bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FlawCheck: Detecting Smart Contract Vulnerabilities Based on Symbolic Execution
Authors: Gou Naixiang , Zhao Xiangfu , Wang Shiji , Zhang Hanfeng , Yang Jiahui
Published: October 2024

Smart contracts are turing‐complete computer programs running on blockchains. Like traditional programs, smart contracts are also vulnerable. However, unlike traditional programs, it is very difficult to modify smart contracts once they are deployed on the blockchain. Therefore, reducing potential vulnerabilities in contracts before deployment to the blockchain is very important. The existing smart contract detection tools mostly fail to fully consider the complex control flow relationships within smart contracts, leading to false positives and false negatives. To address these problems, we propose FlawCheck, a vulnerability detection tool based on symbolic execution. First, it compiles smart contract source code into bytecode. Then, it disassembles bytecode into an opcode sequence, building the dependencies of contract control flow. Next, it performs preliminary analysis on the information generated during the simulated execution on the Ethereum virtual machine to identify suspicious vulnerability paths. Finally, it detects these suspicious paths by using symbolic execution. We verified that FlawCheck can detect five types of smart contract vulnerabilities. Experimental results on a dataset of 13016 real contracts shows that FlawCheck has higher accuracy than other tools.
Mathematical Modeling of Fluidized Bed Magnetizing Roasting of Iron Ore Fines
Authors: Sahoo Lipak Kumar , Mantripragada Vishnu Teja , Sarkar Sabita
Published: October 2024

The fluidized bed magnetizing roasting of low‐grade iron ore fines is employed as a beneficiation technique in iron‐making and steel‐making industries. In the present work, the unreacted shrinking core reaction kinetic model is coupled with the two‐fluid and kinetic theory of granular flow gas–solid flow model to simulate magnetizing roasting of hematite to magnetite in iron ore fines using a fluidized bed reactor. The model is validated with published experimental findings. Thereafter, the influence of different process parameters such as gas temperature, composition, velocity, and particle size on the reduction fraction and rate along with mass fraction and emission is studied. The reduction rate increases with gas temperature and mass fraction while it decreases with particle size. The emission increases with gas temperature, particle size, and mass fraction. However, the influence of gas velocity on these parameters is not significant. The reduction rate and time vary from 0.0010 to 0.0067 s−1 and 65 to 553 s, respectively, at a reduction fraction of 0.5. The mass fraction and emission range from 0.80 to 0.92  and from 0.63 to 4.14 g kg−1 ore, respectively.
Investigating the Effects of Boron Nitride on Mechanical Properties of CoCrFeNiMn Composites
Authors: Kumar Maloth Mohan , Suresh Gosula , Barmavatu Praveen
Published: October 2024

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) are gaining attention for their exceptional properties but achieving precision and surface quality in powder metallurgy (PM) can be challenging. This study investigates the mechanical properties of CoCrFeNiMn HEAs produced through the flake powder metallurgy (FPM) technique and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) preservative industrial, which established outstanding antiwear properties. To assess the enhancement of mechanical behavior and wear resistance by incorporating boron nitride (BN) into CoCrFeNiMn composites is fabricated via FPM. By incorporating BN into the composites, the mechanical behavior is significantly enhanced, leading to improved resistance against wear. Furthermore, the study delivers comprehensions into the serration behavior microstructure and shear localization in a high‐strain‐rate‐deformed CoCrFeMnNi entropy‐high alloy produces through metallurgy in powder. The serration behavior of the CoCrFeMnNi HEA is discussed concerning strain rate and temperature. Accordingly, the study employs the LPBF technique to fabricate the CoCrFeMnNi alloy from the prepared flakes. Microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques to explore phase distribution, grain size, and possible segregation in the CoCrFeMnNi alloy produced through FPM‐LPBF is performed. In this particular investigation, a gradient microstructure is achieved through fusion in a laser‐powder bed of CoCrFeMnNi HEA onto highly deformed equal‐atomic HEA sheets. The resulting combination of partially recrystallized regions, exhibiting elevated yield strength, and fully recrystallized regions, demonstrates enhanced strain hardenability and elongation, and yields superior mechanical properties. The results obtained from the FPM‐LPBF CoCrFeMnNi alloy will be compared with those of conventionally processed CoCrFeMnNi to highlight the advantages and improvements achieved through the proposed method. The study findings reveal that the fundamental understanding of HEAs’ behavior under LPBF with FPM affords valuable insights into optimizing the processing parameters and achieving superior mechanical attributes.
Effect of Ethanol Extract of Tea on the Physicochemical, Retrogradation Characteristics, and Digestion Properties of Wheat Starch
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Tian Shengxin , Du Guojun , Wang CunTang
Published: October 2024

The effects of ethanol extract of tea (EET) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and digestibility of wheat starch (WS) are investigated. Aging degree, solubility, swelling degree, Springness of gel, thermodynamic properties, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and digestibility of WS by adding different ratios of EET are analyzed. The changes of EET on WS‐related properties are evaluated comprehensively. The results show that the addition of EET reduces the enthalpy of recovery and inhibits the recovery of WS. At the same time, XRD diffraction shows that the addition of EET reduces the crystallinity of WS. At the same time, the addition of EET also decreases the content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) in WS and increases the content of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS). In conclusion, EET can inhibit the retrogression of WS and can also be used as a potential source of RS additives.
Root Diseases
Authors: Viret Olivier , Gindro Katia
Published: October 2024

Root rots are relatively common in perennial plants, affecting all cultivated species as well as many forest species. In viticulture, root rots are often local and very difficult to control. Root-rot fungi play a key role in the degradation of organic matter in forest ecosystems. Their presence on cultivated plants is always associated with residues of dead wood in the soil acting as a substrate or with the immediate proximity of forests, which serve as an inoculum reservoir. Root rots can cause high economic losses. The symptoms of decline caused by the different rots are difficult to distinguish from one another. They are highly variable and manifest as weak vegetative development, stunted shoots, discoloured foliage, small leaves and/or significant millerandage of the clusters. These symptoms are specific to the slow or chronic form of the diseases, which generally lead to the death of the plant a few years after the initial appearance of symptoms. The acute form results in sudden apoplexy of the vines caused by heavy colonisation of the roots, which lose their functionality. Infected plants initially appear sporadically and at random, then form more-or-less extensive infectious foci.
Sustainability Transition in Peripheral Small-Scale Forest Industries: Case Studies from Finland and Sweden
Authors: Halonen Maija , Lundmark Linda
Published: October 2024

The sustainability transition is reshaping the operational landscape of forest industries and their societal roles. While much attention is directed towards major forest companies and units situated in central regions of a country, smaller forest actors in remote areas have received comparatively less focus. In this chapter, we delve into forest industries operating in regional inland peripheries in northeast Finland and northern Sweden—locations characterised by their atypical circumstances. These forest industries are relatively small-scale compared to major players in the sector. Our case studies are strategically positioned amidst nationally and globally significant forest resources, placing them at the forefront of the sustainability transition. We explore how peripheral forest industries interpret their interrelations with sustainability transition agendas and the socio-economic environment. Additionally, we investigate how these industries navigate the dynamic currents of agendas, markets, and crises. Our inquiry is informed by the perspectives of local policymakers and representatives from peripheral forest industries. Interviews reveal that prospects are generally optimistic, particularly in light of the momentum generated by green growth initiatives and related sustainability agendas, as well as the proximity to forest resources. However, the process of adaptation has become increasingly unpredictable and challenging due to rapid and sometimes conflicting changes, as well as persistent socio-economic disadvantages.
(Re)Territorialising Policy Narratives and their Role for Novel Bioeconomy Sectors in the EU
Authors: Albrecht Moritz , Klein Oliver
Published: October 2024

The EU bioeconomy policy is undergoing a rhetorical rescaling towards regenerative, spatially attentive and inclusive development trajectories. Partially understood as a maturation process in response to previous criticism of its weak sustainability credentials, lack of social integration and spatially insensitive trajectories, the chapter provides a contrasting analysis of this shift with the (policy) narratives and spatial imaginaries that delineate the future socio-spatial development trajectories in four novel regenerative sectors. By framing and analysing the sectors’ expressive formulations on development within the translocal assemblage of EU bioeconomy policy, the chapter highlights a problematic ‘disaligned alignment’ with this rhetorical rescaling and points to a continuous marginalisation of locally focused and spatially inclusive capacities in novel, regenerative bioeconomy sector development.
Tourism and Sustainability Transitions: A Scalar Analysis of Agency in Costa Rica
Authors: Sariego-Kluge Laura , Morales Diana
Published: October 2024

This chapter seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the variety and spatial unevenness of sustainability transitions by studying Chorotega’s regional transition from livestock farming to tourism, a process that has unfolded for over four decades. We argue that agency has been mobilised across actors in multiple scales. The national government and supranational organisations initiated the transformation through policies aligning economic growth with environmental conservation, while regional and local actors, including businesses and educational institutions, have been crucial to adapt the changes. To analyse the interplay of agency at various scales, the study employs sustainability transitions and economic geography frameworks to identify how macro- and micro-level agencies influenced the initiation, evolution, and establishment of an industry that has prompted a sustainability transition in the region. Despite the green and sustainable image of Costa Rica, this chapter highlights the contradictions and limitations that sustainability transitions can face. Indeed, economic vulnerability, social inequalities, and environmental challenges persist, suggesting a need for a vision that centres around environmental and social challenges.
Rescaling Renewable Energy Communities in Portugal: Expert Imaginaries of Business-As-Usual, the Empowered Citizen and the Smart Network
Authors: Wallace Ross , Batel Susana
Published: October 2024

In the midst of the climate crisis, growing demands for an acceleration of Europe’s transition to renewable energy have led to the institutionalization and “upscaling” of disparate and local practices of community energy. This chapter examines how new laws for “Renewable Energy Communities” (RECs) have so far been constructed and construed by an array of different technical experts who are key intermediaries for the diffusion of this legal innovation in the Portuguese energy sector. We enquire into how this new object has or has not been envisioned as a desirable and realistic response to the challenges of energy transition and climate change, and how it has been shaped by different imaginaries, discourses and social representations. In particular, we examine the spatial and temporal dimensions of these imaginaries and how expert actors anchor their visions in relation to “the common good.” By focusing on the spatial, temporal and moral dimensions of different expert representations of RECs, we aim to foreground the contingency of legal innovation and the critical moments where the polysemy of RECs and the plurality of scalar possibilities are opened up or closed down.
Grounded Sustainability Transitions: Unfolding Controversy Towards a Policy Implementation in Colombia
Authors: Quimbayo Ruiz Germán A.
Published: October 2024

This article aims to document the emerging controversies in the practices, strategies, and policy implementation of sustainability transitions (STs) in Colombia and their rescaling at different levels. Academic debates in STs often focus on their establishment through international negotiation rounds in the United Nations arena and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Colombian context, in the current socio-ecological and geopolitical juncture, provides a compelling case for analysis. This study offers an overview analysis based on unstructured interviews with environmental activists and practitioners, as well as a critical review of documents and press reports. The impact of policy formulation and implementation on STs, which can exacerbate tensions in specific spatialities, has received limited attention in academic debates. Therefore, during times of multiple crises, it is crucial to recognize the ambivalence of STs in policy agendas and their implementation in specific geographies.
Exploring ‘Just’ Transitions in Regional Aotearoa New Zealand: Cases of Taranaki and Southland
Authors: Connelly Sean , Nel Etienne , Lomas Danielle
Published: October 2024

The multi-scalar sustainability challenge of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation is well understood. Yet, often the way sustainability problems materialise and how solutions are identified and implemented fail to account for the particularities of place. The way global sustainability challenges interface with place-specific issues is context-dependent, complex, and multifaceted. These spatial complexities, however, are often overlooked in the development and implementation of sustainability transitions across space. This is particularly the case in the context of rural and peripheral regions, where assumed congruence between quality of life and sustainability aspirations at national and local scales, and across urban and rural places, is problematic. The regions of Taranaki and Southland in New Zealand provide good examples—both are regions dominated by economic sectors with uncertain futures that have necessitated central state intervention to support a just transition. In this chapter, particular attention is paid to national policy and then how transitions are playing out in these two regions, which the government has prioritised as lead regions in its sustainability drive. Both regions illustrate how the meaning and purpose of just transition is mediated by local and regional actors as they seek support and capacity to diversify their economies in a carbon-constrained context.
Disaggregating Sustainable Transitions Through Power and Governance Arrangements in Municipal Enterprises: A Case Study of the Canmore Community Housing Corporation
Authors: Ryser Laura , Markey Sean , Halseth Greg , Mateus Martin , Hallstrom Lars
Published: October 2024

Housing is a key part of the sustainability discourse of any community. It can affect the recruitment and retention of workers and their families that, in turn, support the resilience of rural communities, businesses, and economies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the scalar dimensions of transition management to support socio-economic development and sustainable housing markets in small municipalities. Drawing from the case study of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, this chapter explores the power and governance dynamics that have unfolded through the municipality’s attempts to bring sustainability to its rapidly growing housing market, community, and economy. This endeavour is unfolding within complex and unclear statutory environments guiding the governance of municipal enterprises within the Province of Alberta. The research deepens our understanding of the governance processes guiding municipal enterprises, broadens our awareness of new approaches to sustainable rental and home ownership markets, and shares the use of community housing enterprises to support sustainable transitions with other municipalities in Canada and internationally.
Zusammenfassung und Ausblick
Authors: Massimiani Andrea
Published: October 2024

Zentrales Ziel dieser Dissertation ist die Entwicklung eines Vorgehensmodells für Handelsunternehmen, um diese bei der Implementierung von StTmgt zu unterstützen. Dafür ist die Ermittlung von relevanten KEFs sowie die Darlegung der für die Einführung von StTmgt wesentlichen Wirkzusammenhänge notwendig. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, wurde der wissenschaftliche State-of-the-Art zu Trendmanagement, KEFs und Vorgehensmodellen mit Innovationskontext quantitativ sowie qualitativ umfassend aufbereitet.
South African Parents’ and Grandparents’ Perspectives on the Acceptability of Implant Delivery of Treatment to Young Children with HIV
Authors: Hawley Imogen , Baez Alejandro , Scorgie Fiona , Fairlie Lee , Mathebula Florence , Cottrell Mackenzie Leigh , Johnson Leah M. , Montgomery Elizabeth T.
Published: October 2024

Children living with HIV (CLWH) face unique challenges with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In South Africa, just over a third of children receiving antiretroviral therapy are virally suppressed. Long-acting, subcutaneous implants may improve outcomes in CLWH compared to current daily oral dosing regimens. Qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 50 caregivers of CLHW in Johannesburg, South Africa. Interviews and FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were coded and analyzed using Dedoose v9 software and a thematic approach. Caregivers had generally positive impressions of the pediatric HIV treatment implant. They emphasized the advantages of a long-acting and discreet treatment option for CLWH. Cited advantages were perceived to have widespread impact on CLWH, their caregivers, and other social dynamics. Caregivers raised some concerns or uncertainties about the potential efficacy, side effects and safety of the implant. Future clinical testing and outreach efforts may address such concerns and mitigate potential misinformation about implants. This study indicates the need to develop long-acting, discreet, safe, and efficacious HIV treatment options for young children.
A framework for measuring the training efficiency of a neural architecture
Authors: Cueto-Mendoza Eduardo , Kelleher John
Published: October 2024

Measuring Efficiency in neural network system development is an open research problem. This paper presents an experimental framework to measure the training efficiency of a neural architecture. To demonstrate our approach, we analyze the training efficiency of Convolutional Neural Networks and Bayesian equivalents on the MNIST and CIFAR-10 tasks. Our results show that training efficiency decays as training progresses and varies across different stopping criteria for a given neural model and learning task. We also find a non-linear relationship between training stopping criteria, training Efficiency, model size, and training Efficiency. Furthermore, we illustrate the potential confounding effects of overtraining on measuring the training efficiency of a neural architecture. Regarding relative training efficiency across different architectures, our results indicate that CNNs are more efficient than BCNNs on both datasets. More generally, as a learning task becomes more complex, the relative difference in training efficiency between different architectures becomes more pronounced.
Revisiting values in evaluation: exploring the role of values in shaping evaluation practices and their influences on decision-making within English higher education providers
Authors: Kelly Catherine
Published: October 2024

Theoretical and empirical contributions to research on evaluation have advanced our understanding of how values influence evaluation practice. Yet rather than understand how values shape evaluation and its use, research on the evaluation of widening participation (WP) programmes delivered by English higher education (HE) providers has focused on methodological deficits. Rather, this study explores the complexity of how national policy, organisational imperatives and the individual values of staff responsible for WP within HE providers influence how evaluation is practised and used to inform decision-making. The results of semi-structured interviews with 17 staff members spanning the organisational hierarchy of three diverse English HE providers highlight conflicts between staff values, job roles and responsibilities and espoused organisational values, and how they can influence symbolic and legitimising evaluation practices. Alternatively, at the individual level staff values support the process and instrumental use of evaluation to inform programme improvements. The findings identify implications for how HE providers can shape their evaluation systems, and how staff choose to enact evaluation within their programme areas.
Liquid Viscosity and Surface Tension of Cyclohexane Between 280 and 473 K by Surface Light Scattering
Authors: Damp Paul , Sun Yongzhen , Schulz Peter S. , Koller Thomas M. , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: October 2024

The present study provides experimental data for the liquid viscosity and surface tension of cyclohexane at or close to saturation conditions by surface light scattering between (280 and 473) K. By applying the hydrodynamic theory for surface fluctuations at the vapor–liquid phase boundary, which could be verified experimentally, the liquid viscosity and surface tension were determined simultaneously at macroscopic thermodynamic equilibrium with average relative expanded (k = 2) uncertainties of Ur(η′) = 0.020 and Ur(σ) = 0.012. For both properties, the present measurement results agree well with reference values in the literature which are restricted to a maximum temperature of 393 K for viscosity and 337 K for surface tension. The experimental results from this work contribute to an improved database for the viscosity and surface tension of cyclohexane over a wide temperature range from a temperature close to the melting point up to 473 K.
PragFormer: Data-Driven Parallel Source Code Classification with Transformers
Authors: Harel Re’em , Kadosh Tal , Hasabnis Niranjan , Mattson Timothy , Pinter Yuval , Oren Gal
Published: October 2024

Multi-core shared memory architectures have become ubiquitous in computing hardware nowadays. As a result, there is a growing need to fully utilize these architectures by introducing appropriate parallelization schemes, such as OpenMP worksharing-loop constructs, to applications. However, most developers find introducing OpenMP directives to their code hard due to pervasive pitfalls in managing parallel shared memory. To assist developers in this process, many compilers, as well as source-to-source (S2S) translation tools, have been developed over the years, tasked with inserting OpenMP directives into code automatically. In addition to having limited robustness to their input format, these compilers still do not achieve satisfactory coverage and precision in locating parallelizable code and generating appropriate directives. Recently, many data-driven AI-based code completion (CC) tools, such as GitHub CoPilot, have been developed to ease and improve programming productivity. Leveraging the insights from existing AI-based programming-assistance tools, this work presents a novel AI model that can serve as a parallel-programming assistant. Specifically, our model, named PragFormer, is tasked with identifying loops that can benefit from conversion to parallel worksharing-loop construct (OpenMP directive) and even predict the need for specific data-sharing attributes clauses on the fly. We created a unique database, named Open-OMP, specifically for this goal. Open-OMP contains over 32,000 unique code snippets from different domains, half of which contain OpenMP directives, while the other half do not. We experimented with different model design parameters for these tasks and showed that our best-performing model outperforms a statistically-trained baseline as well as a state-of-the-art S2S compiler. In fact, it even outperforms the popular generative AI model of ChatGPT. In the spirit of advancing research on this topic, we have already released source code for PragFormer as well as Open-OMP dataset to public. Moreover, an interactive demo of our tool, as well as a Hugging Face webpage to experiment with our tool, are already available.
A Sociologist in the Lords: The Parliamentary Career of Anthony Giddens
Authors: Dawson Matt
Published: October 2024

This paper considers the parliamentary career of Anthony Giddens, perhaps the most significant contemporary case of a sociologist achieving political office. Despite this, Giddens’ contributions to the House of Lords have been ignored by sociologists who are largely critical of his later political work. Drawing upon literature from the sociology of intellectuals, most notably positioning theory, I seek to understand Giddens’ unique positioning as an ‘intellectual in politics’ tied to a patron, in his case Tony Blair and New Labour. Following a discussion of how Giddens positioned himself to gain a peerage, I show how his spoken contributions to the Lords reflect three themes: (1) The ‘Intellectual in Politics’ positioning, (2) The role of drama and narrative in his performances, (3) The allure of a ‘Professional’ positioning and the turn towards political, rather than intellectual, interventions. I conclude by highlighting key lessons the sociology of intellectuals and sociology more generally can take from Giddens’ time in the Lords.
The recent history and near future of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine: an update on progress from 2019 to 2024
Authors: Arigo Danielle , Jake-Schoffman Danielle E. , Pagoto Sherry L.
Published: October 2024

The field of behavioral medicine has a long and successful history of leveraging digital health tools to promote health behavior change. Our 2019 summary of the history and future of digital health in behavioral medicine (Arigo in J Behav Med 8: 67–83, 2019) was one of the most highly cited articles in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine from 2010 to 2020; here, we provide an update on the opportunities and challenges we identified in 2019. We address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral medicine research and practice and highlight some of the digital health advances it prompted. We also describe emerging challenges and opportunities in the evolving ecosystem of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine, including the emergence of new evidence, research methods, and tools to promote health and health behaviors. Specifically, we offer updates on advanced research methods, the science of digital engagement, dissemination and implementation science, and artificial intelligence technologies, including examples of uses in healthcare and behavioral medicine. We also provide recommendations for next steps in these areas with attention to ethics, training, and accessibility considerations. The field of behavioral medicine has made meaningful advances since 2019 and continues to evolve with impressive pace and innovation.
Early warning system for floods at estuarine areas: combining artificial intelligence with process-based models
Authors: Weber de Melo Willian , Iglesias Isabel , Pinho José
Published: October 2024

Floods are among the most common natural disasters, causing countless losses every year worldwide and demanding urgent measures to mitigate their impacts. This study proposes a novel combination of artificial intelligence and process-based models to construct a flood early warning system (FEWS) for estuarine regions. Using streamflow and rainfall data, a deep learning model with long short-term memory layers was used to forecast the river discharge at the fluvial boundary of an estuary. Afterwards, a hydrodynamic process-based model was used to simulate water levels in the estuary. The river discharge predictors were trained using different forecasting windows varying from 3 h to 36 h to assess the relationship between the time window and accuracy. The insertion of attention layers into the network architecture was evaluated to enhance forecasting capacity. The FEWS was implemented in the Douro River Estuary, a densely urbanised flood-prone area in northern Portugal. The results demonstrated that the Douro Estuary FEWS is reliable for discharges up to 5000 m3/s, with predictions made 36 h in advance. For values higher than this, the uncertainties in the model predictions increased; however, they were still capable of detecting flood occurrences.
Is country leaders’ education relevant for policy making? The case of the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bruckmeyer Stefan
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the impact of a country leader’s education on policy responses and policy outcomes during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Relying on a quasi-experimental event-study approach, I find that political leaders with a graduate education responded more stringently to the first nationally registered infection than political leaders with lower educational attainment. Subsequently, political leaders with a graduate education reported fewer Covid-19 infections and Covid-19 related deaths at the onset of the pandemic. The results suggest that the education of political leaders can explain policy differences, particularly in countries with low electoral accountability. The low level of accountability allowed political leaders with a graduate education to implement stringent, evidence-based policies to contain the pandemic without fear of electoral punishment.
Don’t forget institutions: a review essay of The Economics of Prosperity
Authors: Lu Janna
Published: October 2024

Exchange, division of labor, technology, capital accumulation, and entrepreneurship all contribute to economic growth. In The Economics of Prosperity, Ritenour explains how each of these concepts allow countries to develop and flourish. This book attempts to provide an extensive survey of Austrian literature surrounding development, while still preserving the author’s opinions around debated issues such as the person and function of the entrepreneur. Ritenour also takes the institution of secure private property rights as a given. This paper argues that strong private property rights must precede any discussion of exchange and specialization, particularly because exchange presupposes ownership. The ruler or ruling elites have to concede some power and uphold a strict rule of law to protect private property rights. Additionally, this paper also extends the discussion to cultural and institutional factors behind innovation and economic development, instead of relying on the Weberian work ethic to explain the Industrial Revolution. In short, economic growth requires good economic principles.
3-Factor prothrombin complex concentrate versus 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors
Authors: Hays William Blake , Billups Kelsey , Nicholson Jessica , Bailey Abby M. , Gregory Haili , Weeda Erin R. , Weant Kyle A.
Published: October 2024

Multiple agents exist for the reversal of oral Factor Xa inhibitor (FXa) associated bleeding, including Coagulation FXa Recombinant, Inactivated zhzo (andexanet alfa) and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). While classified as a 3F-PCC product, Profilnine contains up to 35 IU of Factor VII (per 100 IU of Factor IX) in addition to therapeutic levels of Factors II, IX, and X, and has demonstrated a similar impact on prothrombin time and blood product usage in non-warfarin related bleeding. This was a retrospective, multicenter study at four medical centers of adult patients who presented with major bleeding associated with oral FXa inhibitors and received either 4F-PCC (n = 64) or 3F-PCC (n = 61). The primary outcome was hemostatic effectiveness. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thromboembolism, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. The most common indication for reversal was intracranial bleeding. For the primary outcome, 84% of all patients were rated as effective with no difference noted between the groups (p = 0.81). No significant difference between groups was found in the multivariable analysis adjusting for baseline differences between groups including race, total body weight, type of bleeding, and the use of antiplatelet therapy. There was no difference in the length of stay, in-hospital mortality, or the incidence of thromboembolism between the groups. Overall, no significant differences were found in the effectiveness or safety of 4F-PCC and 3F-PCC use in the management of oral FXa inhibitor-associated bleeding. Further investigations are warranted to explore the use of 3F-PCC for this indication and its safety and effectiveness.

Graphical Abstract

3-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate versus 4-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for the Reversal of Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors.
IgE immunoadsorption: technical background, functionality, and first clinical experience
Authors: Lo Scalzo Lucia , Sciannamea Maddalena , Cafarotti Arianna , Dahdah Lamia , Klimek Ludger , Arasi Stefania
Published: October 2024

Background

The prevalence of allergic diseases has risen in the 21st century, drawing attention to specific therapeutic and preventive strategies. Due to the key role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the development of allergic reactions, IgE represents a key target treatment. In this scenario, IgE immunoadsorption (IgE-IA) has been investigated as a procedure that selectively removes circulating IgE antibodies from the bloodstream of patients with atopy.

Methods

This narrative review aims to critically summarize the current insights regarding IgE-IA in the context of the management of allergic diseases, ranging from the rationale to the technical aspects, as well as the benefits and unmet needs.

Results

IgE-IA might be a treatment strategy in well-selected patients with allergic diseases. IgE depletion through sessions of IgE-IA results in immediate clinical improvement and might be useful in acute situations when a rapid clinical response is required or when classic approaches are contraindicated or ineffective. Due to the reduced effectiveness over time, IgE-IA could be a valid first approach before starting another IgE depletion therapy, such as omalizumab, when its commencement would otherwise be contraindicated by too-high serum IgE levels.

Conclusion

Overall, IgE-IA is safe and well tolerated; however, this procedure is currently difficult to implement in routine clinical practice because of costs, time demands, need for hospitalization, and the invasiveness of the procedure, with the associated risks related to the necessity of venous catheterization.
Inter-Skeleton Conductive Routes Tuning Multifunctional Conductive Foam for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding, Sensing and Thermal Management
Authors: Li Xufeng , Chen Chunyan , Li Zhenyang , Yi Peng , Zou Haihan , Deng Gao , Fang Ming , He Junzhe , Sun Xin , Yu Ronghai , Shui Jianglan , Pan Caofeng , Liu Xiaofang
Published: October 2024

Conductive polymer foam (CPF) with excellent compressibility and variable resistance has promising applications in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and other integrated functions for wearable electronics. However, its insufficient change amplitude of resistance with compressive strain generally leads to a degradation of shielding performance during deformation. Here, an innovative loading strategy of conductive materials on polymer foam is proposed to significantly increase the contact probability and contact area of conductive components under compression. Unique inter-skeleton conductive films are constructed by loading alginate-decorated magnetic liquid metal on the polymethacrylate films hanged between the foam skeleton (denoted as AMLM-PM foam). Traditional point contact between conductive skeletons under compression is upgraded to planar contact between conductive films. Therefore, the resistance change of AMLM-PM reaches four orders of magnitude under compression. Moreover, the inter-skeleton conductive films can improve the mechanical strength of foam, prevent the leakage of liquid metal and increase the scattering area of EM wave. AMLM-PM foam has strain-adaptive EMI shielding performance and shows compression-enhanced shielding effectiveness, solving the problem of traditional CPFs upon compression. The upgrade of resistance response also enables foam to achieve sensitive pressure sensing over a wide pressure range and compression-regulated Joule heating function.
Rising From the Rubble: Air Quality Concerns in Post-Earthquake Afghanistan
Authors: Barati Hosain , Kaneda Yudai , Ramozi Mirwais , Ozaki Akihiko , Kotera Yasuhiro
Published: October 2024

This position paper highlights the dire impacts of environmental and household air pollution, which were responsible for 6.7 million deaths globally in 2019. These deaths occurred predominantly in low- and middle-income countries, with Afghanistan reporting the highest age-adjusted mortality rate. The situation worsens during large-scale disasters like earthquakes, which release more pollutants into the air, exacerbating health risks and leading to severe conditions such as pulmonary diseases. Because political factors may hinder foreign NGOs and similar organizations from providing direct support, the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Afghanistan underscores the critical need for emergency response training for local residents. Consequently, it is essential to provide ERT training, including the proper use of protective equipment, to local populations as well as disseminating risk communication through online technologies and other appropriate means.
The Effects of Post-Earthquake Trauma Levels of Nursing Students on their Academic Motivation and Career Decisions
Authors: Kuşlu Sebahat , Çelikkanat Şirin
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study was carried out to determine the effects of post-earthquake trauma levels of nursing students on their academic motivation and career decisions.

Methods

The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 228 students studying at Gaziantep Islamic Science and Technology University, Department of Nursing. The data were collected using an online questionnaire created by the researchers. This online questionnaire form consists of seven questions about socio-demographic characteristics, and it also includes the Determination of Post-Earthquake Trauma Levels Scale, Academic Motivation Scale, and Career Decision Scale. SPSS 23.0 package program was used for the analysis of the data, and P < 0.05 was accepted for the level of significance.

Results

It was determined that the post-earthquake trauma level of the students was above the moderate level (63.49 ± 17.29) and that the extrinsic motivation-identified regulation, extrinsic motivation-external motivation, and intrinsic-knowledge levels were more affected by the earthquake (P < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that the mean Career Decision Scale score of the students (74.20 ± 17.35) was below the average.

Conclusions

It was determined that post-earthquake trauma level had positive effects on intrinsic motivation-stimulation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation, but had no effect on career decision.
Beyond Injuries: February 6th Kahramanmaras Earthquakes and Other Patients Transported by Ambulance
Authors: Gulen Muge , Satar Salim , Acehan Selen , Sevdimbas Sarper , Gorur Mehmet , Nigiz Kadir , Ince Cagdas , Balta Ayca , Aybal Esra , Cetinkunar Suleyman
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study evaluates the Emergency Medical Service system and overall emergency preparedness by analyzing ambulance-transported patients during the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, focusing on those without earthquake-related injuries (medical emergencies and traumas not caused by earthquakes).

Methods

A retrospective, observational case series was conducted, involving patients aged 18 and above transported by ambulance between February 6 and March 6, 2023. Patient demographic characteristics, vital signs, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Predisposing factors for ambulance transportation including post-earthquake health facility issues, housing problems, hygiene, heating, and smoke exposure were meticulously analyzed.

Results

The study included 1872 patients, with a 55.4% hospitalization rate and a 13.7% mortality rate. Cardiovascular emergencies were the primary reason for admission (28.9%). Patients from the hospital in the study’s location form Group 1, whereas those from other earthquake-affected provinces constitute Group 2. Significant predisposing factors for ambulance transportation included post-earthquake health facilities (P < 0.001), housing problems (P < 0.001), hygiene (P < 0.001), heating (P = 0.001), and smoke exposure (P < 0.001). In Group 2, pneumonia (P = 0.001), soft tissue infection (P = 0.002), sepsis (P = 0.004), carbon monoxide poisoning (P < 0.001), and diabetic emergencies (P = 0.013) were statistically significantly more frequent.

Conclusions

Analyzing post-earthquake ambulance-transported patients is vital to comprehend the demand for emergency health care and address post-disaster health care challenges.
The Urgent Need for Disaster Education as a Core Competency in Accredited Schools and Colleges of Public Health by the Council on Education for Public Health
Authors: Harris Curt , O’Neal Patrick , Taylor Morgan
Published: October 2024

Public Health is essential to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when public health was the disaster response lead. However, students are graduating from accredited schools and colleges of public health with limited or no education in disaster management. This is a crisis unto itself, and it is incumbent upon The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) to take immediate action. Public health preparedness should be recognized as a core element in public health curricula, and practical experiences, such as drills and simulations, are necessary to equip students with the confidence and competencies needed in high-stress situations. The need for such preparedness education extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a crucial step for creating a resilient and competent public health workforce capable of safeguarding community health in the face of complex and emerging challenges.
An update on Haiman’s conjectures
Authors: Abreu Alex Corrêa , Nigro Antonio
Published: October 2024

We revisit Haiman’s conjecture on the relations between characters of Kazdhan–Lusztig basis elements of the Hecke algebra over

$S_n$

. The conjecture asserts that, for purposes of character evaluation, any Kazhdan–Lusztig basis element is reducible to a sum of the simplest possible ones (those associated to so-called codominant permutations). When the basis element is associated to a smooth permutation, we are able to give a geometric proof of this conjecture. On the other hand, if the permutation is singular, we provide a counterexample.
Asymptotic freeness in tracial ultraproducts
Authors: Houdayer Cyril , Ioana Adrian
Published: October 2024

We prove novel asymptotic freeness results in tracial ultraproduct von Neumann algebras. In particular, we show that whenever

$M = M_1 \ast M_2$

is a tracial free product von Neumann algebra and

$u_1 \in \mathscr U(M_1)$

,

$u_2 \in \mathscr U(M_2)$

are Haar unitaries, the relative commutants

$\{u_1\}' \cap M^{\mathcal U}$

and

$\{u_2\}' \cap M^{\mathcal U}$

are freely independent in the ultraproduct

$M^{\mathcal U}$

. Our proof relies on Mei–Ricard’s results [MR16] regarding

$\operatorname {L}^p$

-boundedness (for all

$1 < p < +\infty $

) of certain Fourier multipliers in tracial amalgamated free products von Neumann algebras. We derive two applications. Firstly, we obtain a general absorption result in tracial amalgamated free products that recovers several previous maximal amenability/Gamma absorption results. Secondly, we prove a new lifting theorem which we combine with our asymptotic freeness results and Chifan–Ioana–Kunnawalkam Elayavalli’s recent construction [CIKE22] to provide the first example of a

$\mathrm {II_1}$

factor that does not have property Gamma and is not elementary equivalent to any free product of diffuse tracial von Neumann algebras.
Exposures to great Chinese Famine during embryo, foetal or infant stages link differently with risks of cardiovascular diseases in late middle age
Authors: Zhou Xiuwen , Zhang Yumeng , Zheng Qiutong , Ding Yi , Zhang Daiyi , Pu Jianhong , Xu Zhice
Published: October 2024

Perinatal malnutrition is a critical cause of diseases in offspring. Based on the different rates of organ development, we hypothesised that malnutrition at varying early life stages would have a differential impact on cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older adults. This study sought to assess the long-term impact of exposure to the 1959–1961 Great Chinese Famine (GCF) during early developmental periods on risks of cardiovascular diseases in the late middle-aged offspring. A total 6, 662 individuals, born between 1958 and 1964, were divided into six groups according to the birth date. The generalised line model was used to control age and estimate differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) in blood pressure. Binary logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between famine exposure and cardiovascular diseases. Compared to the unexposed late middle-aged persons, blood pressure was elevated in the entire gestation exposure group, regardless of postnatal exposure to GCF. Increased blood pressure was also found in the female offspring exposed to GCF during early and middle gestation. The early-childhood exposure was associated with the risk of bradycardia in the offspring. The risks of vertebral artery atherosclerosis were elevated in GCF famine-exposed groups except first trimester exposed group. The chronic influence of GCF in early life periods was specific to the developmental timing window, sexesand organs, suggesting an essential role of interactions among multiple factors and prenatal malnutrition in developmentally “programming” cardiovascular diseases.
Are local policy attitudes distinct?
Authors: Schaffner Brian F. , Rhodes Jesse H. , La Raja Raymond J.
Published: October 2024

Scholars disagree as to whether Americans’ attitudes toward local issues are structured ideologically and whether these are related to national policy ideology. We use two surveys of American adults to assess whether and to what extent Americans' local policy attitudes exhibit a similar structure as do national policy attitudes. We find that items asking about local policy are just as likely to reflect a latent dimension of policy preferences as those asking about national policy. Additionally, when local and national items are scaled separately, those scales are highly correlated. Our findings indicate that attitudes toward many local issues are aligned with national ideology. A smaller subset of attitudes about local issues appears distinctively local and possibly structured by non-ideological cleavages.