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How local pig breed and processing methods affect consumer preferences for dry-cured ham
Full text linkInduced cycles vertex number and -domination in cubic graphs
Full text linkA -dominating set in a graph ▫▫ is a set such that every vertex outside has at least one neighbor in , and each vertex in has at least two neighbors in . The -domination number, , is the minimum size of such a set, while is the cardinality of the largest vertex set in that induces one or more cycles. In this paper, we initiate the study of a relationship between these two concepts and discuss how establishing such a connection can contribute to solving a conjecture on the lower bound of for cubic graphs. We also establish an upper bound on for cubic graphs and characterize graphs that achieve this bound
Cost-benefit analysis in fire safety engineering
No full textCost-effectiveness is a key consideration within fire safety engineering. Currently, different approaches are being applied in literature. These approaches differ in how cost-effectiveness is evaluated, which costs are considered, and how the preferred design solution is defined. Recognizing this issue, the Fire Protection Research Foundation enrolled an international team of researchers, supported by a broad stakeholder panel, to develop a reference methodology. In this paper, this reference methodology for cost-benefit analysis in fire safety engineering is presented following an extensive literature review. The methodology clarifies the minimum requirements for assessing cost-effectiveness, and highlights that only a present net value evaluation can be used to compare design alternatives. Commonly used cost-benefit ratios should only be used when deciding on the effectiveness of a single package of fire safety measures. An illustrative case study demonstrates the application of the meth- odology and shows how designs based on cost-benefit ratios can be sub-optimal when evaluating multiple possible fire safety measures
Model uncertainty in a parametric fire curve approach
No full textA commonly used approach to represent the thermal load in a compartment fire is the Eurocode Parametric Fire Curve (EPFC), which specifies gas temperatures (or rather adiabatic surface temperatures). Recognizing the significant deviations between real fires and the EPFC framework, the concept of model uncertainty is explored. This study does not aim to assess or improve the EPFC, but introduces a model uncertainty, allowing for reliability-based structural fire engineering (SFE). It presents a stochastic correction factor for the fire load density, based on the maximum temperature in steel sections. The focus is on the fire load density, but in general other parameters can be jointly taken into account as well. This correction factor considers protected and un- protected sections, incorporating variations in section factor and protection thickness. The findings reveal that the fire load density within the EPFC framework can be modified to better represent the severity of fire ex- periments. This approach ensures physical consistency of the obtained compartment gas temperatures, as opposed to alternative approaches for addressing the EPFC model uncertainty. While promising results are evident in this proof of concept, exploration for other types of structural elements and evaluation for structural systems is necessary before integration into design practices
Strongly vs. weakly associating anions: transport–structure relationship in LiTFSI–LiNO₃ electrolytes
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From diagnosis to treatment
Full text linkIntroduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) represent an increasinglysignificant, unique and complex subgroup of neuroendocrine diseases. Theirheterogeneity is reflected in wide variations in biological behaviour, metastatic potential,functionality and aetiology. This review synthesizes the current understanding of pNENs,from diagnosis to treatment.Discussion: Recent advances in understanding of these neoplasms have led tosignificant changes in their classification, now distinguishing three grades ofwell-differentiated tumours from poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas.These neoplasms are rare and can occur sporadically or within the context of hereditarysyndromes, however, due to advances in diagnostic modalities and ageing populationtheir incidence worldwide is on the rise. They can present as functional neoplasms,secreting biologically active hormones and inducing hormonal syndromes, or asnon-functional neoplasms. Surgery remains the primary curative-intent approach forlocalized and locally advanced tumours, while systemic treatment is often the onlyoption for patients with advanced disease. Multifaceted nature of pNENs demands amultidisciplinary approach that incorporates personalized diagnostic and therapeuticstrategies. While clinical guidelines provide an essential framework, they must remainadaptable to accommodate individual patient circumstances and evolving evidence.Conclusions: This review addresses existing gaps, unresolved controversies and areas ofinconsistency in diagnostic workup and management of pNENs. It underscores theneed for continued investigation to refine our understanding and improve patientoutcome
Syndromic molecular testing in mechanically ventilated patients with severe pneumonia
Full text linkRapid identification of pathogens is critical in severe pneumonia patients for timely therapy in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. Conventional diagnostics are time-consuming. The Allplex Respiratory Panels 1-4 detect 16 viruses and seven bacteria and provide faster resultshowever, because this molecular assay does not yield viable organisms, antimicrobial susceptibility testing cannot be performed. We compared conventional diagnostics with commercial panels to evaluate diagnostic performance and clinical utility. In this prospective study, a total of 30 bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and 80 tracheal aspirates were obtained from 110 unique ICU patients with severe pneumonia (January 2014 and April 2016). Conventional diagnostics were performed during illness, whereas testing of these specimens by commercial panels was performed retrospectively. Pathogen detection rates and co-detections were analyzed by pneumonia type (community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and ventilator-associated). Conventional diagnostics detected pathogens in 87 of 110 patients (79.1%) versus 70 of 110 (63.6%) detected by the commercial approach (P = 0.016). Detection of viruses was most frequent, predominantly influenza A and human rhinovirusescommon bacterial detections included Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Co-detections occurred in 12.7% patients by the commercial approach and in 21.8% by the conventional approach, including virus-bacterium co-detections in 10.9% and 14.5% of cases, respectively. The commercial approach missed eight bacterial and four fungal detections identified by conventional methods. Conventional diagnostics showed higher yield in hospital-acquired pneumonia (82.5% vs 50.0%P = 0.004), whereas both approaches were comparable in community-acquired cases (75% vs 73.4%). Conventional diagnostics (including culture-based methods) provide broader detection and offer the ability for phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing to be performed, whereas commercial panels offer speedtogether, they may optimize pathogen detection and therapy in critically ill patients.IMPORTANCESevere pneumonia in critically ill patients remains a major clinical challenge due to its diverse etiology, rapid progression, and the need for timely, targeted therapy. This study demonstrates that conventional diagnostic approaches-combining culture and molecular tests-identify the etiology more effectively than a commercial multiplex PCR-based syndromic panel in ICU patients. While the molecular approach offers faster results, it lacks the breadth of bacterial and fungal targets and does not provide the opportunity for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Importantly, viral pathogens-particularly influenza A and rhinoviruses-were frequently detected, underscoring their role in severe pneumonia and the relevance of viral-bacterial co-infections. This work highlights that syndromic molecular diagnostics may be valuable for rapid screening or in community-acquired pneumonia but are insufficient for hospital- or ventilator-associated pneumonia. Our findings support a complementary diagnostic strategy to optimize pneumonia management in ICU settings, improve antimicrobial stewardship, and ultimately impact clinical outcomes for patients with life-threatening respiratory infections