascular risk factors. Herein, we review what is currently known about the associated cardiovascular risk and propose strategies for diagnosing and managing patients with PV.Plain Language Summary: Patients with the myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) polycythemia vera (PV) are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, including stroke, heart attacks, and peripheral arterial disease. High blood pressure, smoking, and dyslipidemia are common in MPN and contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk. Effectively controlling cardiovascular risk factors in PV, along with appropriate hematological therapy such as direct-acting oral anticoagulants alone or in combination with aspirin, may improve the outcomes of patients with PV, but further research is needed.Keywords: cardiovascular risk, myeloproliferative neoplasms, polycythemia vera, thrombosis

This paper presents computer and color vision research focusing on human color perception in VR environments. A VR art gallery with digital twins of original artworks is created for this experiment. In this research, the field of colorimetry and the application of the L*a*b* and RGB color models are applied. The inter-relationships of the two color models are applied to create a color modification of the VR art gallery environment using C# Script procedures. This color-edited VR environment works with a smooth change in color tone in a given time interval. At the same time, a sudden change in the color of the RGB environment is defined in this interval. This experiment aims to record a user’s reaction embedded in a VR environment and the effect of color changes on human perception in a VR environment. This research uses lie detector sensors that record the physiological changes of the user embedded in VR. Five sensors are used to record the signal. An experiment on the influence of the user’s color perception in a VR environment using lie detector sensors has never been conducted. This research defines the basic methodology for analyzing and evaluating the recorded signals from the lie detector. The presented text thus provides a basis for further research in the field of colors and human color vision in a VR environment and lays an objective basis for use in many scientific and commercial areas.

The expected benefit of composite adsorbents generally consists in their growing applicability, thanks to the combination of the adsorption properties of individual components. Composite adsorbents were prepared as mixtures of kaolin from a Czech deposit (kaolin Sedlec, SK) and two fly ashes (FAs) from a fluidised bed boiler in Czech operations differing in fuel type. The mixtures of SK with FA in a ratio of 50:50% wt. were prepared at 20 °C, 65 °C, and 110 °C in an autoclave. The source materials and composite adsorbents were tested for the adsorption of lead as Pb2+, and arsenic as AsO43− from model solutions in laboratory conditions. The adsorption of Pb2+ proceeded quantitatively on the source materials except SK, and on both the composites, with an adsorption yield of >97% and a low adsorbent consumption (~2 g.L−1). The AsO43− adsorption proceeded selectively only on both FAs, with an adsorption yield of >97% again. The adsorption of AsO43− on the composite adsorbents achieved a worse yield (˂80%), with about ten times more adsorbent consumption (~20 g.L−1). An increased preparation temperature did not affect the Pb2+ adsorption at all, but it reduced the efficiency of AsO43− adsorption by up to 30%. The SK–FA composites proved to have promising properties, mostly as cation-active adsorbents.

BackgroundScientific progress in the field of knee and hip arthroplasty has enabled the preservation of mobility and quality of life in the case of patients with many primary degenerative and (post-) traumatic joint diseases. This comparative study aims to investigate differences in scientific performance between the leading continents in the field of hip and knee arthroplasty.MethodsUsing specific search terms all studies published by the scientific leading continents Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania listed in the Web of Science databases were included. All identified publications were analysed and comparative conclusions were drawn regarding the qualitative and quantitative scientific merit of each continent.ResultsEurope, followed by North America, Asia, and Oceania, had the highest overall number of publications in the field of arthroplasty. Since 2000, there has been a strong increase in knee arthroplasty publication rate, particular pronounced in Asia. Studies performed and published in North America and those on knee arthroplasty received the highest number of fundings. Publications regarding hip arthroplasty achieved the highest average citation rate. In contradistinction to the others, in North America most funding was provided by private agencies.ConclusionAlthough Europe showed the highest total number of publications, authors and institutions, arthroplasty research from North America received greater scientific attention and financial support. Measured by citations, publications on hip arthroplasty attained higher scientific interest and studies on knee arthroplasty received higher economic affection.

Business logistics encompasses the intricate planning, seamless implementation, and precise control of the efficient and effective movement and storage of goods, services, and associated information from their origin to their final consumption point. The strategic placement of facilities is intricately intertwined with business logistics, exerting a direct influence on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of supply chain operations. In the realm of business logistics, decisions regarding the location of facilities, including warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants, assume a pivotal role in shaping the overarching logistics strategy. Warehouses, serving as pivotal nodes in the supply chain network, establish crucial links at both local and global markets. They serve as the nexus connecting suppliers and customers across the entire supply chain, thus constituting indispensable elements that significantly impact the overall performance of the supply chain. The optimal location of warehouses is paramount for efficient supply chains, ensuring minimized costs and bigger profits. The decision on warehouse location exerts a profound influence on investment costs, operational expenses, and the distribution strategy of a company, thereby playing a substantial role in elevating customer service levels. Hence, the primary objective of this paper is to propose a novel methodology grounded in the application of the Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA)-Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) methods for determining warehouse locations tailored to a logistics service provider (LSP) operating in the Serbian market. Through the definition of seven evaluation criteria based on a comprehensive literature review and expert insights, this study aims to assess five potential locations. The findings suggest that the proposed model offers great decision support for effectively addressing challenges akin to the one presented in this study.

Pollen grains, with their resilient sporopollenin exine and defined morphologies, have been explored as bio-templates for the synthesis of calcium phosphate minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Various pollen morphologies from different plant species (black alder, dandelion, lamb’s quarters, ragweed, and stargazer lily) were evaluated. Pollen grains underwent acid washing to remove allergenic material and facilitate subsequent calcification. Ragweed and lamb’s quarter pollen grains were chosen as templates for calcium phosphate salts deposition due to their distinct morphologies. The calcification process yielded well-defined spherical hollow particles. The washing step, intended to reduce the protein content, did not significantly affect the final product; thus, justifying the removal of this low-yield step from the synthesis process. Characterisation techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis, confirmed the successful calcification of pollen-derived materials, revealing that calcified grains were principally composed of calcium deficient HAp. After calcination, biphasic calcium phosphate composed of HAp and TPC was obtained. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using pollen grains as green and sustainable bio-templates for synthesizing biomaterials with controlled morphology, showcasing their potential in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bone regeneration.

Abstract Supporting self-management is key in improving disease control, with technology increasingly utilised. We hypothesised the addition of telehealth support following assessment in an integrated respiratory clinic could reduce unscheduled healthcare visits in patients with asthma and COPD. Following treatment optimisation, exacerbation-prone participants or those with difficulty in self-management were offered telehealth support. This comprised automated twice-weekly telephone calls, with a specialist nurse triaging alerts. We performed a matched cohort study assessing additional benefits of the telehealth service, matching by: confirmed diagnosis, age, sex, FEV1 percent predicted, smoking status and ≥1 exacerbation in the last year. Thirty-four telehealth participants were matched to twenty-nine control participants. The telehealth cohort generated 165 alerts, with 29 participants raising at least one alert; 88 (53.5%) alerts received a call discussing self-management, of which 35 (21%) received definitive advice that may otherwise have required an unscheduled healthcare visit. There was a greater reduction in median exacerbation rate across both telehealth groups at 6 months post-intervention (1 to 0, p

IntroductionArthroplasty is the final treatment option for maintaining mobility and quality of life in many primary degenerative and (post-) traumatic joint diseases. Identification of research output and potential deficits for specific subspecialties may be an important measure to achieve long-term improvement of patient care in this field.MethodsUsing specific search terms and Boolean operators, all studies published since 1945 to the subgroups of arthroplasty listed in the Web of Science Core Collection were included. All identified publications were analysed according to bibliometric standards, and comparative conclusions were drawn regarding the scientific merit of each subgroup.ResultsMost publications investigated the subgroups of septic surgery and materials followed by approach, navigation, aseptic loosening, robotic and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). In the last 5 years, research in the fields of robotic and ERAS achieved the highest relative increase in publications In contrast, research on aseptic loosening has continued to lose interest over the last 5 years. Publications on robotics and materials received the most funding on average while those on aseptic loosening received the least. Most publications originated from USA, Germany, and England, except for research on ERAS in which Denmark stood out. Relatively, publications on aseptic loosening received the most citations, whereas the absolute scientific interest was highest for the topic infection.DiscussionIn this bibliometric subgroup analysis, the primary scientific outputs focused on septic complications and materials research in the field of arthroplasty. With decreasing publication output and the least financial support, intensification of research on aseptic loosening is urgently recommended.

IntroductionThere is an increasing evidence supporting the hypothesis that traumatic experiences during early developmental periods might be associated with psychopathology later in life. Maternal deprivation (MD) in rodents has been proposed as an animal model for certain aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders.MethodsTo determine whether early-life stress leads to changes in GABAergic, inhibitory interneurons in the limbic system structures, specifically the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, 9-day-old Wistar rats were exposed to a 24 h MD. On postnatal day 60 (P60), the rats were sacrificed for morphometric analysis and their brains were compared to the control group.ResultsResults show that MD affect GABAergic interneurons, leading to the decrease in density and size of the calcium-binding proteins parvalbumin-, calbindin-, and calretinin-expressing interneurons in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.DiscussionThis study indicates that early stress in life leads to changes in the number and morphology of the GABAergic, inhibitory interneurons in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, most probably due to the loss of neurons during postnatal development and it further contributes to understanding the effects of maternal deprivation on brain development.

Thedistribution of products stands out as one of the pivotal activities for logistics companies in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical events. Intense competition compels companies to efficiently execute their logistical processes, with cross-docking emerging as a frequently applied solution. However, the location of cross-dock terminals in urban areas remains a problem insufficiently addressed in the literature, with a dearth of studies and models tackling this issue. This paper introduces a novel and innovative model for locating cross-dock terminals based on the CI-DEA–IDOCRIW–MABAC (Composite Indicators–Data Envelopment Analysis-Integrated Determination of Objective Criteria Weights–Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison) methods. In the process of defining input indicators, the following three sources were utilized: relevant literature, practical insights from logistics experts, and the knowledge and experience of the authors. Eight inputs and three outputs were considered (the number of users in the observed channel; the area served by the channel; the average distance a vehicle travels in one delivery; the required number of vehicles; labor availability; competition; construction, and expansion possibilities; proximity to the main infrastructure and traffic facilities; the average number of deliveries; average delivered quantity; and service level). The model underwent testing in a case study analyzing nine distribution channels (areas within the observed urban zone). The results indicated that alternative A4 (in the southwest area) ranked the highest since it was the best-ranked in accordance with the most important criteria, suggesting that the terminal is best located in the southwest zone. The accuracy of the results was confirmed by company management. By developing a completely new model and addressing the identified gap in the literature, this paper provides unequivocal scientific contributions.

The main object of this research was to develop a security system to evaluate the intrusion into an object through a glass pane. More specifically, this study deals with sensing and evaluating signals from a contact glass-break detector, which is part of an intruder alarm system. Each alarm detector in an alarm system must accomplish certain security level requirements that strictly describe the requirements for the area of use and the detector’s reliability. To date, no contact glass-break detector has been developed and fully tested to meet the stringent requirements of the highest security level. A contact glass-break detector was developed whose main part is an accelerometer that transmits signals from the glass pane. These signals were evaluated according to the developed methodology. It was verified that the proposed system can distinguish at the highest security level between false alarms and situations where the building has been intruded.

BackgroundThe COMET-CTO trial was a randomized prospective study that assessed long-term follow-up in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) in coronary arteries treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or with optimal medical therapy (OMT). During the 9-month follow-up, the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) did not differ between the two groups; no death or myocardial infarction (MI) was observed. There was a significant difference in quality of life (QoL), assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), in favor of the PCI group. Here we report long-term follow-up results (56 ± 12 months).MethodsBetween October 2015 and May 2017, a total of 100 patients with CTO were randomized into two groups of 50 patients: PCI CTO or OMT group. The primary endpoint of the current study was the incidence of MACE defined as cardiac death, MI, and revascularization [PCI or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. As the secondary exploratory outcome, we analyzed all the cause-mortality rate.ResultsOut of 100 randomized patients, 92 were available for long-term follow-up (44 in the PCI group and 48 in the OMT group). The incidence of MACE did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.363). Individual components of MACE were distributed, respectively: cardiac death (OMT vs. PCI group, 6 vs. 3, p = 0.489), MI (OMT vs. PCI group, 1 vs. 0, p = 1), and revascularization (PCI: OMT vs. PCI group, 2 vs. 2, p = 1; CABG: OMT vs. PCI group, 1 vs. 1, p = 1). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the individual component of MACE. Six patients died from non-cardiac causes [five deaths were reported in the OMT group and one death in the PCI group (p = 0.206)]. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for MACE did not differ significantly between the study groups (log-rank 0.804, p = 0.370). Regarding the secondary exploratory outcome, a total of 15 patients died at 56 ± 12 months (11 in the OMT and 4 in the PCI group) (p = 0.093). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves for all-cause mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (log rank 3.404, p = 0.065). There were no statistically significant differences between OMT and PCI groups in all five SAQ domains. There was a significant improvement in three SAQ domains in the PCI group: PL (p < 0.001), AF (p = 0.007), and QoL (p = 0.001).ConclusionAfter 56 ± 12 months of follow-up, the incidence of MACE, as well as QoL measured by SAQ, did not differ significantly between the PCI and OMT groups.

Abstract Background Existing assistive technologies attempt to mimic biological functions through advanced mechatronic designs. In some occasions, the information processing demands for such systems require substantial information bandwidth and convoluted control strategies, which make it difficult for the end-user to operate. Instead, a practical and intuitive semi-automated system focused on accomplishing daily tasks may be more suitable for end-user adoption. Methods We developed an intelligent prosthesis for the Cybathlon Global Edition 2020. The device was designed in collaboration with the prosthesis user (pilot), addressing her needs for the competition and aiming for functionality. Our design consists of a soft robotic-based two finger gripper controlled by a force-sensing resistor (FSR) headband interface, automatic arm angle dependent wrist flexion and extension, and manual forearm supination and pronation for a shared control system. The gripper is incorporated with FSR sensors to relay haptic information to the pilot based on the output of a neural network model that estimates geometries and objects material. Results As a student team of the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence, we achieved 12th place overall in the Cybathlon competition in which we competed against state-of-the-art prosthetic devices. Our pilot successfully accomplished two challenging tasks in the competition. During training sessions, the pilot was able to accomplish the remaining competition tasks except for one. Based on observation and feedback from training sessions, we adapted our developments to fit the user’s preferences. Usability ratings indicated that the pilot perceived the prosthesis to not be fully ergonomic due to the size and weight of the system, but argued that the prosthesis was intuitive to control to perform the tasks from the Cybathlon competition. Conclusions The system provides an intuitive interface to conduct common daily tasks from the arm discipline of the Cybathlon competition. Based on the feedback from our pilot, future improvements include the prosthesis’ reduction in size and weight in order to enhance its mobility. Close collaboration with our pilot has allowed us to continue with the prosthesis development. Ultimately, we developed a simple-to-use solution, exemplifying a new paradigm for prosthesis design, to help assist arm amputees with daily activities.

Abstract Background The summer semester 2020, had to be restructured due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the associated contact restrictions. Here, for the first time, the established lectures in lecture halls and small group seminars could not be conducted in presence as usual. A possible tool for the implementation of medical teaching, offers the use of eLearning, online webinars and learning platforms. At present it is unclear how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will affect surgical teaching, how digitization will be accepted by students, and how virtual teaching can be expanded in the future. Methods The teaching, which was previously delivered purely through face-to-face lectures, was completely converted to digital media. For this purpose, all lectures were recorded and were available to students on demand. The seminars were held as a twice a week occurring online webinar. The block internship was also conducted as a daily online webinar and concluded with an online exam at the end. At the end of the semester, a survey of the students was carried out, which was answered by n = 192 students with an anonymized questionnaire. The questionnaire inquires about the previous and current experience with eLearning, as well as the possibility of a further development towards a purely digital university. Results There were n = 192 students in the study population. For 88%, the conversion of classes to web-based lectures represented their first eLearning experience. For 77% of all students, the digitization of teaching led to a change in the way they prepare for class. 73% of the participating students are of the opinion that eLearning lectures should continue to be offered. 54% of the students felt that eLearning lectures made more sense than face-to-face lectures. A purely virtual university could be imagined by 41% of the students. Conclusion The conversion of teaching represented the first contact with eLearning for most students. Overall, the eLearning offering was experienced as positive. Due to the new teaching structure, the way of learning had already changed during the semester. Based on the new eLearning content, the already existing formats can be further expanded in the future. Nevertheless, it turned out that the practical-surgical contents and skills cannot be adequately represented by purely online offers; for this, the development of hybrid practice-oriented teaching concepts is necessary.

Abstract Background Prey depletion is a threat to the world’s large carnivores, and is likely to affect subordinate competitors within the large carnivore guild disproportionately. African lions limit African wild dog populations through interference competition and intraguild predation. When lion density is reduced as a result of prey depletion, wild dogs are not competitively released, and their population density remains low. Research examining distributions has demonstrated spatial avoidance of lions by wild dogs, but the effects of lions on patterns of movement have not been tested. Movement is one of the most energetically costly activities for many species and is particularly costly for cursorial hunters like wild dogs. Therefore, testing how top-down, bottom-up, and anthropogenic variables affect movement patterns can provide insight into mechanisms that limit wild dogs (and other subordinate competitors) in resource-depleted ecosystems. Methods We measured movement rates using the motion variance from dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models (dBBMMs) fit to data from GPS-collared wild dogs, then used a generalized linear model to test for effects on movement of predation risk from lions, predictors of prey density, and anthropogenic and seasonal variables. Results Wild dogs proactively reduced movement in areas with high lion density, but reactively increased movement when lions were immediately nearby. Predictors of prey density had consistently weaker effects on movement than lions did, but movements were reduced in the wet season and when dependent offspring were present. Conclusion Wild dogs alter their patterns of movement in response to lions in ways that are likely to have important energetic consequences. Our results support the recent suggestion that competitive limitation of wild dogs by lions remains strong in ecosystems where lion and wild dog densities are both low as a result of anthropogenic prey depletion. Our results reinforce an emerging pattern that movements often show contrasting responses to long-term and short-term variation in predation risk.

Summary: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease for which few treatment options are available. While most HS is sporadic, some rare kindred show a high-penetrance, autosomal-dominant inheritance. We wanted to identify rare variants that could contribute to HS risk in sporadic cases using candidate gene sequencing. We ultimately identified 21 genes for our capture panel. We included genes of the γ-secretase complex (n = 6) because rare variants in these genes sometimes cause familial HS. We added Notch receptor and ligand genes (n = 13) because γ-secretase is critical for processing Notch receptor signaling. Clinically, some people with PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne) syndrome, a rare inflammatory disease, have concurrent HS. Rare variants in PSTPIP1 are known to cause PAPA syndrome, so we included PSTPIP1 and PSTPIP2 in the capture panel. We screened 117 individuals with HS for rare variations and calculated the expected burden using Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) allele frequencies. We discovered two pathogenic loss-of-function variants in NCSTN. This class of NCSTN variant can cause familial HS. There was no increased burden of rare variations in any γ-secretase complex gene. We did find that individuals with HS had a significantly increased number of rare missense variants in the SH3 domain of PSTPIP1. This finding, therefore, implicates PSTPIP1 variation in sporadic HS and further supports dysregulated immunity in HS. Our data also suggests that population-scale HS genetic research will yield valuable insights into disease pathology.

The active electrocaloric (EC) regenerator exploiting electric conversion into thermal energy has recently become important for developing a new generation of heat-management devices. We analyze an active EC regenerator numerically. We establish a temperature span across the regenerator ΔT by commuting a liquid crystalline (LC) unit between regions with and without an external electric field E. In modelling, we use Landau-de Gennes mesoscopic approach, focusing on the temperature regime where isotropic (paranematic) and nematic phase order compete. We determined conditions enabling a large enough value of ΔT suitable for potential applications. In particular, (i) the vicinity of the paranematic-nematic (P–N) phase transition, (ii) large enough latent heat of the transition, (iii) strong enough applied external field (exceeding the critical field Ec at which the P–N transition becomes gradual), and (iv) relatively short contact times between LC unit and heat sink and heat source reservoirs are advantageous. Our analysis reveals that ΔT≫1K could be achieved using appropriate LC material.

There has been a recent years tendency for replacing traditional supply chain data identifying and collecting systems with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies. There are different RFID solutions on the market and it is crucial to choose the solution that best suits the set of goals and desired scenarios. The choice of solution depends on a whole range of different factors and criteria. The present paper develops multi-criteria evaluation models based on the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process) approach. There are no papers in the literature that solve the mentioned problem in this way, on a real example. Three RFID solutions are defined referring to different data identification levels in supply chains, namely: product level, level of packaging and the level of the pallet. Solutions are evaluated, and rated in relation to four criteria: investments, costs, participants' visibility and participants' privacy protection in supply chains. Developed models are tested and applied via a case study conducted in the Serbian market. The model is an excellent basis for decision-making in practice and for researchers in the literature, while with certain modifications, it can be used for other similar problems.

This study aimed to reveal the factors that define the change or continuity of lifestyle of older adults after retirement. Grounded theory was the basis for examining the attitudes and experiences of 9 semi-structured interviews. Analysing the interviews, "life satisfaction" was set as a major category followed by four sub-categories: "social relations", "activity changes and slows down", the meaning of life", and "healthy lifestyle". The participants in the study have life satisfaction as the main goal. They associate it with quality social relations with family and significant others and replacing or adding new activities to their lifestyle. Slowing down the pace of their actions enables enough time to think about the meaning of life and can lead to a healthy and successful life. However, changes following retirement can negatively influence participants' life satisfaction or even push them to a negative view of life in old age. Therefore, the study suggests that older adults should plan for changes in their lifestyle after retirement to preserve life satisfaction and lead a healthy and satisfying life in old age.