bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stationäre chirurgische Versorgung in Großschadenslagen und Katastrophen – aktuelle Behandlungskapazitäten in Abhängigkeit von Alarmierungsstatus des Krankenhauses und Versorgungskonzept
Authors: Franke Axel , Lehmann Wolfgang , Wurmb Thomas
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Funktionalität und Behandlungskapazität von Krankenhäusern sind entscheidende Komponenten, um die stationäre Behandlung von Patienten in Krisen und Katstrophen sicherzustellen. Die SARS-CoV-2(„severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“)-Pandemie und der Krieg in der Ukraine zeigen dies. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung ist die Erhebung der Behandlungskapazitäten der Krankenhäuser der Traumnetzwerke der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU) unter der Annahme des Vorliegens einer Schadenslage mit einer Vielzahl zu versorgender Traumapatienten.

Material und Methode

Zur Erhebung der aktuellen Behandlungskapazitäten in Abhängigkeit von den Prinzipien und Standards der Versorgung wurden die 622 Krankenhäuser der Traumanetzwerke befragt. Hierzu wurde über die Akademie der Unfallchirurgie (AUC) der DGU und eine elektronische Plattform (SurveyMonkey) ein Fragebogen zur freiwilligen Teilnahme an der Umfrage online gestellt. Die hier dargestellten Daten stellen einen auf die Fragestellung dieser Arbeit fokussierten Auszug der Gesamtdaten dar.

Ergebnisse

An der Umfrage beteiligten sich 252 der 622 im Dezember 2022 zertifizierten Kliniken (40 %). 250 Datensätze waren verwertbar. Zu gleichen Teilen nahmen lokale, regionale und überregionale Traumazentren teil. Durch eine auf das Überleben fokussierte chirurgische Versorgung („tactical abbreviated surgical care“, TASC) könnten in Bezug auf die abgefragten Szenarien die Versorgungskapazitäten in den einzelnen Sichtungskategorien gesteigert werden. Deutlich wurde aber auch, dass die Verfügbarkeit fertigkeitskompetenter Teams zur chirurgischen Versorgung von Körperhöhlenverletzungen nach wie vor eine Herausforderung darstellt.

Schlussfolgerung

Durch die Umfrageergebnisse wird dargestellt, in welchem Umfang aktuell in den Krankenhäusern der DGU-Traumanetzwerke Behandlungskapazitäten für die Versorgung von Verletzten und Verwundeten vorliegen und in welchem Maße diese gesteigert werden können. Hierbei kann ein Massenanfall von Verletzten initial lokal und vorübergehend aufgrund der Dynamik zu einer dekompensierten Krisenversorgung führen. Ziel aller Bemühungen und Vorbereitungen muss es daher sein, die Krankenhäuser dauerhaft zu ertüchtigen, dass dies möglichst zuverlässig vermieden werden kann, und diese Überlegungen in die Krankenhausstrukturreform mit einzubeziehen.
Image-based feature extraction for inline quality assurance and wear classification in high-speed blanking processes
Authors: Kubik Christian , Molitor Dirk Alexander , Varchmin Sven , Leininger Dominik Sebastian , Ohrenberg Joost , Groche Peter
Published: November 2023

Wear is one of the key factors that determine the efficiency of multi-stage processes that include blanking operations. Since wear in these processes not only causes unplanned downtime but also directly affects product quality, inline detection of wear and its effect on product quality is of major importance. However, current quality assurance (QA) methods are limited to manual offline inspection by operators at predefined intervals, so that 100% inspection of the product and description of the state of wear is not found in industrial practice. The aim of this work is therefore to develop an optical system that enables in-line acquisition of product images and the associated control of blanking-specific quality features up to stroke rates of 300 strokes per minute (spm). In order to make the system attractive to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), the system is designed to minimize integration and investment costs using commercially available components. By combining the system with a methodology for extracting blanking-specific features, so-called key performance parameters (KPPs), the condition of the blanked surface as a relevant quality parameter is derived directly from the workpiece image. To demonstrate the transferability of the methodology to industrial applications, two use cases are investigated. In the first case, the KPPs are used directly to determine the quality of the blanked workpiece and are compared with reference measurements. Here, the KPPs are quantified with a mean absolute error of 18 μm compared to a ground truth. In the second case, the KPPs are used to build a machine learning (ML) model to estimate the wear of the blanking tool. Here, an accuracy of 92% is achieved in classifying the actual wear state.
Safety assessment of L-Arg oral intake in healthy subjects: a systematic review of randomized control trials
Authors: Kuramochi Yui , Murata Mai , Sumino Akihide , Sone Hideko , Hayamizu Kohsuke
Published: November 2023

L-Arg is a nonessential amino acid but has many physiological roles. Accordingly, L-Arg has been used in various fields, but there is only limited information available about its safety upon overdose. Generally, the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) is used when setting the upper amount for chemical substances. Recently, systematic reviews have been used to assess the safety as well as the effectiveness and usefulness of them. Therefore, we conducted an assessment of the safety of the oral intake of L-Arg in healthy subjects using gastrointestinal symptoms as an index. We limited the study design to only double-blind randomized controlled trials and searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, and Ichushi-Web from inception until May 2021. Assessment of the quality of studies was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and Jadad score, and the random effects model was used for data analysis. Ultimately, 34 studies were selected for inclusion in this work. The dosage of L-Arg used in the studies ranged from 2000 to 30,000 mg/day (or/one-time dose), and the treatment duration was 1–84 days. The increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with L-Arg intake from 23 studies (647 participants in total) in which such symptoms were reported was 0.01 (95% confidence interval: – 0.02–0.04), which was not significant difference. NOAEL was estimated as 7531 mg/ one-time dose using a weighted change-point regression model (UMIN000046133).

Registration and protocol: Umin.ac.jp as UMIN000046133.
Gradient high-performance thin-layer chromatography for characterizing complex hydrocarbon-containing products
Authors: Jarne Carmen , Cebolla Vicente L. , Membrado Luis , Escuín José M. , Vela Jesús
Published: November 2023

Classic saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) analysis has long enabled the chromatographic separation of complex hydrocarbon-containing products into these four families. This simplification often does not provide sufficient or correct information on the relationship between the composition of the products and the process variables studied. The obtention of profiles by gradient automated multiple development (AMD) is an interesting alternative to obtain extended SARA separations with increasing level of complexity for heavy petroleum products that adequately represent the entirety of the sample. An optimized 20-step gradient based on tetrahydrofuran (THF)‒dichloromethane‒n-heptane over a total migration distance of 83 mm is proposed here to characterize all types of heavy oil products. The combination of ultraviolet (UV)–densitometry (at 201, 228, and 273 nm), fluorescence detection by intensity changes using berberine cation, together with on-plate recording of UV spectra of separated peaks and the comparison with those of standards, allow for a deep characterization of chemical families. In the apolar zone of the chromatogram saturates, naphthenes, naphteno-aromatics, alkyl-aromatics, and aromatics with different degrees of condensation are detected. The use of THF, both in the plate precleaning stage and in the first stages of the gradient, is responsible for the satisfactory resolution of the resins in the polar zone. AMD chromatographic zones can be related to peaks from hydrocarbon groups in classical SARA. The application of this gradient to different types of products allowed for the relation of the profiles of bitumen to their origin, differentiation of the resin part trapped in asphaltenes, control performance of deasphalting in hydrorefining products, and the control of the composition of base oils.
A novel method for the remote measurement of trismus in clinical trials using mobile phone cameras
Authors: Li Xiang , Kristunas Caroline , Landini Gabriel , Kroeger Annika , Dietrich Thomas
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the reliability and validity of a novel method for remotely measuring trismus.

Materials and methods

We recruited 60 volunteers who took three types of photographs at a fixed restricted jaw position mimicking limited mouth opening, including one selfie and one portrait with or without a reference frame. Additionally, the interincisal distance and the width of the upper central incisors were measured with a ruler, as per common practice. Measurements of trismus were made using image analysis software comparing different types of photos and calibration methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) with 95% confidence interval were calculated to evaluate reliability and validity.

Results

The proposed method demonstrated high reliability (ICC 0.998; 95% CI 0.997, 0.999). Calibration of photographs using at least a baseline photograph with an external reference frame yielded unbiased measurements and minimised variability. The use of selfies compared to portrait photos also increased variability.

Conclusion

The measurement of trismus can be performed using images taken remotely by patients using their mobile phone cameras. The proposed method is highly accurate, with best results obtained by using a reference frame for calibration of portrait photographs.

Clinical relevance

We propose an easy, cheap, and accurate method that allows for remote and frequent monitoring of trismus in clinical studies using patients’ mobile phones.
Managing premature idleness in high-variety manufacturing
Authors: Bergenhenegouwen Thimo , Kasper T. A. Arno , Bokhorst Jos A. C. , Land Martin J.
Published: November 2023

This paper shows the effectiveness of labour transfers in addressing premature idleness caused by controlled order release. Controlled order release restricts order entry to the shop floor and is commonly employed in high-variety manufacturing where it results in benefits such as stable work-in-progress. However, it can increase waiting times when orders are blocked from release, while capacities are idling. This issue, known as premature idleness, negatively impacts delivery performance. Previous studies have primarily focused on addressing premature idleness through input control by releasing new orders to idling workstations. This approach overlooks the potential of output control during premature idleness, transferring labour to assist at other workstations in a dual resource constrained setting. Using simulation, this study demonstrates that output control significantly improves delivery performance—in terms of mean tardiness and percentage tardy—and reduces total and shop floor throughput times. Importantly, this result proves robust, even when the efficiency of the assisting worker is severely limited. Shop-level performance improves despite the efficiency loss of the worker. The impact of the where-rule is minimal, while the efficacy of the priority dispatching rule depends on the joint efficiency of collaborating workers. Finally, we show that combining input control and output control enhances performance, providing opportunities for further research on the role of both control approaches in high-variety manufacturing.
What is Post-normal Science? A Personal Encounter
Authors: Saltelli Andrea
Published: November 2023

What is post-normal science? What are the reasons for, and consequences of, encountering it in one’s professional life? Here I share my own experience of readings, practices and discussions with the fathers, supporters and detractors of PNS. After a short description of PNS and of my own experience with it, I review some common criticism levelled to PNS from different authors and conclude reflecting on how PNS—difficult to explain and translate into formulae or checklists—provides its practitioners with useful keys to open relevant doors to understanding, and might be especially suited to face the present intersecting crises befalling the use of science for policy.
Evaluation of the aortic wall structural alteration following cryopreservation in 1 year follow-up period
Authors: Lőrinczy Dénes , Benkő László , Fazekas Gábor
Published: November 2023

Vascular graft infection is still a life-threatening complication of reconstructive surgery. Among other options, application of cryopreserved homografts can eventuate favorable outcome, if graft replacement is necessary. The preparation and storage of these allografts need special infrastructure and deep subzero (− 80 °C) temperature. However, the longer storage time can lead to inferior results after implantation, based upon clinicians’ experiences. The goal of our investigation was to circumscribe the optimal storage time interval with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and histological evaluation, using porcine aorta. All samples were deep-freezed using − 80 °C. Cryopreservated grafts were melted after 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 52 weeks; then, DSC and different types of histology were performed. Light microscopy analysis showed significant changes in the connective tissue fibers’ structure from the 16th week; while, DSC measurements confirmed systematic decrease in the thermal stability from the same week during the follow-up period. Our investigation suggested that cryopreservation can lead to significant and increasing microstructural damage of the fibers following the 12th week; thus, the homograft implantation can result in higher success rate inside this timeframe.
Predicting potential real-time donations in YouTube live streaming services via continuous-time dynamic graphs
Authors: Jin Ruidong , Liu Xin , Murata Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Online live streaming platforms, such as YouTube Live and Twitch, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. These platforms allow viewers to send real-time gifts to streamers, which can bring significant profits and fame. However, there has been little research on the donation system used on live streaming platforms. This paper aims to fill this gap by building a continuous-time dynamic graph to model the interactions among viewers based on real-time chat messages and predict the real-time donations on live streaming platforms. To achieve this, we propose a novel model called the Temporal Difference Graph Neural Network (TDGNN) that incorporates imbalanced learning strategies to identify potential donors during live streaming. Our model can predict the exact time when donations will appear. We conduct extensive experiments on three live streaming video datasets and demonstrate that our proposed model is more effective and robust than other baseline methods from other fields.
MIA3 promotes the degradation of GSH (glutathione) by binding to CHAC1, thereby promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wanbiao Zhou , Jing Man , Shi Zuo , Tengxiang Chen , Xueke Zhao , Haiyang Li
Published: November 2023

MIA3 (melanoma inhibitory active protein 3)/TANGO1 (Golgi transporter component protein) plays an important role in the initiation, development, and metabolism of cancer. We aimed to explore the role and underlying molecular mechanisms of MIA3/TANGO1 in the growth and migration of hepatoma cells. According to the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, MIA3 is expressed at higher levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues than in normal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression in HCC tissues and cells. The in vitro function of MIA3 in HCC cells was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, cell migration and invasion, and flow cytometry assays. Hep-G2 cells with MIA3 overexpression were subjected to RNA-seq, and the downstream target gene CHAC1 (glutathione-specific γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase 1) was selected according to the results of the volcano map of gene enrichment. The relationship between MIA3 and CHAC1 was revealed by coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy. MIA3 expression was upregulated in HCC organizations and HCC samples in the TCGA dataset. Knocking out MIA3 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Hep-G2 cells and promoted the apoptosis of Hep-G2 cells. Overexpression of MIA3 in Huh7 cells promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of Huh7 cells. Overexpression of MIA3 promoted the expression of CHAC1 and the degradation of glutathione (GSH), thereby promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells. Knocking out MIA3 inhibited the expression of CHAC1 and slowed the degradation of glutathione, thereby inhibiting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells. MIA3 further promotes the growth, metastasis, and invasion of hepatoma cells by binding to the CHAC1 protein and promoting GSH degradation.
Second-order Rosenbrock-exponential (ROSEXP) methods for partitioned differential equations
Authors: Dallerit Valentin , Buvoli Tommaso , Tokman Mayya , Gaudreault Stéphane
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new framework for deriving partitioned implicit-exponential integrators for stiff systems of ordinary differential equations and construct several time integrators of this type. The new approach is suited for solving systems of equations where the forcing term is comprised of several additive nonlinear terms. We analyze the stability, convergence, and efficiency of the new integrators and compare their performance with existing schemes for such systems using several numerical examples. We also propose a novel approach to visualizing the linear stability of the partitioned schemes, which provides a more intuitive way to understand and compare the stability properties of various schemes. Our new integrators are A-stable, second-order methods that require only one call to the linear system solver and one exponential-like matrix function evaluation per time step.
Income Inequality, Human Capital and Institutional Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adeleye Bosede Ngozi
Published: November 2023

This paper aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 10 to investigate the role of quality institutions in the human capital-income inequality nexus. It uses an unbalanced panel data on the Gini index (measure of income inequality), human capital index and institutional quality index on 46 sub-Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2019. The Driscoll and Kraay (Rev Econ Stat 80:549–560, 1998) panel spatial correlation consistent (PSCC) and Firpo et al. (Unconditional quantile regressions. National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper, No. 339, pp 1–54, 2007. https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA6822) bootstrap unconditional quantile regression (UQR) techniques are deployed. Among others, findings reveal that: (1) human capital and institutions aggravate inequality; (2) the interaction of human capital and institution reduce inequality; (3) UQR reveals that the interaction effect is negative at lower quantiles of 0.10, 0.25 and 0.50; and (4) results across the sub-regions are mixed. In addition, evidence from the margin plots reveals that the conditional effect of human capital on income inequality is negative as institutions are strengthened. The downward trend of the plot within the 95% confidence interval shows that institutional quality enhances the impact of human capital on income inequality. These are novel contributions to the literature as it suggests that quality institutions matter in the drive towards reducing the menace of income inequality. Policy recommendations include strengthening institutions and making basic education affordable.
Small-Scale Upflows in a Coronal Hole – Tracked from the Photosphere to the Corona
Authors: Schwanitz Conrad , Harra Louise , Barczynski Krzysztof , Mandrini Cristina H. , Orozco Suárez David , Moreno Vacas Alejandro , Raouafi Nour E.
Published: November 2023

Coronal transients are known as sources of coronal upflows. With the commissioning of Solar Orbiter, it became apparent that coronal small-scale features are even more frequent than previously estimated. It was found that even small coronal features seen by Solar Orbiter can produce visible upflows. Therefore, it is important to study the plasma flows on small scales better and understand their atmospheric driving mechanisms.

In this article, we present the results from a two-week coordinated multi-spacecraft observation campaign with Hinode, IRIS, and the GREGOR telescope. We identify a small region of coronal upflows with Doppler velocities of up to 16.5 km s−1. The upflows are located north of a coronal bright point in a coronal hole. We study the corona, the transition region, the chromosphere and the photospheric magnetic field to find evidence of underlying mechanisms for the coronal upflow. We find a complex photospheric magnetic field with several small mixed polarities that are the footpoints of different loops. Flux emergence and cancellation are observed at the constantly changing footpoints of the coronal loops. Reconnection of loops can be identified as the driver of the coronal upflow. Furthermore, the impact of the coronal activity triggers plasma flows in the underlying layers. This work highlights that frequent small coronal features can cause considerable atmospheric response and ubiquitously produce plasma upflows that potentially feed into the solar wind.
Lévy Langevin Monte Carlo
Authors: Oechsler David
Published: November 2023

Analogously to the well-known Langevin Monte Carlo method, in this article we provide a method to sample from a target distribution $$\varvec{\pi }$$

π

by simulating a solution of a stochastic differential equation. Hereby, the stochastic differential equation is driven by a general Lévy process which—unlike the case of Langevin Monte Carlo—allows for non-smooth targets. Our method will be fully explored in the particular setting of target distributions supported on the half-line $$(0,\infty )$$

(
0
,
∞
)

and a compound Poisson driving noise. Several illustrative examples conclude the article.
Tyrosinase enzyme purification and immobilization from Pseudomonas sp. EG22 using cellulose coated magnetic nanoparticles: characterization and application in melanin production
Authors: El-Aziz Salim Mohamed Abd , Faraag Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim , Ibrahim Ayman Meselhi , Albrakati Ashraf , Bakkar Marwa Reda
Published: November 2023

Melanin is a brown-black pigment with significant roles in various biological processes. The tyrosinase enzyme catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to melanin and has promising uses in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. This research aims to purify and immobilize the tyrosinase enzyme from Pseudomonas sp.EG22 using cellulose-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Various techniques were utilized to examine the synthesized nanoparticles, which exhibited a spherical shape with an average diameter of 12 nm and a negative surface potential of − 55.7 mV with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.260. Comparing the immobilized magnetic tyrosinase enzyme with the free enzyme, the study’s findings showed that the immobilized tyrosinase enzyme had optimal activity at a pH of 6 and a temperature of 35 °C, and its activity increased as the concentration of tyrosine increased. The study investigated the antibacterial and anticancer bioactivity of the enzyme’s melanin product and found that it exhibited potential antibacterial activity against a multi-drug resistant strain including S. aureus and E. coli. The produced melanin also demonstrated the potential to decrease cell survival and induce apoptosis in initiation cells.
Experimental and Computational Approaches to Measure Telomere Length: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Ferrer Alejandro , Stephens Zachary D. , Kocher Jean-Pierre A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

The length of telomeres, protective structures at the chromosome ends, is a well-established biomarker for pathological conditions including multisystemic syndromes called telomere biology disorders. Approaches to measure telomere length (TL) differ on whether they estimate average, distribution, or chromosome-specific TL, and each presents their own advantages and limitations.

Recent Findings

The development of long-read sequencing and publication of the telomere-to-telomere human genome reference has allowed for scalable and high-resolution TL estimation in pre-existing sequencing datasets but is still impractical as a dedicated TL test. As sequencing costs continue to fall and strategies for selectively enriching telomere regions prior to sequencing improve, these approaches may become a promising alternative to classic methods.

Measurement methods rely on probe hybridization, qPCR or more recently, computational methods using sequencing data. Refinements of existing techniques and new approaches have been recently developed but a test that is accurate, simple, and scalable is still lacking.
Frameproof codes, separable codes and $$B_2$$ codes: Bounds and constructions
Authors: Fernandez Marcel , Livieratos John , Martín Sebastià
Published: November 2023

In this paper, constructions of frameproof codes, separable codes, and $$B_2$$

B
2

codes are obtained. For each family of codes, the Lovász Local Lemmais used to establish lower bounds for the codes. The obtained bounds match all best known bounds in the literature. Our strategy allows us to present constructions of the aforementioned codes, by using the variable framework for the Lovász Local Lemma.
Artificial Intelligence for Risk Assessment on Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Chen Shang-Fu , Loguercio Salvatore , Chen Kai-Yu , Lee Sang Eun , Park Jun-Bean , Liu Shuchen , Sadaei Hossein Javedani , Torkamani Ali
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common and etiologically complex disease worldwide. Current guidelines for primary prevention, or the prevention of a first acute event, include relatively simple risk assessment and leave substantial room for improvement both for risk ascertainment and selection of prevention strategies. Here, we review how advances in big data and predictive modeling foreshadow a promising future of improved risk assessment and precision medicine for CAD.

Recent Findings

Artificial intelligence (AI) has improved the utility of high dimensional data, providing an opportunity to better understand the interplay between numerous CAD risk factors. Beyond applications of AI in cardiac imaging, the vanguard application of AI in healthcare, recent translational research is also revealing a promising path for AI in multi-modal risk prediction using standard biomarkers, genetic and other omics technologies, a variety of biosensors, and unstructured data from electronic health records (EHRs). However, gaps remain in clinical validation of AI models, most notably in the actionability of complex risk prediction for more precise therapeutic interventions.

The recent availability of nation-scale biobank datasets has provided a tremendous opportunity to richly characterize longitudinal health trajectories using health data collected at home, at laboratories, and through clinic visits. The ever-growing availability of deep genotype-phenotype data is poised to drive a transition from simple risk prediction algorithms to complex, “data-hungry,” AI models in clinical decision-making. While AI models provide the means to incorporate essentially all risk factors into comprehensive risk prediction frameworks, there remains a need to wrap these predictions in interpretable frameworks that map to our understanding of underlying biological mechanisms and associated personalized intervention. This review explores recent advances in the role of machine learning and AI in CAD primary prevention and highlights current strengths as well as limitations mediating potential future applications.
Organic fluorescent probes for live-cell super-resolution imaging
Authors: Duan Xinxin , Zhang Meng , Zhang Yu-Hui
Published: November 2023

The development of super-resolution technology has made it possible to investigate the ultrastructure of intracellular organelles by fluorescence microscopy, which has greatly facilitated the development of life sciences and biomedicine. To realize super-resolution imaging of living cells, both advanced imaging systems and excellent fluorescent probes are required. Traditional fluorescent probes have good availability, but that is not the case for probes for live-cell super-resolution imaging. In this review, we first introduce the principles of various super-resolution technologies and their probe requirements, then summarize the existing designs and delivery strategies of super-resolution probes for live-cell imaging, and finally provide a brief conclusion and overview of the future.

Graphical Abstract
Type of Education Affects Individuals’ Adoption of Intentional Stance Towards Robots: An EEG Study
Authors: Roselli Cecilia , Navare Uma Prashant , Ciardo Francesca , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

Research has shown that, under certain circumstances, people can adopt the Intentional Stance towards robots and thus treat them as intentional agents. Previous evidence showed that there are factors at play in modulating the Intentional Stance, for example individuals’ years of education. In the present study, we aimed at investigating whether, given the same years of education, participants’ type of formal education- in terms of theoretical background- affected their adoption of the Intentional Stance.

To do so, we recruited two samples of participants varying in their type of formal education, namely, a sample of participants comprised individuals with a background in robotics, whereas the other comprised individuals with a background in psychotherapy. To measure their likelihood of adopting the Intentional Stance, we asked them to complete the InStance Test (IST). To do it at the neural level, we recorded their neural activity during a resting state via electroencephalography (EEG).

Results showed that therapists attributed higher IST scores of intentionality to the robot than roboticists, i.e., they were more likely to attribute Intentional Stance to explain robot’s behaviour.

This result was mirrored by participants’ EEG neural activity during resting state, as we found higher power in the gamma frequency range (associated with mentalizing and the adoption of Intentional Stance) for therapists compared to roboticists.

Therefore, we conclude that the type of education that promotes mentalizing skills increases the likelihood of attributing intentionality to robots.
Fast norm computation in smooth-degree Abelian number fields
Authors: Bernstein Daniel J.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a fast method to compute algebraic norms of integral elements of smooth-degree cyclotomic fields, and, more generally, smooth-degree Galois number fields with commutative Galois groups. The typical scenario arising in S-unit searches (for, e.g., class-group computation) is computing a $$\Theta (n\log n)$$

Θ
(
n
log
n
)

-bit norm of an element of weight $$n^{1/2+o(1)}$$

n

1
/
2
+
o
(
1
)

in a degree-n field; this method then uses $$n(\log n)^{3+o(1)}$$

n

(
log
n
)

3
+
o
(
1
)

bit operations.

An $$n(\log n)^{O(1)}$$

n

(
log
n
)

O
(
1
)

operation count was already known in two easier special cases: norms from power-of-2 cyclotomic fields via towers of power-of-2 cyclotomic subfields, and norms from multiquadratic fields via towers of multiquadratic subfields. This paper handles more general Abelian fields by identifying tower-compatible integral bases supporting fast multiplication; in particular, there is a synergy between tower-compatible Gauss-period integral bases and a fast-multiplication idea from Rader.

As a baseline, this paper also analyzes various standard norm-computation techniques that apply to arbitrary number fields, concluding that all of these techniques use at least $$n^2(\log n)^{2+o(1)}$$

n
2

(
log
n
)

2
+
o
(
1
)

bit operations in the same scenario, even with fast subroutines for continued fractions and for complex FFTs. Compared to this baseline, algorithms dedicated to smooth-degree Abelian fields find each norm $$n/(\log n)^{1+o(1)}$$

n
/

(
log
n
)

1
+
o
(
1
)

times faster, and finish norm computations inside S-unit searches $$n^2/(\log n)^{1+o(1)}$$

n
2

/

(
log
n
)

1
+
o
(
1
)

times faster.
Enhancing corrosion resistance in reinforced concrete structures by using innovative eco-friendly composite pigments
Authors: El-Gawad Walaa M. Abd , Mossalam Essam A. , Gharieb Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

This is the first study to look into the use of modified feldspars as anticorrosive pigments in the coatings industry. Herein, novel anticorrosive composite pigments were prepared by the chemical deposition of thin films of different oxides (e.g., zinc oxide and vanadium oxide with doloresite phase) on the surface of feldspar, which comprises 80% of the whole structure. A new vanadium oxide (e.g., doloresite) was chosen due to its IV oxidation state and excellent anticorrosive characteristics. ZnO is also well-known for its high resistance to corrosion. Firstly, the synthesis of the composite pigments was done, and then, they were characterized via XRD, SEM/EDX, XRF, and TGA. The composite pigments were incorporated into solvent-based epoxy coatings to evaluate their anticorrosive performance on reinforced concrete steel. Their corrosion resistances were determined using linear polarization resistivity and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The physico-mechanical properties of the dry coats containing the prepared composite pigments were also evaluated. The results revealed that the polarization resistivity (Rpo) of coatings containing Zn/F ranged from 5900 to 3900 Ohm.cm2 and that of V/F ranged from 7077 to 5500 Ohm.cm2, while the resistivity of uncoated rebar was from 1900 to 1300 Ohm.cm2. These results confirm that these novel pigments (e.g., ZnO/feldspar and doloresite/feldspar) could provide high corrosion resistivity for concrete structures that are immersed in chloride-laden environments. These composite pigments will be eco-friendly with a low impact on humans and the environment as they contain very low concentrations of heavy metals, besides their high efficiency and economic feasibility.
Progress and challenges in energy storage and utilization via ammonia
Authors: Chen Chongqi , Zhou Yanliang , Fang Huihuang , Peng Xiaobo , Jiang Lilong
Published: November 2023

Ammonia is a premium energy carrier with high content of hydrogen. However, energy storage and utilization via ammonia still confront multiple challenges. Here, we review recent progress and discuss challenges for the key steps of energy storage and utilization via ammonia (including hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis and ammonia utilization). In hydrogen production, we focus on important processes and catalytic designs for conversion of carbon feedstocks and water into hydrogen. To reveal crucial challenges of ammonia synthesis, catalytic designs and mechanisms are summarized and analyzed, in thermocatalytic synthesis, electrocatalytic synthesis and photocatalytic synthesis of ammonia. Further, in ammonia utilization, important processes and catalytic designs are outlined for ammonia decomposition, ammonia fuel cells and ammonia combustion. The goal of this review is to stimulate development of low-cost and eco-friendly ways for energy storage and utilization via ammonia.
A simplified method for evaluating the anatomical axis of the upper two-thirds of the vagina on MRI: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: OuYang Yinluan , Li Fan , Wang Rui , Xu Wanwan , Zheng Weizeng , Ying Weijia , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds

Pelvic organ prolapse commonly affects the upper two-thirds of the vagina. However, evaluating this region in its normal position presents challenges. This study aimed to assess the anatomical axis of this vaginal segment using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging measurements.

Methods

A retrospective study of 614 hospitalized women from two hospitals, who were rigorously screened to exclude those with Pelvic Organ Prolapse or known anatomical variations (median age: 43 years, range: 17–76 years). Two reference lines were used: the pubococcygeal line (PCL) and a line from the inferior pubic symphysis to the third sacral vertebra (PS3L). Distances between the distal, middle, and apical points of the upper vagina and the reference lines, as well as the angles between the upper vagina and the reference lines, were measured. Comparisons were made among different age groups.

Results

The median distances from the distal, middle, and apical vaginal points to the PCL were 0.4 ​cm (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.0–0.7 ​cm), 2.1 ​cm (IQR: 1.7–2.5 ​cm) and 3.1 ​cm (IQR: 2.5–3.7 ​cm), respectively. The median PCL-vaginal angle was 29.0° (IQR: 23.0–34.0°). The median distances from the distal, middle, and apical vaginal points to the PS3L were -0.5 ​cm (IQR: -0.9–0.0 ​cm), 0.0 ​cm (IQR: -0.4–0.6 ​cm), and -0.2 ​cm (IQR: -0.9– 0.0 ​cm), respectively. The median PS3L-vaginal angle was 0.0° (IQR: -4.0–7.0°). Women aged 50 years or older had slightly lower vaginal points and slightly larger angles than younger groups in relation to both reference lines (p ​< ​.001). The vaginal axis in younger groups appeared parallel to the PS3L.

Conclusions

The axis of the upper two-thirds vagina was proximate to a line from the inferior pubic symphysis to the third sacral vertebra, particularly in younger women. It will likely become a simplified method for roughly assessing the vaginal axis in its situ at first glance.
Attitude tracking control of hypersonic vehicle based on an improved prescribed performance dynamic surface control
Authors: Yin Z.Y. , Wang B. , Xiong R.T. , Xiang Z. , Liu L. , Fan H.J. , Xue C.L.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate the constrained attitude control problem of hypersonic vehicles (HVs). An improved prescribed performance dynamic surface control method is proposed based on an adaptive scaling strategy. Because of the uncertain time-varying disturbances, the controlled state may violate the constraint in the prescribed performance control (PPC) framework. An adaptive scaling strategy is introduced in the PPC method to avoid state violation. The performance function is scaled with respect to the state adaptively. Moreover, a nonlinear disturbance observer is used to compensate the sum of external and other internal disturbances of the system. The proposed method improves the system dynamic performance while ensuring the system robustness. Furthermore, the stability of the closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov analysis. Finally, numerical simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the PPC method and superiority over other methods.
Modeling the surface mass balance of Penny Ice Cap, Baffin Island, 1959–2099
Authors: Schaffer Nicole , Copland Luke , Zdanowicz Christian , Hock Regine
Published: November 2023

Glaciers of Baffin Island and nearby islands of Arctic Canada have experienced rapid mass losses over recent decades. However, projections of loss rates into the 21st century have so far been limited by the availability of model calibration and validation data. In this study, we model the surface mass balance of the largest ice cap on Baffin Island, Penny Ice Cap, since 1959, using an enhanced temperature index model calibrated with in situ data from 2006–2014. Subsequently, we project changes to 2099 based on the RCP4.5 climate scenario. Since the mid-1990s, the surface mass balance over Penny Ice Cap has become increasingly negative, particularly after 2005. Using volume–area scaling to account for glacier retreat, peak net mass loss is projected to occur between ~2040 and 2080, and the ice cap is expected to lose 22% (377.4 Gt or 60 m w.e.) of its 2014 ice mass by 2099, contributing 1.0 mm to sea level rise. Our 2015–2099 projections are approximately nine times more sensitive to changes in temperature than precipitation, with an absolute cumulative difference of 566 Gt (90 m w.e.) between +2 and −2°C scenarios, and 63 Gt (10 m w.e.) between +20% and −20% precipitation scenarios.
Area-level social determinants of health and individual-level social risks: Assessing predictive ability and biases in social risk screening
Authors: Bensken Wyatt P. , McGrath Brenda M. , Gold Rachel , Cottrell Erika K.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Area-level social determinants of health (SDoH) and individual-level social risks are different, yet area-level measures are frequently used as proxies for individual-level social risks. This study assessed whether demographic factors were associated with patients being screened for individual-level social risks, the percentage who screened positive for social risks, and the association between SDoH and patient-reported social risks in a nationwide network of community-based health centers.

Methods:

Electronic health record data from 1,330,201 patients with health center visits in 2021 were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. Associations between patient characteristics, screening receipt, and screening positive for social risks (e.g., food insecurity, housing instability, transportation insecurity) were assessed. The predictive ability of three commonly used SDoH measures (Area Deprivation Index, Social Deprivation Index, Material Community Deprivation Index) in identifying individual-level social risks was also evaluated.

Results:

Of 244,155 (18%) patients screened for social risks, 61,414 (25.2%) screened positive. Sex, race/ethnicity, language preference, and payer were associated with both social risk screening and positivity. Significant health system-level variation in both screening and positivity was observed, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.55 for social risk screening and 0.38 for positivity. The three area-level SDoH measures had low accuracy, sensitivity, and area under the curve when used to predict individual social needs.

Conclusion:

Area-level SDoH measures may provide valuable information about the communities where patients live. However, policymakers, healthcare administrators, and researchers should exercise caution when using area-level adverse SDoH measures to identify individual-level social risks.
Three Dogs from the Late Iron Age Boat Grave Cemetery at Gamla Uppsala Prästgården, Sweden
Authors: Nichols Christopher
Published: November 2023

Excavations at the vicarage yard (prästgården) at the famous Late Iron Age magnate centre of Gamla Uppsala, Sweden, have yielded six Viking Age (c.ad 750–1100) boat burials, several containing the remains of domestic dogs. The present study is an osteological examination of the remains of three of these dogs, one each from three boat graves, with a primary goal of morphological reconstruction and a secondary focus on identifying sex, age, and pathology. Two dogs were large, slender sight hounds, while the third was somewhat smaller and of indeterminate type. The preference for sight hounds in high-status graves is consistent with previous results from the contemporaneous nearby boat cemeteries of Vendel and Valsgärde, adding weight to the hypothesis of a shared funerary culture between these sites in the Late Iron Age.
From South America to the United States: Guayakí and the Transformation of Yerba Mate
Authors: Sarreal Julia
Published: November 2023

In the early 2000s, California-based Guayakí popularized the caffeinated drink, yerba mate, among young people and creative types. With revenues of $100 million, Guayakí dominates the U.S. market where it is synonymous with yerba mate. This essay explores how Guayakí transformed a foreign product with deep local meaning, widespread popularity, and a long history in southern South America from a shared beverage and social practice into a healthy energy drink. Typically, localization entails multinational companies and local consumers adapting and giving new meanings to an exotic foreign product or brand. In contrast, local entrepreneurs radically changed yerba mate while preserving part of its narrative. Guayakí promotes product authenticity based on a narrative of South American Indigenous origins, stimulating qualities, and health benefits that fits with superfoods, while a narrative of green capitalism promotes brand authenticity. But that was not enough to popularize yerba mate. The product had to be adapted to consumer taste preferences and values that challenge the foundational ideas of superfoods and green capitalism. As a result of consumer input acquired through grassroots marketing, Guayakí transformed a shared infusion into something closer to a soft drink—a pre-prepared, individual-sized beverage served in a single-use bottle or can with flavoring and sugar levels tailored to U.S. consumers. The essay exposes the role of local entrepreneurs and consumers in shaping product development and localization. It complicates our understanding of product authenticity and brand authenticity while exposing the limitations of green capitalism, ethical consumerism, and activist entrepreneurship.
Pattern evolution and modal decomposition of Faraday waves in a brimful cylinder
Authors: Zhang Shimin , Borthwick Alistair G.L. , Lin Zhiliang
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the steady-state pattern evolution of symmetric Faraday waves excited in a brimful cylindrical container when driving parameters much exceed critical thresholds. In such liquid systems, parametric surface responses are typically considered as the resonant superposition of unstable standing waves. A modified free-surface synthetic Schlieren method is employed to obtain full three-dimensional spatial reconstructions of instantaneous surface patterns. Multi-azimuth structures and localized travelling waves during the small-elevation phases of the oscillation cycle give rise to modal decomposition in the form of

$\nu$

-basis modes. Two-step surface-fitting results provide insight into the spatiotemporal characteristics of dominant wave components and corresponding harmonics in the experimental observations. Arithmetic combination of modal indices and uniform frequency distributions reveal the nonlinear mechanisms behind pattern formation and the primary pathways of energy transfer. Taking the hypothetical surface manifestation of multiple azimuths as the modal solutions, a linear stability analysis of the inviscid system is utilised to calculate fundamental resonance tongues (FRTs) with non-overlapping bottoms, which correspond to subharmonic or harmonic

$\nu$

-basis modes induced by surface instability at the air–liquid interface. Close relationships between experimental observations and corresponding FRTs provide qualitative verification of dominant modes identified using surface-fitting results. This supports the validity and rationality of the applied

$\nu$

-basis modes.