bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonexistence of nontrivial solutions to Kirchhoff-like equations
Authors: Goodrich Christopher
Published: July 2024

Subject to given boundary data, nonexistence of solution to the one-dimensional Kirchhoff-like equation
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="minus upper M left-parenthesis left-parenthesis a asterisk StartAbsoluteValue u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript q Baseline right-parenthesis left-parenthesis 1 right-parenthesis right-parenthesis u left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis equals lamda f left-parenthesis t comma u left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis right-parenthesis comma 0 greater-than t greater-than 1">

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=
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\begin{equation*} -M\Big (\big (a*|u|^q\big )(1)\Big )u(t)=\lambda f\big (t,u(t)\big ),\ 0>t>1 \end{equation*}

is considered. In particular, a condition is provided on the parameter

λ
\lambda

such that for each

λ
>

λ
0

\lambda >\lambda _0

, where

λ
0

\lambda _0

is defined in terms of initial data, the boundary value problem has no nontrivial positive solution.
Nonergodicity of the geodesic flow on a special class of Cantor tree surfaces
Authors: Pandazis Michael
Published: July 2024

A Riemann surface equipped with its conformal hyperbolic metric is parabolic if and only if the geodesic flow on its unit tangent bundle is ergodic. Let

X
X

be a Cantor tree or a blooming Cantor tree Riemann surface. Fix a geodesic pants decomposition of

X
X

and call the boundary geodesics in the decomposition cuffs. Basmajian, Hakobyan, and Šarić proved that if the lengths of cuffs are rapidly converging to zero, then

X
X

is parabolic. More recently, Šarić proved a slightly slower convergence of lengths of cuffs to zero implies

X
X

is not parabolic. In this paper, we interpolate between the two rates of convergence of the cuffs to zero and find that these surfaces are not parabolic, thus completing the picture.
APIS: an updated parentage assignment software managing triploids induced from diploid parents
Authors: Roche Julien , Griot Ronan , Allal François , Besson Mathieu , Haffray Pierrick , Patrice Pierre , Phocas Florence , Vandeputte Marc
Published: July 2024

In aquaculture, sterile triploids are commonly used for production as sterility gives them potential gains in growth, yields, and quality. However, they cannot be reproduced, and DNA parentage assignment to their diploid or tetraploid parents is required to estimate breeding values for triploid phenotypes. No publicly available software has the ability to assign triploids to their parents. Here, we updated the R package APIS to support triploids induced from diploid parents. First, we created new exclusion and likelihood tables that account for the double allelic contribution of the dam and the recombination that can occur during female meiosis. As the effective recombination rate of each marker with the centromere is usually unknown, we set it at 0.5 and found that this value maximizes the assignment rate even for markers with high or low recombination rates. The number of markers needed for a high true assignment rate did not strongly depend on the proportion of missing parental genotypes. The assignment power was however affected by the quality of the markers (minor allele frequency, call rate). Altogether, 96–192 SNPs were required to have a high parentage assignment rate in a real rainbow trout dataset of 1,232 triploid progenies from 288 parents. The likelihood approach was more efficient than exclusion when the power of the marker set was limiting. When more markers were used, exclusion was more advantageous, with sensitivity reaching unity, very low false discovery rate (<0.01), and excellent specificity (0.96–0.99). Thus, APIS provides an efficient solution to assign triploids to their diploid parents.
Synergistic Treatment of Infected Burn Wound Utilizing Maggot Debridement and Acellular Fish Skin Grafting—A Case Report
Authors: Borger Anton , Semmler Lorenz , Bergmann Felix , Supper Paul , Radtke Christine
Published: July 2024

Here, we report about a patient with a full-thickness burn injury of the left lower extremity with approximately 8% of total BSA affected. Initial therapy consisted of necrosectomy and wound coverage with split-thickness graft. The patient developed a wound infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in the failure of the skin graft to achieve complete healing. The case was further complicated by the patient’s concurrent presentation of anemia, characterized by a hematocrit level of 19.8% on 11th day after admission. Additionally, the patient refused acceptance of any blood transfusion, adding a significant layer of complexity to the management strategy. In summary, the patient’s critical state required an immediate intervention. Due to the contraindication for a further surgical debridement and autograft, we changed the treatment strategy to a conservative approach. First, the wound was debrided employing maggot therapy 17 days after admission. Subsequently, free soft tissue coverage was accomplished using decellularized fish skin dressings on 45th day. This approach yielded satisfactory wound closure. Following an approximately 2-month hospitalization period (52nd day after admission), the patient was discharged with a stable wound condition, nearing complete healing.
Armed Groups, Religious Leaders, and Humanitarian Norms: A Case Study of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria and Ansar Allah in Yemen
Authors: Furlan Marta , Abenza Omar Ahmed
Published: July 2024

As international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) continue to be violated, engaging non-state armed groups (NSAGs) remains an arduous task for humanitarian workers. Among the novel approaches to promote and defend these legal regimes among NSAGs, growing attention is devoted to the roles that religious leaders might play in promoting behaviours in compliance with IHL and IHRL. This approach seems especially pertinent in the case of religiously driven NSAGs, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in north-west Syria and Ansar Allah in north Yemen. This article aims to provide valuable insight on the potential of humanitarian engagement with religious leaders in these contexts. It starts by exploring the relationship between religious leaders active in north-west Syria and north Yemen and HTS and Ansar Allah respectively. The analysis proceeds by exploring whether those relationships had an impact over the NSAGs’ compliance/non-compliance with IHL and IHRL. Finally, we engage in an explanatory effort to make sense of the similarities and differences identified in the influence that religious leaders exercise (or do not exercise) on HTS and Ansar Allah in matters of humanitarian norms compliance.
Evaluation of the Recurrence Rate of Ingrown Toenail After a 45-Second Matrix Cauterization With Phenol
Authors: Silva Natália C. S. , Matter Adriana , Di Chiacchio Nilton , Di Chiacchio Nilton G.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Ingrown toenail is a very common nail disorder, and partial matricectomy by phenolization is considered the most effective treatment technique. However, the contact time of the phenol with the nail matrix remains debatable.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the recurrence rate of ingrown toenail after partial matricectomy by phenol for 45 seconds.

METHODS

A total of 1,460 surgeries were performed, with a photographic record of 802 pictures for a period of 6 months. The presence of any nail spicule or sign of ingrowth during follow-up was considered a recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 802 surgeries were evaluated, with the most affected nails being the right (49.3%) and left (48%) big toes and most frequently the lateral fold (54.5%). The recurrence rate was 0.75% at 3 months and 1.87% at 6 months, and the medial nail fold had a higher recurrence rate than the lateral nail fold.

CONCLUSION

Forty-five seconds of contact time of 88% phenol with the nail matrix was enough and effective, resulting in low recurrence rates. Prospective studies are needed to better assess postoperative morbidity.
The Tissue Systems Pathology Test Objectively Risk-Stratifies Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Villa Nicolas A. , Ordonez-Castellanos Miguel , Yodice Michael , Newhams Kirsten , Ayazi Shahin , Smolko Christian , Arora Meenakshi , Critchley-Thorne Rebecca J. , Khara Harshit S. , Diehl David L.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a diagnosis of esophageal intestinal metaplasia, which can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance for early detection and treatment of EAC. However, current practices have limited effectiveness in risk-stratifying patients with BE.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate use of the TSP-9 test in risk-stratifying clinically relevant subsets of patients with BE in clinical practice.

Methods:

TSP-9 results for tests ordered by 891 physicians for 8080 patients with BE with clinicopathologic data were evaluated. Orders were from nonacademic (94.3%) and academic (5.7%) settings for nondysplastic BE (NDBE; n=7586; 93.9%), indefinite for dysplasia (IND, n=312, 3.9%), and low-grade dysplasia (LGD, n=182, 2.3%).

Results:

The TSP-9 test scored 83.2% of patients with low risk, 10.6% intermediate risk, and 6.2% high risk, respectively, for progression to HGD/EAC within 5 years. TSP-9 provided significant risk-stratification independently of clinicopathologic features, within NDBE, IND, and LGD subsets, male and female, and short- and long-segment subsets of patients. TSP-9 identified 15.3% of patients with NDBE as intermediate/high-risk for progression, which was 6.4 times more than patients with a pathology diagnosis of LGD. Patients with NDBE who scored intermediate or high risk had a predicted 5-year progression risk of 8.1% and 15.3%, respectively, which are similar to and higher than published progression rates in patients with BE with confirmed LGD.

Conclusions:

The TSP-9 test identified a high-risk subset of patients with NDBE who were predicted to progress at a higher rate than confirmed LGD, enabling early detection of patients requiring management escalation to reduce the incidence of EAC. TSP-9 scored the majority of patients with NDBE as low risk, providing support to adhere to 3- to 5-year surveillance per guidelines.
The impact of past HIV interventions and diagnosis gaps on new HIV acquisitions, transmissions, and HIV-related deaths in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal
Authors: Silhol Romain , Maheu-Giroux Mathieu , Soni Nirali , Fotso Arlette Simo , Rouveau Nicolas , Vautier Anthony , Doumenc-Aïdara Clémence , Geoffroy Olivier , N’Guessan Kouassi Noël , Sidibé Younoussa , Kabemba Odé Kanku , Gueye Papa Alioune , Ndeye Pauline Dama , Mukandavire Christinah , Vickerman Peter , Keita Abdelaye , Ndour Cheikh Tidiane , Ehui Eboi , Larmarange Joseph , Boily Marie-Claude ,   for the ATLAS Team∗
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

To estimate the epidemiological impact of past HIV interventions and the magnitude and contribution of undiagnosed HIV among different risk groups on new HIV acquisitions in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal.

Design:

HIV transmission dynamic models among the overall population and key populations [female sex workers (FSW), their clients, and MSM].

Methods:

Models were independently parameterized and calibrated for each set of country-specific demographic, behavioural, and epidemiological data. We estimated the fraction of new HIV infections over 2012–2021 averted by condom use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake among key populations and non-key populations, the direct and indirect contribution of specific groups to new infections [transmission population-attributable fraction (tPAF)] over 2012–2021 due to prevention gaps, and the distribution of undiagnosed people with HIV (PWH) by risk group in January 2022 and their tPAF over 2022–2031.

Results:

Condom use and ART may have averted 81–88% of new HIV infections over 2012–2021 across countries, mostly due to condom use by key population. The tPAF of all key populations combined over 2012–2021 varied between 27% (Côte d’Ivoire) and 79% (Senegal). Male key populations (clients of FSW and MSM) contributed most to new infections (>60% in Mali and Senegal) owing to their higher HIV prevalence and larger prevention gaps. In 2022, men represented 56% of all PWH with an undiagnosed infection in Côte d’Ivoire (male key populations = 15%), 46% in Mali (male key populations = 23%), and 69% in Senegal (male key populations = 55%). If HIV testing and ART initiation rates remain at current levels, 20% of new HIV infections could be due to undiagnosed key populations living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire over 2022–2031, 53% in Mali, and 65% in Senegal.

Conclusion:

Substantial HIV diagnosis gaps remain in Western Africa, especially among male key populations. Addressing these gaps is key to impacting the HIV epidemics in the region and achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
Pseudogenization of NK3 homeobox 2 (
Nkx3.2
) in monotremes provides insight into unique gastric anatomy and physiology
Authors: Dann Jackson , Qu Zhipeng , Shearwin-Whyatt Linda , van der Ploeg Rachel , Grützner Frank
Published: July 2024

The enzymatic breakdown and regulation of food passage through the vertebrate antral stomach and pyloric sphincter (antropyloric region) is a trait conserved over 450 million years. Development of the structures involved is underpinned by a highly conserved signalling pathway involving the hedgehog, bone morphogenetic protein and Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt) protein families. Monotremes are one of the few vertebrate lineages where acid-based digestion has been lost, and this is consistent with the lack of genes for hydrochloric acid secretion and gastric enzymes in the genomes of the platypus (
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
) and short-beaked echidna (
Tachyglossus aculeatus
) . Furthermore, these species feature unique gastric phenotypes, both with truncated and aglandular antral stomachs and the platypus with no pylorus. Here, we explore the genetic underpinning of monotreme gastric phenotypes, investigating genes important in antropyloric development using the newest monotreme genomes (mOrnAna1.pri.v4 and mTacAcu1) together with RNA-seq data. We found that the pathway constituents are generally conserved, but surprisingly, NK3 homeobox 2 (
Nkx3.2
) was pseudogenized in both platypus and echidna. We speculate that the unique sequence evolution of
Grem1
and
Bmp4
sequences in the echidna lineage may correlate with their pyloric-like restriction and that the convergent loss of gastric acid and stomach size genotypes and phenotypes in teleost and monotreme lineages may be a result of eco-evolutionary dynamics. These findings reflect the effects of gene loss on phenotypic evolution and further elucidate the genetic control of monotreme stomach anatomy and physiology.
Collagen modification remodels the sarcoma tumor microenvironment and promotes resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Pan Hehai , Liu Ying , Fuller Ashley M. , Williams Erik F. , Fraietta Joseph A. , Eisinger T.S. Karin
Published: July 2024

Molecular mechanisms underlying immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response heterogeneity in solid tumors, including soft tissue sarcomas (STS), remain poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that the collagen-modifying enzyme, procollagen-lysine,2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (Plod2), which is over-expressed in many tumors relative to normal tissues, promotes immune evasion in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a relatively common and aggressive STS subtype. This finding is consistent with our earlier observation that Plod2 promotes tumor metastasis in UPS, and its enzymatic target, collagen type VI (ColVI), enhances CD8+ T cell dysfunction. We determined that genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of Plod2 with the pan-Plod transcriptional inhibitor minoxidil, reduces UPS growth in an immune competent syngeneic transplant system and enhances the efficacy of anti-Pd1 therapy. These findings suggest that PLOD2 is an actionable cancer target and its modulation could augment immunotherapy responses in patients with UPS, and potentially other sarcomas and carcinomas.
Local chromatin decompaction shapes mitotic chromosome landscape
Authors: Tashiro Sanki , Tanizawa Hideki , Noma Ken-ichi
Published: July 2024

Unregulated activation of transcription on mitotic chromosomal arms can be detrimental to faithful chromosome segregation1–3, although a subset of genes are up-regulated during mitosis4, raising the question as to how gene activation is coordinated in the context of mitotic chromosome reorganization. Here we investigate the fine structure of mitotic chromosomes in fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombeand reveal that intense decompaction of local chromatin upon mitotic gene activation helps shape the mitotic chromosome landscape. More specifically, we show that binding of mitosis-specific transcription factors, Ace2 and MluI binding factor (MBF)5,6, to gene promoters followed by transcriptional elongation can locally induce chromatin decompaction during mitosis. Interestingly, local decompaction-competent genes can establish chromatin boundaries that demarcate long-range contact domains, indicating tight coupling between local and global genome organizations. Furthermore, efficient local decompaction requires enough transcriptional elongation distance and histone removal, providing a mechanistic insight into the decompaction-associated domain boundary formation. Given that the demarcation of large, self-associating domains is critical for faithful chromosome segregation7, we propose that decompaction-competent genes can be a key determinant of mitotic chromosome configuration, thereby underpinning the maintenance of genome integrity over generations, and thus their distribution along chromosomes can be subject to evolutionary selection.
Leadership during crisis: a multi-sector exploration of perceptions of leadership in Australia
Authors: Samad Ataus , Muchiri Michael K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to extend our understanding of the concept of crisis leadership based on perceptions of 48 Australian leaders drawn from various sectors including Australian politics, higher education, not-for-profit and corporate sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study employed semi-structured virtual interviews of 48 leaders from Australian politics, higher education, not-for-profit and corporate sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Leximancer text analytics program was used for data analysis.

Findings

Participants perceived effective leadership during a crisis as encompassing four macro themes: leadership as power, leadership as emanating from people, leadership as management and leadership as specific to the organization. While these findings reinforced extant literature on facets of effective leadership, leaders from different sectors differed on the relative importance of some leadership themes and their relevance to specific sectors.

Research limitations/implications

While the data were collected from a convenient sample, our findings from multiple sectors in Australia extend our knowledge on crisis leadership by revealing differences in sectorial perspectives of crisis leadership. Further, these findings help refine the extant traditional explanations of leadership and especially offer an enhanced understanding of leadership during a crisis. Consequently, our findings support future research that could help identify specific attributes of leaders navigating organizational crises. Such future research could subsequently help develop a theory on crisis leadership based on a valid and reliable measurement for assessing crisis leadership effectiveness in diverse organizational settings.

Originality/value

Our study is based on multi-sector data and consequently lays a solid foundation for extending the conceptualization of leadership during crisis, and the need to reconceptualize effective leader attributes useful in crisis contexts. Theoretically, the current study extended recent research on crisis leadership, by examining the conceptualizations of crisis leadership within specific Australian sectors.
Rotor pole and stator tooth shaping in FSPM machines for torque performance optimization
Authors: Cetin Emrah , Zhu Z.Q.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to obtain the minimum torque ripple at the maximum average torque for Flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is about torque performance optimization of the FSPM machines. To achieve that, finite element analysis and genetic algorithm (GA) are used. Five different designs are simulated, optimized and compared on their air gap flux density, back electromotive force, cogging torque, average torque, torque density and torque ripple.

Findings

After the thousands of iterations, its proved that all proposed shaping techniques have potential for reducing torque ripple and cogging torque, with slightly reduced average torque. The best design is the joint stator and rotor shaping, Design V, which results in the lowest torque ripple and cogging torque. The techniques should be applicable to FSPMs with other stator slot/rotor pole number combinations.

Originality/value

In this paper, rotor pole shaping by notching, chamfering and generic shaping, stator tooth shaping and joint shaping techniques are investigated for 12 s/10p FSPM machines. Rotor and stator flanks are optimized separately and jointly, by using finite element analysis and GA for optimization to achieve maximum average torque and minimum torque ripple. Five different design is implemented and compared, respectively.
Improved design-oriented analytical modelling of flux switching PM machines
Authors: Abdelkefi Anis , Souissi Amal , Abdennadher Imen
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims at the analytical formulation of the electromagnetic features of flux switching permanent magnet (PM) machines with emphasis on the PM air gap flux density and armature magnetic reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The PM air gap flux density is formulated considering three different analytical models. These differ by the incorporation of the air gap magnetic saliency level from the stator side. In addition, the armature magnetic reaction is investigated based on a simplified magnetic reluctance circuit that considers the flux switching permanent magnet machines magnetic circuit geometry specification. Then, the no- and on-load torque is predicted based on the two air gap flux densities.

Findings

It has been found that the PM air gap flux density considering the stator saliencies with trapezoidal magnetomotive force waveform presents the highest accuracy. Despite the simplicity of the magnetic equivalent circuit-based approach, the predicted air gap armature magnetic reaction is in good agreement with the finite element analysis (FEA) one. These lead to the analytical predictions of the no- and on-load torque which is characterized by an acceptable accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

This work should be extended to experimental validation of the FEA results regarding the torque production generation.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an improved design-oriented analytical approach with emphasis on the PM air gap flux density and the armature magnetic reaction of flux switching PM machines.
Dynamic community detection algorithm based on hyperbolic graph convolution
Authors: Wu Weijiang , Tan Heping , Zheng Yifeng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Community detection is a key factor in analyzing the structural features of complex networks. However, traditional dynamic community detection methods often fail to effectively solve the problems of deep network information loss and computational complexity in hyperbolic space. To address this challenge, a hyperbolic space-based dynamic graph neural network community detection model (HSDCDM) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

HSDCDM first projects the node features into the hyperbolic space and then utilizes the hyperbolic graph convolution module on the Poincaré and Lorentz models to realize feature fusion and information transfer. In addition, the parallel optimized temporal memory module ensures fast and accurate capture of time domain information over extended periods. Finally, the community clustering module divides the community structure by combining the node characteristics of the space domain and the time domain. To evaluate the performance of HSDCDM, experiments are conducted on both artificial and real datasets.

Findings

Experimental results on complex networks demonstrate that HSDCDM significantly enhances the quality of community detection in hierarchical networks. It shows an average improvement of 7.29% in NMI and a 9.07% increase in ARI across datasets compared to traditional methods. For complex networks with non-Euclidean geometric structures, the HSDCDM model incorporating hyperbolic geometry can better handle the discontinuity of the metric space, provides a more compact embedding that preserves the data structure, and offers advantages over methods based on Euclidean geometry methods.

Originality/value

This model aggregates the potential information of nodes in space through manifold-preserving distribution mapping and hyperbolic graph topology modules. Moreover, it optimizes the Simple Recurrent Unit (SRU) on the hyperbolic space Lorentz model to effectively extract time series data in hyperbolic space, thereby enhancing computing efficiency by eliminating the reliance on tangent space.
Beyond the monolith: a taxonomy of relationship banking models and segmentation levels in SMEs
Authors: Boulanouar Zakaria
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the reality of relationship banking (RB) in the small and medium enterprise (SME) context, specifically how banks organize activities, define SMEs and manage the SME–banking relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative methods, this study uses a case study approach, conducting in-depth interviews with relationship managers from major New Zealand banks. The data are analyzed using thematic analysis with a process- and mechanism-oriented lens.

Findings

The study identifies bank criteria for defining SMEs, considering factors such as business complexity, owner/manager ethnicity and business lending. Banks divide their activities into personal and business banking, with the latter further classified as micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses based on borrowing amounts. Three types of RB emerge, namely, micro-business (online/many-to-many) relationship model (RM), small-business RM (one-to-many) and medium-sized business (one-to-one) RM. This study presents a taxonomy of business banking relationship management models that capture the structure and dynamics of the three RB levels.

Research limitations/implications

Interviews may introduce biases or limited perspectives. Findings specific to New Zealand may not universally apply. Future research could explore different regions and assess the impact of these RB models on SMEs’ financial outcomes and satisfaction with banking services.

Practical implications

Findings assist banks in organizing activities and managing SME relationships. Taxonomy aids in categorizing companies and determining appropriate management models. Consequently, tailored services can be provided based on SME needs, offering customized financial packages.

Social implications

RB models prioritizing ethnicity consideration and personalized services contribute to enhanced financial inclusion for SMEs, thereby fostering broader socioeconomic growth and development, partly through the provision of tailored financial packages. Additionally, relationship managers specializing in specific industries can offer valuable insights and assistance to SMEs, fostering mutual trust and collaboration.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to hypothesize, investigate, identify and provide evidence for three RB levels in SMEs. The presented taxonomy contributes to the literature on the SME–bank relationship by providing a structured framework for effective SME relationship management. Insights can help banks develop strategies and practices for serving SMEs, ultimately contributing to their growth and success.
Prediction of effective parameters for 3D printing of poly lactic acid-carbon fibre composites using intelligent frameworks based on mechanical response
Authors: Marappan Karthikeyan , Jenarthanan M.P. , Begum K Ghousiya , Moorthy Venkatesan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to find the effective 3D printing process parameters based on mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength and hardness of poly lactic acid (PLA)/carbon fibre composites (CF-PLA) by implementing intelligent frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment trials are conducted based on design of experiments (DoE) using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array with three factors (speed, infill % and pattern type) and three levels. The factors have been optimized by solving the regression equation which is obtained from analysis of variance (ANOVA). The contour plots are generated by response surface methodology (RSM). The influencing parameters are found by using Box–Behnken design. The second order response surface model demonstrated the optimal combination of input parameters for higher tensile strength and hardness.

Findings

The influencing parameters are found by using Box–Behnken design. The second order response surface model demonstrated the optimal combination of input parameters for higher tensile strength and hardness. The results obtained from RSM are also confirmed by implementing the machine learning classifiers, such as logistic regression, ridge classifier, random forest, K nearest neighbour and support vector classifier (SVC). The results show that the SVC can predict the optimized process parameters with an accuracy of 95.65%.

Originality/value

3D printing parameters which are considered in this work such as pattern types for PLA/CF-PLA composites based on intelligent frameworks has not been attempted previously.
Additive manufacturing of duplex stainless steel by DED-LB/M and PBF-LB/M – process-material-property relationships
Authors: Maier Andreas , Rühr Manuel , Tangermann-Gerk Katja , Stephan Marcel , Roth Stephan , Schmidt Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) of duplex stainless steels (DSS) is still challenging in terms of simultaneously generating structures with high build quality and adequate functional properties. This study aims to investigate comprehensive process-material-property relationships resulting from both laser-directed energy deposition (DED-LB/M) and laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) of DSS 1.4462 in as-built (AB) and subsequent heat-treated (HT) states.

Design/methodology/approach

Cuboid specimens made of DSS 1.4462 were generated using both AM processes. Porosity and microstructure analyses, magnetic-inductive ferrite and Vickers hardness measurements, tensile and Charpy impacts tests, fracture analysis, critical pitting corrosion temperature measurements and Huey tests were performed on specimens in the AB and HT states.

Findings

Correlations between the microstructural aspects and the resulting functional properties (mechanical properties and corrosion resistance) were demonstrated and compared. The mechanical properties of DED-LB/M specimens in both material conditions fulfilled the alloy specifications of 1.4462. Owing to the low ductility and toughness of PBF-LB/M specimens in the AB state, a post-process heat treatment was required to exceed the minimum alloy specification limits. Furthermore, the homogenization heat treatment significantly improved the corrosion resistance of DED- and PBF-processed 1.4462.

Originality/value

This study fulfills the need to investigate the complex relationships between process characteristics and the resulting material properties of additively manufactured DSS.
Determinants in the phage life cycle: The dynamic nature of ssDNA phage FLiP and host interactions under varying environmental conditions and growth phases
Authors: Mäkelä Kati , Laanto Elina , Sundberg Lotta‐Riina
Published: July 2024

The influence of environmental factors on the interactions between phages and bacteria, particularly single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) phages, has been largely unexplored. In this study, we used Finnlakevirus FLiP, the first known ssDNA phage species with a lipid membrane, as our model phage. We examined the infectivity of FLiP with three Flavobacterium host strains, B330, B167 and B114. We discovered that FLiP infection is contingent on the host strain and conditions such as temperature and bacterial growth phase. FLiP can infect its hosts across a wide temperature range, but optimal phage replication varies with each host. We uncovered some unique aspects of phage infectivity: FLiP has limited infectivity in liquid‐suspended cells, but it improves when cells are surface‐attached. Moreover, FLiP infects stationary phase B167 and B114 cells more rapidly and efficiently than exponentially growing cells, a pattern not observed with the B330 host. We also present the first experimental evidence of endolysin function in ssDNA phages. The activity of FLiP's lytic enzymes was found to be condition‐dependent. Our findings underscore the importance of studying phage ecology in contexts that are relevant to the environment, as both the host and the surrounding conditions can significantly alter the outcome of phage–host interactions.
Effect of leader gender on countries' performance: Evidence from four COVID‐19 waves
Authors: FREUND AMIR , SHOMER YAEL
Published: July 2024

Does a leader's gender affect a country's performance during a health crisis, and through what mechanisms? This study finds a clear, substantial negative correlation between having a female leader in democracies and their COVID‐19 infections and mortality rates, rejecting multiple spurious claims. The research is the first to analyse four pandemic waves covering 2 years while performing inter‐wave analysis. The gendered performance gap continuously grew during the first three waves, moderated by vaccinations in the fourth wave. We found that trust and effectiveness mechanisms impacted the growth of the performance gap. As new variants of COVID‐19 continue to spread and new threats related to the climate crisis are threatening globally, understanding the impact of gender in leadership roles, particularly during global crises, can provide valuable insights for policy makers and national leaders.
Accounting for observation noise in equation‐free forecasting: The hidden‐Markov S‐map
Authors: Esguerra Dylan , Munch Stephan B.
Published: July 2024

Ecosystems contain numerous species interacting with each other and the environment. However, data on all relevant state variables is rarely available, hampering inference and prediction. Empirical dynamic modelling (EDM) is a valuable tool for prediction, inference and control in such partially observed systems.

However, EDM typically assumes that the available time series are observed without error. Failing to account for observation noise strongly biases estimates of Lyapunov exponents and reduces forecast accuracy. To address this limitation, we propose incorporating EDM into a hidden Markov framework and using an iterative scheme based on the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to obtain filtered state and parameter estimates.

We evaluate the performance of this approach on several simulated dynamical systems with a range of additive noise levels, as well as on insect population time series.

Accounting for observation noise improved accuracy of population forecasts and estimates of Lyapunov exponents (LE) over a wide range of noise levels relevant to ecological time series.
Accuracy of the defining characteristics of respiratory nursing diagnoses in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Maurício Aline Batista , Cavalcante Agueda Maria Ruiz Zimmer , de Sá Erika Silva , Bruni Larissa Giardini , Vieira Larissa Gabrielle Dias , Costa Adriana , França Letícia Diniz , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , de Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite , da Silva Viviane Martins
Published: July 2024

Objective

To analyze the accuracy of the defining characteristics of four respiratory nursing diagnoses (ND) in patients with COVID‐19 and on oxygen therapy.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study conducted in four Brazilian public hospitals in two regions of the country. A total of 474 patients with COVID‐19 receiving oxygen therapy were assessed. Latent‐adjusted class analysis with random effects was used to establish the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the defining characteristics evaluated for each ND.

Results

Among the ND that constituted the study (impaired spontaneous ventilatory, impaired gas exchange, ineffective airway clearance, and dysfunctional ventilatory weaning response), the following defining characteristics had the highest simultaneous Se and Sp (>0.8): decrease in tidal volume, confusion, irritability, dyspnea, decreased breath sounds, orthopnea, impaired ability to cooperate and respond to coaching, and decrease in the level of consciousness.

Conclusions

Recognizing the clinical signs that predict respiratory ND in patients affected by COVID‐19 can contribute to the nurse's accurate diagnostic inference and designate the appropriate nursing interventions to achieve the desired results and avoid complications.
The number of comorbidities as an important cofactor to ASA class in predicting postoperative outcome: An international multicentre cohort study
Authors: Grob Christian A. , Angehrn Luzius W. , Kaufmann Mark , Hahnloser Dieter , Winiker Michael , Erb Thomas O. , Joller Sonja , Schumacher Philippe , Bruppacher Heinz R. , O'Grady Gregory , Murtagh Jonathon , Gawria Larsa , Albers Kim , Meier Sonja , Heilbronner Samuel Anna R. , Schindler Christian , Steiner Luzius A. , Dell‐Kuster Salome
Published: July 2024

Background

Multimorbidity is a growing burden in our ageing society and is associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality. Despite several modifications to the ASA physical status classification, multimorbidity as such is still not considered. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify the burden of comorbidities in perioperative patients and to assess, independent of ASA class, its potential influence on perioperative outcome.

Methods

In a subpopulation of the prospective ClassIntra® validation study from eight international centres, type and severity of anaesthesia‐relevant comorbidities were additionally extracted from electronic medical records for the current study. Patients from the validation study were of all ages, undergoing any type of in‐hospital surgery and were followed up until 30 days postoperatively to assess perioperative outcomes. Primary endpoint was the number of comorbidities across ASA classes. The associated postoperative length of hospital stay (pLOS) and Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) were secondary endpoints. On a scale from 0 (no complication) to 100 (death) the CCI® measures the severity of postoperative morbidity as a weighted sum of all postoperative complications.

Results

Of 1421 enrolled patients, the mean number of comorbidities significantly increased from 1.5 in ASA I (95% CI, 1.1–1.9) to 10.5 in ASA IV (95% CI, 8.3–12.7) patients. Furthermore, independent of ASA class, postoperative complications measured by the CCI® increased per each comorbidity by 0.81 (95% CI, 0.40–1.23) and so did pLOS (geometric mean ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06).

Conclusions

These data quantify the high prevalence of multimorbidity in the surgical population and show that the number of comorbidities is predictive of negative postoperative outcomes, independent of ASA class.
Established the prediction model of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer spread through air spaces (STAS) by radiomics and genomics features
Authors: Wang Yimin , Li Chuling , Wang Zhaofeng , Wu Ranpu , Li Huijuan , Meng Yunchang , Liu Hongbing , Song Yong
Published: July 2024

Background

This study was aimed to establish a prediction model for spread through air spaces (STAS) in early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer based on imaging and genomic features.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 204 patients (47 STAS+ and 157 STAS−) with non‐small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the Jinling Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. Their preoperative CT images, genetic testing data (including next‐generation sequencing data from other hospitals), and clinical data were collected. Patients were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts (7:3).

Results

The study included a total of 204 eligible patients. STAS were found in 47 (23.0%) patients, and no STAS were found in 157 (77.0%) patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that radiomics model, clinical genomics model, and mixed model had good predictive performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85; AUC = 0.70; AUC = 0.85).

Conclusions

The prediction model based on radiomics and genomics features has a good prediction performance for STAS.
Effects of residential mobility on impression formation across different social contexts
Authors: Fang Yuchen , Komiya Asuka
Published: July 2024

Research on residential mobility is burgeoning; however, only a few studies have examined this topic in the context of impression formation. In Study 1, we first examined the hypothesis that high residential mobility increases sensitivity to friendliness, whereas low residential mobility increases sensitivity to hostility. In the word completion task, no effects of residential mobility were observed; however, in the impression formation task, participants with high residential mobility perceived friendly new acquaintances with higher amicability than those with low residential mobility (Studies 1a and 1c). Meanwhile, no effect was observed with the hostile new acquaintances (Study 1b). The results suggest that the effects of residential mobility, with a focus on friendliness and hostility, may be highly context dependent. Study 2 partially confirmed this idea, showing that participants with low residential mobility perceived hostile old acquaintances as less friendly than those with high residential mobility, and there was no effect of residential mobility in the case of friendly old acquaintances (Study 3). The role of residential mobility on impression formation was discussed.
Ultra‐high‐frequency ultrasound (48–70 MHz) is a promising tool for improved gastrointestinal diagnostics in infants
Authors: Jacobsen Ronni Bengtson , Hebelka Hanna , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Elfvin Anders , Dangardt Frida
Published: July 2024

Aim

To investigate the clinical feasibility of ultra‐high‐frequency abdominal ultrasound (UHFUS) scans of preterm and term infants.

Methods

Prospectively, 19 healthy term newborn infants were examined with conventional ultrasound (CUS) (Toshiba, Aplio i700, linear probe 14L5) and UHFUS (Visualsonics VevoMD, linear probes UHF48 and UHF70) according to a standardised protocol. Measurements of wall thickness were performed for; stomach, small intestine, colon and peritoneum. Five preterm infants, with or without suspected necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), were also examined with UHF48. Of these, only one was later diagnosed with NEC.

Results

Differences between CUS and UHFUS (UHF48) were found in measurements of thickness; for peritoneum 0.25 versus 0.13 mm (p < 0.001), small intestine 0.76 versus 0.64 mm (p = 0.039) and colon 0.7 versus 0.47 mm (p < 0.001) in healthy term infants. Gaining frequency from 46 to 71 MHz showed a mean reduction in measurements of peritoneum from 0.13 to 0.09 mm (p < 0.001). One preterm infant with NEC showed a fivefold and twofold increase in peritoneal and gastrointestinal wall thickness respectively, compared to healthy preterm infants.

Conclusion

UHFUS was a clinically feasible, promising method with potential to improve gastrointestinal diagnostics in infants. Lower peritoneum thickness and gastrointestinal wall thickness were demonstrated with UHFUS compared to CUS, suggesting an overestimation by CUS.
Peer‐to‐peer validation of Ki‐67 scoring in a pathology quality circle as a tool to assess interobserver variability: are we better than we thought?
Authors: Bernhardt Marit , Weinhold Leonie , Sanders Christine , Hommerding Oliver , Lau Jan‐Frederic , Toma Marieta , Tischler Verena , Schmid Matthias , Zienkiewicz Tomasz , Hildenbrand Ralf , Gerlach Peter , Zhou Hui , Braun Martin , Müller Gunnar , Sieber Erich , Marko Christian , Kristiansen Glen
Published: July 2024

Ki‐67, a nuclear protein expressed in all stages of cellular proliferation, is a valuable tool to assess tumor proliferation and has been linked to more aggressive tumor behavior. However, interlaboratory staining heterogeneity and inter‐observer variability challenge its reproducibility. Round Robin tests are a suitable tool to standardize and harmonize immunohistochemical and molecular analyses in histopathology. The study investigates the interrater and interlaboratory reproducibility of Ki‐67‐scoring using both manual and automated approaches. Unstained TMA slides comprising diverse tumor types (breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, lymphomas, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) were distributed to six pathology laboratories, each employing their routine staining protocols. Manual and automated scoring methods were applied, and interrater and interlaboratory agreement assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The results highlight good‐to‐excellent reliability overall, with automated scoring demonstrating higher consistency (ICC 0.955) than manual scoring (ICC 0.871). Results were more variable when looking at the individual entities. Reliability remained good for lymphomas (ICC 0.878) and breast cancer (ICC 0.784) and was poor in well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (ICC 0.354). This study clearly advocates standardized practices and training to ensure consistency in Ki‐67‐assessment, and it demonstrates that this can be achieved in a peer‐to‐peer approach in local quality‐circles.
Genetic relationship of energy balance predicted from milk traits with fertility in Japanese Holsteins
Authors: Nishiura Akiko , Sasaki Osamu , Yamazaki Takeshi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Hagiya Koichi , Nakagawa Satoshi , Abe Hayato , Nakahori Yuka , Saito Yuriko , Tatebayashi Ryoki , Masuda Yutaka
Published: July 2024

We predicted the energy balance of cows from milk traits and estimated the genetic correlations of predicted energy balance (PEB) with fertility traits for the first three lactations. Data included 9,646,606 test‐day records of 576,555 Holstein cows in Japan from 2015 to 2019. Genetic parameters were estimated with a multiple‐trait model in which the records among lactation stages and parities were treated as separate traits. Fertility traits were conception rate at first insemination (CR), number of inseminations (NI), and days open (DO). Heritability estimates of PEB were 0.28–0.35 (first lactation), 0.15–0.29 (second), and 0.09–0.23 (third). Estimated genetic correlations among lactation stages were 0.85–1.00 (first lactation), 0.73–1.00 (second), and 0.64–1.00 (third). Estimated genetic correlations among parities were 0.82–0.96 (between first and second), 0.97–0.99 (second and third), and 0.69–0.92 (first and third). Estimated genetic correlations of PEB in early lactation with fertility were 0.04 to 0.19 for CR, −0.03 to −0.19 for NI, and −0.01 to −0.24 for DO. Genetic improvement of PEB is possible. Lower PEB in early lactation was associated with worse fertility, suggesting that improving PEB in early lactation may improve reproductive performance.