bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quarks unter Hochdruck im Proton
Authors: Burkert Volker , Diehl Stefan , Schweitzer Peter
Published: July 2024

Seit der Entdeckung der Protonstruktur wurden große Fortschritte beim Verständnis seiner partonischen Struktur und des Zusammenhangs zwischen den experimentell gemessenen Eigenschaften und der Bewegung und Verteilung von Quarks im Inneren des Protons gemacht. Ein Meilenstein ist der Zusammenhang zwischen sogenannten Generalisierten Parton‐Verteilungen (GPDs) und den mechanischen Eigenschaften des Protons sowie die erstmalige Bestimmung des Drucks im Proton mit Hilfe von Formfaktoren. Der Druck im Zentrum des Protons übersteigt sogar denjenigen im Zentrum eines Neutronensterns. Diese Messungen eröffnen auch einen neuen Weg für experimentelle Studien von mechanischen Eigenschaften des Protons. Viele Fragen auf diesem Weg müssen noch mithilfe laufender und zukünftiger präziser Messungen gelöst werden.
Data‐driven plasma science: A new perspective on modeling, diagnostics, and applications through machine learning
Authors: He Mengbing , Bai Ruihang , Tan Shihao , Liu Dawei , Zhang Yuantao
Published: July 2024

This paper comprehensively explores the integration of machine learning (ML) with atmospheric pressure plasma, highlighting its transformative impact in areas, such as modeling, diagnostics, and applications. The paper delves into the application of neural networks and deep learning models in simulating complex plasma dynamics, enhancing prediction accuracy, and reducing computational demands. We also examine the application of ML in plasma diagnostics, including real‐time data analysis and process optimization, demonstrating advancements in monitoring and controlling plasma systems. The article discusses the challenges encountered in this integration process, such as data quality, computational resources, and model interpretability. Finally, we outline future development directions, emphasizing the potential of ML in revolutionizing plasma research, improving operational efficiency, and opening new avenues in plasma technology.
Catalyst‐free pretreatment of raw wheat straw by atmospheric‐pressure pulsed air discharge for enhancement of sugar production
Authors: Sun Fuli , Xiong Lin , Wang Licheng , Li Jie , Nikiforov Anton , Xiong Qing
Published: July 2024

This study presents atmospheric‐pressure plasma as a novel catalyst‐free pretreatment method for raw wheat straw (RWS) biomass. The work explores the effects of processing parameters, such as milled particle size, moisture content of RWS, and plasma generations, on pretreatment efficiency. To understand the mechanisms behind the enhanced pretreatment efficiency, various analysis techniques were used to analyze the physical and chemical properties of RWS before and after pretreatment. The analysis reveals that plasma pretreatment significantly damages the surface smoothness of RWS and enhances the decomposition of lignocellulosic structures. These effects are primarily attributed to the reactive species generated by the pulsed discharge, rather than the accompanying UV radiation, acidification, or heating actions during plasma pretreatment.
Redefining family structures: Births out of wedlock in 21st century Greece
Authors: Gavalas Vasilis S. , Raftakis Michail
Published: July 2024

This study explores Greece's unique position as the country with the lowest nonmarital childbearing rate in Europe. The socio‐demographic profile of mothers is being analysed in three categories of marital status: married, unmarried, and in civil partnership. Unpublished data, custom‐made exclusively for this study from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), have been used, spanning from 2019 to 2021. Key focus areas include maternal age at childbirth, educational attainment, and nationality (Greek, EU27 except for Greek, and non‐EU). Geographical analysis is conducted at the Regional Unit level (Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics [NUTS] 3 classification). Findings reveal that Greek teenage and early twenties mothers, as well as those with low educational level, are more likely to be unwed, implying that maternity might have come because of an unplanned pregnancy. On the other hand, those in civil partnerships resemble married mothers in age and educational attainment. Non‐Greek nationals show a higher prevalence of nonmarital births, and a sociodemographic profile that implies that unwed maternity constitutes a conscious choice for them. This study not only illuminates the characteristics of unwed mothers in Greece but also provides empirical insights for evaluating prevailing theoretical frameworks regarding family dynamics in countries facing low fertility rates.
Three‐dimensional kinematics‐based real‐time localization method using two robots
Authors: Elmakis Guy , Coronel Matan , Zarrouk David
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a precise two‐robot collaboration method for three‐dimensional (3D) self‐localization relying on a single rotating camera and onboard accelerometers used to measure the tilt of the robots. This method allows for localization in global positioning system‐denied environments and in the presence of magnetic interference or relatively (or totally) dark and unstructured unmarked locations. One robot moves forward on each step while the other remains stationary. The tilt angles of the robots obtained from the accelerometers and the rotational angle of the turret, associated with the video analysis, make it possible to continuously calculate the location of each robot. We describe a hardware setup used for experiments and provide a detailed description of the algorithm that fuses the data obtained by the accelerometers and cameras and runs in real‐time on onboard microcomputers. Finally, we present 2D and 3D experimental results, which show that the system achieves 2% accuracy for the total traveled distance (see Supporting Information S1: video).
Soft crawling caterpillar driven by electrohydrodynamic pumps
Authors: Zhao Tianyu , Wang Cheng , Luo Zhongbao , Cheng Weiqi , Xiang Nan
Published: July 2024

Soft crawling robots are usually driven by bulky and complex external pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. In this work, we proposed a miniaturized soft crawling caterpillar based on electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps. The caterpillar was mainly composed of a flexible EHD pump for providing the driving force, an artificial muscle for performing the crawling, a fluid reservoir, and several stabilizers and auxiliary feet. To achieve better crawling performances for our caterpillar, the flow rate and pressure of the EHD pump were improved by using a curved electrode design. The electrode gap, electrode overlap length, channel height, electrode thickness, and electrode pair number of the EHD pump were further optimized for better performance. Compared with the EHD pumps with conventional straight electrodes, our EHD pump showed a 50% enhancement in driving pressure and a 60% increase in flow rate. The bending capability of the artificial muscles was also characterized, showing a maximum bending angle of over 50°. Then, the crawling ability of the soft crawling caterpillar is also tested. Finally, our caterpillar owns the advantages of simple fabrication, low‐cost, fast movement speed, and small footprint, which has robust and wide potential for practical use, especially over various terrains.
In‐situ measurement of dissolved organic carbon and total organic carbon in fresh surface waters: Lab validation of a portable field meter
Authors: Collins Sean E. , Moulton Margaret E. , Flotemersch Joseph E.
Published: July 2024

Nonliving organic matter, including organic carbon, in freshwater systems provides energy inputs to food webs and supports various ecosystem functions. Unusually high organic carbon levels can occur naturally in aquatic habitats such as wetlands and blackwater rivers and streams. However, values may also be high due to anthropogenic influences. In recent years, increasing levels of organic carbon have been observed and suggested as drivers of brownification and increased observation of foam on surface waters. Total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are not commonly included in field studies of aquatic ecosystems because of sampling logistics and resources required for laboratory measurement. As a potential alternative to laboratory analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of a portable field meter by comparing laboratory results to data collected in situ. Comparisons were made at 43 surface water sites across northern West Virginia. At each of these sites, a field measurement was recorded using a Real TOC/DOC Field Meter, and a water sample was collected and transported for laboratory measurement using a Shimadzu TOC‐V analyzer. Data from the laboratory and field for each site were compared using bivariate analysis and concordance correlation on matched pairs. Poor agreement existed between field and lab measurements, so a novel data model was created using laboratory‐derived data for further comparison. Substantial accuracy was achieved using the new data model. This suggests that the Real TOC/DOC Field Meter is a viable instrument for field measurement of organic carbon in aquatic ecosystems and may aid in monitoring and management decisions.
Adsorption‐Based Approaches for Exploring Nanoparticle Effectiveness in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Mehta Prerna , Chelike Dinesh Kumar , Rathore Ram Krishna
Published: July 2024

The treatment of wastewater is essential to preserving the environment and public health. Recent advances in this field have made nanoparticles attractive tools due to their exceptional selectivity, reactivity, and surface area. Particularly, their use in adsorption‐based wastewater treatment has garnered significant interest, focusing on how well nanoparticles can adsorb chemical contaminants, thereby improving treatment effectiveness. A thorough analysis explores various aspects of nanoparticles in wastewater treatment, including different types of nanoparticles used for adsorption, underlying mechanisms, and numerous factors affecting their pollutant removal efficiency. However, it also recognizes potential negative environmental impacts, underscoring the need for comprehensive risk assessments, including eco‐toxicity, release dynamics, and long‐term ecological effects. In light of these challenges, the review emphasizes the revolutionary potential of new nanoparticles in transforming wastewater treatment paradigms. Examples include ZnO nanoparticles and Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which excel at removing dyes and reducing sludge volume, while CuO and TiO₂ nanoparticles rapidly eliminate organic pollutants and heavy metals like Pb2+. Additionally, graphical illustrations highlight nanoparticles′ advantages, especially in removing cadmium. These findings underscore the future direction of research on wastewater treatment using nanoparticles, pointing toward increased sustainability and efficiency in addressing water pollution issues.
Facile Synthesis of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Heterojunctions of Glycolated Conjugated Polymer‐TiO2−X for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Bingke , Genene Zewdneh , Wang Jinzhong , Wang Dongbo , Zhao Chenchen , Pan Jingwen , Liu Donghao , Sun Wenhao , Zhu Jiefang , Wang Ergang
Published: July 2024

The utilization of the organic–inorganic hybrid photocatalysts for water splitting has gained significant attention due to their ability to combine the advantages of both materials and generate synergistic effects. However, they are still far from practical application due to the limited understanding of the interactions between these two components and the complexity of their preparation process. Herein, a facial approach by combining a glycolated conjugated polymer with a TiO2−X mesoporous sphere to prepare high‐efficiency hybrid photocatalysts is presented. The functionalization of conjugated polymers with hydrophilic oligo (ethylene glycol) side chains can not only facilitate the dispersion of conjugated polymers in water but also promote the interaction with TiO2−X forming stable heterojunction nanoparticles. An apparent quantum yield of 53.3% at 365 nm and a hydrogen evolution rate of 35.7 mmol h−1 g−1 is achieved by the photocatalyst in the presence of Pt co‐catalyst. Advanced photophysical studies based on femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and in situ, XPS analyses reveal the charge transfer mechanism at type II heterojunction interfaces. This work shows the promising prospect of glycolated polymers in the construction of hybrid heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen production and offers a deep understanding of high photocatalytic performance by such heterojunction photocatalysts.
Are the smart contracts on Q&A site reliable?
Authors: Zhou Xiaocong , Wang Quanqi , Liu Yifan , Chen Xiangping , Huang Yuan , Zheng Zibin
Published: July 2024

Ethereum, as a leading blockchain platform, has attracted a significant number of practitioners. These practitioners require a platform for communication and collaborative problem‐solving, which led to Ethereum Stack Exchange (ESE), a Q&A site dedicated to Ethereum‐related issues. While the Q&A site facilitates communication among practitioners, it also introduces new challenges. Practitioners adopt code snippets from Q&A sites to address problems encountered. However, the quality of code snippets on ESE remains largely unexplored. Vulnerabilities and gas‐inefficient patterns in ESE may spread to the code in Ethereum and threaten its regular operation. In this article, we conduct an empirical study investigating the distribution of vulnerabilities and gas‐inefficient patterns in ESE. Further, we analyze the potential impact of vulnerabilities and gas‐inefficient patterns from ESE on Ethereum. However, we encounter a problem during the vulnerability and gas‐inefficient pattern detection. Established smart contract analysis tools in the mainstream realm necessitate complete source code files for thorough analysis, while codes on ESE are often incomplete code snippets. To address this, we introduce the AST‐based code clone detection technique to construct detectable files corresponding to code snippets. This enables us to detect vulnerabilities and gas‐inefficient patterns in code snippets. In the end, our findings demonstrate that 11.18% of the contract‐level code snippets and 4.06% of function‐level code snippets in ESE have vulnerabilities. And 27.21% of contract‐level code snippets and 17.89% of function‐level code snippets contain gas‐inefficient patterns. The additional consumption caused by the gas‐inefficient pattern in ESE is approximately $1,695,002. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for both ESE and its users, aiming to foster collaborative efforts and create a more reliable Q&A site for practitioners.
Minute‐Scale High‐Temperature Synthesis of Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photoanodes
Authors: Tashakory Ayelet , Mondal Sanjit , Battula Venugopala Rao , Mark Gabriel , Shmila Tirza , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: July 2024

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has emerged as a promising photoanodic material in water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). However, the current deposition methods of CN layers on substrates usually include a long heating process at 500−550 °C, which might cause sublimation or decomposition of the CN monomers and destruction of the substrate, leading to a nonuniform CN film. Herein, a simple, fast, and scalable energy‐economic procedure to synthesize homogenous CN films is introduced. The predesigned CN monomers film is subjected for several minutes to higher temperatures than the standard calcination procedure. The short heating process allows the formation of a uniform CN layer, with excellent contact with the substrate and good activity as a photoanode in PEC. The optimal CN photoanode reaches photocurrent densities of ≈200 μA cm−2 at 1.23 versus reversible hydrogen electrode in neutral and acidic solutions and 120 μA cm−2 in a basic solution.
Atomic Dispersion via High‐Entropy Liquid Metal Alloys
Authors: Allioux Francois‐Marie , Nazari Sahar , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Zavabeti Ali , Pei Zengxia , Leverett Josh , Rafiezadeh Somayeh , Salih Amar K. , Irvine Curtis P. , Baharfar Mahroo , Bardet Laetitia , Widjajana Moonika S. , Chi Yuan , Esrafilzadeh Dorna , Jalili Ali R. , Haghdadi Nima , Tang Jianbo , Laws Kevin J. , Ton‐That Cuong , Daeneke Torben , Daiyan Rahman , Rahim Md Arifur , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh
Published: July 2024

Gallium‐based liquid metal alloys exhibit unconventional and intriguing properties as metallic solvents, demonstrating an exceptional potential to dissolve and reconfigure a vast array of elements within the liquid metal matrix. Leveraging on these distinctive characteristics of gallium‐based alloys, the synthesis of high‐entropy liquid metal alloys (HELMAs) in low dimensions is reported. The nanoscale HELMAs offer advantages including the solvation of multiple metallic elements at room temperature, while promoting their atomic dispersion at elevated concentrations. Entropy estimations for HELMAs surpass those of high‐temperature molten metals, leading to the realization of high‐entropy liquid metal systems at room temperature. Through a proof‐of‐concept hydrogen evolution reaction comparison, the potential of these HELMAs in enhancing the activities of nanocatalysts is demonstrated. In this case, atomic dispersion of Pt is shown in senary GaIn‐AuCuPtPd HELMA, contrasting with lower entropy systems in which Pt forms discernible clusters. These presented features can lead to catalytic systems with enhanced and tailored activities.
The Twilight of the Gods: Independence of the Judiciary and the Rule of Law in Europe
Authors: De Albuquerque Paulo Pinto , Oliveira Alexandre Au-Yong
Published: July 2024

Gazing upon today’s European judicial landscape, one may have the feeling that the final battle of the ancient gods of democracy is about to make itself heard. When that gaze extends itself through History, as the title of this paper suggests, we might even hear the notes of Wagner’s magnum opus and all that comes with it, including the eternal return of the same, but strangely different. Different actors in different situations but with the same type of utterances.
Confluence of Logically Constrained Rewrite Systems Revisited
Authors: Schöpf Jonas , Mitterwallner Fabian , Middeldorp Aart
Published: July 2024

We show that (local) confluence of terminating logically constrained rewrite systems is undecidable, even when the underlying theory is decidable. Several confluence criteria for logically constrained rewrite systems are known. These were obtained by replaying existing proofs for plain term rewrite systems in a constrained setting, involving a non-trivial effort. We present a simple transformation from logically constrained rewrite systems to term rewrite systems such that critical pairs of the latter correspond to constrained critical pairs of the former. The usefulness of the transformation is illustrated by lifting the advanced confluence results based on (almost) development closed critical pairs as well as on parallel critical pairs to the constrained setting.
The Benefits of Diligence
Authors: Arrial Victor , Guerrieri Giulio , Kesner Delia
Published: July 2024

This paper studies the strength of embedding Call-by-Name () and Call-by-Value () into a unifying framework called the Bang Calculus (). These embeddings enable establishing (static and dynamic) properties of and through their respective counterparts in $$\texttt {dBANG} $$
dBANG
. While some specific static properties have been already successfully studied in the literature, the dynamic ones are more challenging and have been left unexplored. We accomplish that by using a standard embedding for the (easy) case, while a novel one must be introduced for the (difficult) case. Moreover, a key point of our approach is the identification of diligent reduction sequences, which eases the preservation of dynamic properties from $$\texttt {dBANG} $$
dBANG
to $$\texttt {dCBN}/\texttt {dCBV} $$

dCBN
/
dCBV

. We illustrate our methodology through two concrete applications: confluence/factorization for both and are respectively derived from confluence/factorization for .
Local Intuitionistic Modal Logics and Their Calculi
Authors: Balbiani Philippe , Gao Han , Gencer Çiğdem , Olivetti Nicola
Published: July 2024

We investigate intuitionistic modal logics with locally interpreted $$\square $$
□
and $$\lozenge $$
◊
. The basic logic LIK is stronger than constructive modal logic WK and incomparable with intuitionistic modal logic IK. We propose an axiomatization of LIK and some of its extensions. Additionally, we present bi-nested calculi for LIK and these extensions, providing both a decision procedure and a procedure of finite countermodel extraction.
Topological derivatives for shell structure optimization considering crash loadcases with material nonlinearities and large deformations
Authors: Weider Katrin , Schumacher Axel
Published: July 2024

The topological derivatives for shell structures in dynamic loadcases, which are often used in lightweight designs, are developed. These sensitivities consider the highly nonlinear material behavior and large deformations of the structure. The aim of the investigation is the support of an efficient topology optimization for crashloaded structures. The considered functionals can in general be described by displacements, velocities and accelerations. In particular, the semi-analytical sensitivity calculations for the internal deformation energy and for single point displacements in arbitrary directions in the shell structure are presented. These functionals cover the most important functions for the development of crash structures. Using the material derivative in combination with the adjoint method, a terminal value problem has to be solved. Depending on whether first differentiation and then discretization in the time domain is performed or first discretization and then differentiation, a separate solution scheme for the adjoint is derived. Both schemes are presented in a comparable description. For the numerical evaluation of the topological derivatives, the basic equations for large deformed shell elements are included as well as a phenomenological material interpolation, which represents the tangential material behavior resulting from plastic strain and isotropic hardening. All assumptions made for the derivation are described in detail and their influences are discussed. The elaborated equations and the procedure for the calculation of the topological derivatives are applied, discussed and checked for plausibility on two clearly defined loading conditions for the internal deformation energy and single point displacements on different locations.
Study of the impact of metallic components Cu, Ni, Cr, and Mo on the microstructure of Al2O3–Cu–Me composites
Authors: Zygmuntowicz Justyna , Maciągowska Małgorzata , Piotrkiewicz Paulina , Wachowski Marcin , Kaszuwara Waldemar
Published: July 2024

The study explores the microstructural design of hybrid Al2O3–Cu–Me composites formed by centrifugal slip casting into porous molds. Obtained composites are characterized by zones with different contents of metal phases. It was determined that there are two mechanisms driving thickening of slurries: capillary forces influencing smaller particles and centrifugal forces affecting larger particles. To enhance composite’s cracking toughness, a gradient distribution of metallic phase with highest metal concentration near surface is essential. This is achieved by optimizing ceramic powder size, limiting processing time, and using gel centrifugal casting to eliminate undesired zones. Zone II’s width is influenced by metallic phase proportion, mold rotation speed, and compaction rate, with heavier particles and greater metal content near outer surface. Zone III expands with lower rotational speeds and lighter metallic particles. The mutual reactivity and solubility of selected metallic elements also play a crucial role in the final microstructure. The findings highlight the potential for precise control over composite microstructures through careful selection of metallic elements, powder sizes, and casting parameters, offering valuable insights for model research and simulations.
Multiple Positive Solutions for Quasilinear Elliptic Problems in Expanding Domains
Authors: Liu Wulong , Dai Guowei , Winkert Patrick , Zeng Shengda
Published: July 2024

In this paper we prove the existence of multiple positive solutions for a quasilinear elliptic problem with unbalanced growth in expanding domains by using variational methods and the Lusternik–Schnirelmann category theory. Based on the properties of the category, we introduce suitable maps between the expanding domains and the critical levels of the energy functional related to the problem, which allow us to estimate the number of positive solutions by the shape of the domain.
Late Holocene vegetation dynamics: degree and regional patterns of the Dark Ages woodland regeneration (ad 300–700) in the Netherlands
Authors: Gouw-Bouman Marjolein T. I. J.
Published: July 2024

During the Dark Ages, which include the Late Roman period (ad 270–450) and the Early Middle Ages (ad 450–1050), large-scale vegetation development in northwest Europe was characterised by widespread regeneration of woodlands. This regeneration phase represents a break from the extensive reduction in woodland from human activities in late Holocene vegetation history. In the Netherlands, possible causes for this reversal can be found in a decreased human impact on the landscape, a colder and possibly wetter climate, and geomorphological changes. This paper presents a synthesis from 38 pollen records from a range of sites across the Netherlands, from which regional differences in the degree of woodland regeneration and vegetation composition before and during the Dark Ages have been identified. Both original data as well as vegetation abundance modelled by REVEALS were used to assess the regrowth of the woodland cover. The observed trends were considered in terms of the landscape setting and population estimates in order to disentangle the relative importance of these forcing factors. The results indicate that landscape and human impact were the most important factors determining the vegetation structure and changes to it. The pollen data show that in the Netherlands, the clearance of woodland in the Roman period followed by its regrowth afterwards were greatest in the river area. This can be linked to a high population density there during the Roman period followed by a strong decrease of population in the Dark Ages and to increased flooding.
How (not) to Talk to a Plant: An Application of Automata Theory to Plant Communication
Authors: Baravalle Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Plants are capable of a range of complex interactions with the environment. Over the last decade, some authors have used this as evidence to argue that plants are cognitive agents. While there is no consensus on this view, it is certainly interesting to approach the debate from a comparative perspective, trying to understand whether different lineages of plants show different degrees of responsiveness to environmental cues, and how their responses compare with those of animals or humans. In this paper, I suggest that a potentially fruitful approach to these comparative studies is provided by automata theory. Accordingly, I shall present a possible application of this theory to plant communication. Two tentative results will emerge. First, that different lineages may exhibit different levels of complexity in response to similar stimuli. Second, that current evidence does not allow to infer great cognitive sophistication in plants.
Does drought exposure erode trust in the political system in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Rhein Susanne , Jansesberger Viktoria
Published: July 2024

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of severe droughts. As water scarcity can destroy vital resources such as crops and livestock, droughts pose major challenges to affected societies. Concerns arise that the resulting hardship and suffering could exacerbate social tensions. Trust in the political system, defined as citizens’ overall confidence in the state to deliver satisfactory outcomes, is an integral foundation of stable state-society relations. To illuminate under what conditions droughts might exert a destabilizing effect, investigating their impact on trust in the political system is paramount. Our study is the first to investigate how drought exposure influences citizens´ overall confidence in the political system. Previous research shows that citizens tend to lose trust when dissatisfied with the living conditions and output that a system provides. While droughts emerge gradually and, thus, give states multiple opportunities to intervene, states in the Global South often struggle to master the challenging task of drought management, thereby demonstrating inadequate, dissatisfactory state performance. We argue that failures in successful drought management showcase what goes wrong in a political system, which in turn leads to an erosion of trust in the political system. Using individual-level survey data from Afrobarometer round five, matched with high-resolution water scarcity data, our analysis reveals that recently drought-exposed individuals exhibit significantly lower levels of trust in the political system compared to their unaffected counterparts. This effect is most pronounced in sub-national regions with low state capacity, where the implementation of successful drought relief measures might be particularly difficult.
A Dialogue about Vaccine Side Effects: Understanding Difficult Pandemic Experiences
Authors: Hammarlin Mia-Marie , Dellson Pia
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between the experiences of mass vaccinations against two pandemic viruses: the swine flu in 2009–2010 and COVID-19 in the early 2020s. We show how distressing memories from the swine flu vaccination, which led to the rare but severe adverse effect of narcolepsy in approximately 500 children in Sweden, were triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The narcolepsy illness story has rarely been told in academic contexts; therefore, we will provide space for this story. It is presented through a dialogue with the aim of shedding light on the interrelationship between pandemics—and between mass vaccinations—to investigate what could be termed cultural wounds that influence societies because they are characterized by the difficulty of talking about them. The paper explores the multiple shocks of illness in life and what can be learned from them by sharing them.
Suicide Attempts during Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gelabert Estel , Plaza Anna , Roca-Lecumberri Alba , Bramante Alessandra , Brenna Valeria , Garcia-Esteve Lluisa , Lega Ilaria , Subirà Susana , Toscano Carolina , Torres-Giménez Anna
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Suicide attempts (SA) during perinatal period have the potential to adversely affect a woman’s health and her developing infant. To date, little is known about perinatal SA and their risk factors. This study aimed to synthetize the evidence on risk factors of SA in pregnant and postpartum women.

Methods

We systematically reviewed studies retrieved from PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, following the PRISMA guidelines for reporting. A meta-analysis was conducted only for risk factors examined in at least three distinct samples.

Results

A total of ten studies were eligible for inclusion. All the studies found significant associations in regression models between perinatal SA and other variables (sociodemographic, clinical factors obstetric, neonatal, and psychosocial). The meta-analysis showed that unmarried women (pooled OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.26–2.78), with no higher education (pooled OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.31–2.74) and affected by a mood disorder (pooled OR = 11.43, 95% CI = 1.56–83.87) have a higher risk of postpartum SA; women who smoke during pregnancy (pooled OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.35–11.11) have a higher risk of SA in pregnancy; and women with previous suicidal behavior(pooled OR = 38.04, 95% CI = 3.36–431.17) have a higher risk of perinatal SA, whether during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. The type of sample, whether community or clinical, is a relevant moderating factor.

Conclusion

Our study extends prior reviews about suicidal behaviors in women by studying perinatal suicide attempts independently, as well as it synthesized data on some sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric/neonatal risk factors. Further studies about specific risk factors for perinatal SA are needed in order to improve early detection and intervention of women at risk.
Global post‑marketing safety surveillance of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in over 25,000 patients with CNS malignancies treated between 2011–2022
Authors: Mrugala Maciej M. , Shi Wenyin , Iwomoto Fabio , Lukas Rimas V. , Palmer Joshua D. , Suh John H. , Glas Martin
Published: July 2024

Background

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields that disrupt cancer cell processes. TTFields therapy is approved for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), and newly-diagnosed (nd) GBM (with concomitant temozolomide for ndGBM; US), and for grade IV glioma (EU). We present an updated global, post-marketing surveillance safety analysis of patients with CNS malignancies treated with TTFields therapy.

Methods

Safety data were collected from routine post-marketing activities for patients in North America, Europe, Israel, and Japan (October 2011–October 2022). Adverse events (AEs) were stratified by age, sex, and diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 25,898 patients were included (diagnoses: ndGBM [68%], rGBM [26%], anaplastic astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma [4%], other CNS malignancies [2%]). Median (range) age was 59 (3–103) years; 66% patients were male. Most (69%) patients were 18–65 years; 0.4% were < 18 years; 30% were ﻿> 65 years. All-cause and TTFields-related AEs occurred in 18,798 (73%) and 14,599 (56%) patients, respectively. Most common treatment-related AEs were beneath-array skin reactions (43%), electric sensation (tingling; 14%), and heat sensation (warmth; 12%). Treatment-related skin reactions were comparable in pediatric (39%), adult (42%), and elderly (45%) groups, and in males (41%) and females (46%); and similar across diagnostic subgroups (ndGBM, 46%; rGBM, 34%; anaplastic astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma, 42%; other, 40%). No TTFields-related systemic AEs were reported.

Conclusions

This long-term, real-world analysis of > 25,000 patients demonstrated good tolerability of TTFields in patients with CNS malignancies. Most therapy-related AEs were manageable localized, non-serious skin events. The TTFields therapy safety profile remained consistent across subgroups (age, sex, and diagnosis), indicative of its broad applicability.
Design and Analytic Methods to Evaluate Multilevel Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities: Rigorous Methods Are Available
Authors: Murray David M. , Goodman Melody S.
Published: July 2024

In June 2022, the NIH Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) issued a Call for Papers for a Supplemental Issue to Prevention Science on Design and Analytic Methods to Evaluate Multilevel Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities. ODP sought to bring together current thinking and new ideas about design and analytic methods for studies aimed at reducing health disparities, including strategies for balancing methodological rigor with design feasibility, acceptability, and ethical considerations. ODP was particularly interested in papers on design and analytic methods for parallel group- or cluster-randomized trials (GRTs), stepped-wedge GRTs, group-level regression discontinuity trials, and other methods appropriate for evaluating multilevel interventions. In this issue, we include 12 papers that report new methods, provide examples of strong applications of existing methods, or provide guidance on developing multilevel interventions to reduce health disparities. These papers provide examples showing that rigorous methods are available for the design and analysis of multilevel interventions to reduce health disparities.
Performance analysis of hospitals in Australia and its peers: a systematic and critical review
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Nguyen Bao Hoang , Zelenyuk Valentin
Published: July 2024

Along with the development of productivity and efficiency analysis techniques, extensive research on the performance of hospitals has been conducted in the last few decades. In this article, we conduct a systematic review supported by a series of bibliometric analyses to obtain a panoramic perspective of the research about the productivity and efficiency of hospitals—a cornerstone of the healthcare system—with a focus on Australia and its peers, i.e., the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. We focus on the bibliometric data in Scopus from 1970 to 2023 and provide a qualitative and critical analysis of major methods and findings in selected published journal articles.
Inducing Effect of Corylus avellana on Cytotoxic Activity in Lung and Breast Cancer Cells via Apoptosis
Authors: Çebi Ayşegül , Tepe Yalçın , Alioglu İmren , Ari Ferda
Published: July 2024

Turkish hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. cv Tombul) is a widely used nut in the chocolate industry and is also rich in polyphenol content, which promises anticancer effects. The anti-cancer and apoptotic effects of hazelnut leaves extracts examined on lung and breast cancer cells. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and Adenosine 5’- triphosphate (ATP) assays were carried out for cell viability measurement. The mode of cell death was shown morphologically by the double fluorescence staining. Apoptosis was determined by performing caspase-mediated cytokeratin 18 (M30 ELISA) and western blot analysis. PARP, caspase 3, caspase 8, DR4, and GAPHD (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase) protein bands were visualized as markers of apoptosis. A wound healing test was employed to measure cell migration. Methanol extract of hazelnut leaf exhibited inhibition of cell growth activities in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 values were determined as 32.17 µg/ml in MCF-7, 32.16 µg/ml in MDA-MB-231, 20.40 µg/ml in A549 and 12.04 µg/ml in H1299 cells for ethanol extract while it was determined as 21.08 µg/ml in MCF-7, 40.16 µg/ml in MDA-MB-231, 22.04 µg/ml in A549 and 5.91 µg/ml in H1299 cells in methanol extract. In comparison, methanol leaf extracts were more effective in H1299 cells (IC50 value was 5.91 µg/ml).In comparison, ethanol leaf extracts were more effective in H1299 cells (IC50 value was 9.722 µg/ml). Western blot analysis demonstrated that hazelnut leaf extract treatment of cancer cells led to cell death via apoptosis and inhibited cell migration in lung and breast cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic effects of hazelnut extract on breast and lung cancer cells might be valuable and promising in elucidating cell death mechanisms for the development of new methods in cancer treatment.
Are generics quantificational?
Authors: Kirkpatrick James Ravi
Published: July 2024

The standard view about generic generalizations is that they have a tripartite quantificational logical form involving a phonologically null quantificational expression called ‘Gen’. However, proponents of the cognitive defaults theory of generics have forcefully rejected this view, instead arguing that generics express the default generalizations of our cognitive system, and, as such, they are different in kind from quantificational generalizations. While extant criticism of the cognitive defaults theory has focused on the extent to which it is supported by the empirical evidence, there has been little discussion of a neglected, albeit essential, theoretical argument in its defence, namely, that generics cannot be quantificational because they lack a central logical property of quantifiers: isomorphism invariance. This paper addresses this lacuna by considering and rejecting this argument. Consequently, an essential argument in favour of the cognitive default theory is found wanting.
Age-related differences in metacognitive reactivity in younger and older adults
Authors: Murphy Dillon H. , Rhodes Matthew G. , Castel Alan D.
Published: July 2024

When we monitor our learning, often measured via judgments of learning (JOLs), this metacognitive process can change what is remembered. For example, prior work has demonstrated that making JOLs enhances memory for related, but not unrelated, word pairs in younger adults. In the current study, we examined potential age-related differences in metacognitive reactivity. Younger and older adults studied lists of related and unrelated word pairs to remember for a later cued recall test where they would be presented with one of the words from the pair and be asked to recall its associate. Additionally, participants either made a JOL for each pair or had an inter-stimulus interval of equal duration as the JOL period. Results revealed that while making metacognitive judgments did not significantly affect memory in younger adults (i.e., no reactivity), this procedure impaired memory in older adults (i.e., negative reactivity), particularly for unrelated word pairs. Specifically, older adults demonstrated better cued recall when each word was followed by an inter-stimulus interval than when asked to predict the likelihood of remembering each word during the study phase. This may be a consequence of JOLs increasing task demands/cognitive load, which could reduce the elaborative encoding of associations between word pairs in older adults, but older adults’ preserved or even enhanced semantic memory may mask negative reactivity for related word pairs. Future work is needed to better understand the mechanisms contributing to the reactivity effects in younger and older adults for different types of to-be-remembered information.
Amorfrutin B Compromises Hypoxia/Ischemia-induced Activation of Human Microglia in a PPARγ-dependent Manner: Effects on Inflammation, Proliferation Potential, and Mitochondrial Status
Authors: Przepiórska-Drońska Karolina , Wnuk Agnieszka , Pietrzak-Wawrzyńska Bernadeta Angelika , Łach Andrzej , Biernat Weronika , Wójtowicz Anna Katarzyna , Kajta Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

Amorfrutin B is a selective PPARγ modulator that we demonstrated to be a promising neuroprotective compound in cellular models of stroke and perinatal asphyxia. Although neuronal mechanisms of amorfrutin B-evoked neuroprotection have been identified, none of them reflects the actions of the compound on microglia, which play a pivotal role in brain response to hypoxia/ischemia. Here, we provide evidence for amorfrutin B-induced effects on human microglia subjected to hypoxia/ischemia; the compound counteracts inflammation, and influences mitochondrial status and proliferation potential in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Post-treatment with amorfrutin B decreased the IBA1 fluorescence intensity, reduced caspase-1 activity, and downregulated IL1B/IL-1β and TNFA but not IL10/IL-10 expression, which was upregulated. Amorfrutin B also stimulated PPARγ signaling, as evidenced by increased mRNA and/or protein levels of PPARγ and PGC1α. In addition, amorfrutin B reversed the hypoxia/ischemia-evoked effects on mitochondria-related parameters, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, BCL2/BCL2 expression and metabolic activity, which were correlated with diminished proliferation potential of microglia. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of amorfrutin B on the proliferation potential and mitochondrial function of microglia is opposite to the stimulatory effect of amorfrutin B on mouse neuronal survival, as evidenced by increased neuronal viability and reduced neurodegeneration. In summary, this study showed for the first time that amorfrutin B compromises hypoxia/ischemia-induced activation of human microglia in a PPARγ-dependent manner, which involves inhibiting inflammation, normalizing mitochondrial status, and controlling proliferation potential. These data extend the protective potential of amorfrutin B in the pharmacotherapy of hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, targeting not only neurons but also activated microglia.

Graphical Abstract
Are minimum variance portfolios in multi-factor models long in low-beta assets?
Authors: Steland Ansgar
Published: July 2024

Within the one-factor capital asset pricing model (CAPM), the minimum-variance portfolio (MVP) is known to have long positions in those assets of the underlying investment universe whose betas are less than a well-defined long-short threshold beta. We study the structure of MVPs in more general multi-factor asset pricing models and clarify the low-beta puzzle for multi-factor models: For multi-factor models we derive a similar criterion in terms of the betas with explicit closed-form formulas. But the structural relationship is now more involved and the long-short threshold turns out to be asset-specific. The results rely on recursive inverse-free formulas for the precision matrix, which hold for multi-factor models and allow quick computation of that inverse matrix without the need to invert matrices going beyond diagonal ones. We illustrate our findings by analyzing S &P 500 asset returns. Our empirical results of the S &P 500 constituents between 2019 and 2022 confirm the theoretical findings and shows that the minimum variance portfolio is long in low-beta assets when applying estimates of the established asset-specific thresholds.
How Does Eurosceptic Party Consolidation Transform Party Competition Over European Issues?
Authors: Braun Daniela , Carteny Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

The European Union (EU)—the world’s most advanced and exemplary case of regional integration—is adapting to an era when internal criticisms are becoming more influential than ever before in the history of European integration. An entirely new party family of Eurosceptic parties has emerged and consolidated over the last decade. Given that one of their main aims is to challenge and critique the EU, Eurosceptic parties have a particular interest in European issues—the European polity as well as major European policies. Against this backdrop, the paper investigates whether and how the rise and consolidation of Eurosceptic parties of the left and right has affected party competition over European polity and policy issues. Empirically, we use information from the Euromanifesto data set covering the past 40 years (1979–2019) relating to elections to the European Parliament. Our paper’s findings suggest that the upsurge and consolidation of Eurosceptic parties of the left and right has an important effect on party competition over European issues: Eurosceptic party success affects mainstream leftist parties’ issue salience and position when it comes to the EU polity. Moreover, higher levels of support for far-right Eurosceptic parties have an impact on the position of rightist mainstream parties on EU cultural policy issues, whereas leftist mainstream parties appear mostly unresponsive to the Eurosceptic parties’ success when it comes to EU economic policy issues. These findings give us a clearer insight on how exactly Eurosceptic parties are transforming mainstream party competition.