bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moduli of uniform convexity for convex sets
Authors: De Bernardi Carlo Alberto , Veselý Libor
Published: July 2024

Let C be a proper, closed subset with nonempty interior in a normed space X. We define four variants of modulus of convexity for C and prove that they all coincide. This result, which is classical and well-known for $$C=B_X$$

C
=

B
X

(the unit ball of X), requires a less easy proof than the particular case of $$B_X.$$

B
X

.

We also show that if the modulus of convexity of C is not identically null, then C is bounded. This extends a result by M.V. Balashov and D. Repovš.
A new lower bound for the $$\textrm{L}^2$$-norm of the Caputo fractional derivative
Authors: Jornet Marc
Published: July 2024

We prove a novel, tight lower bound for the norm in $$\textrm{L}^2[0,T]$$

L
2

[
0
,
T
]

of the Caputo fractional derivative. It is based on continuous linear functionals, Peano kernels, and the Gaussian hypergeometric function.
Associations between constipation risk and lifestyle, medication use, and affective symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Chiang Che-Yu , Lo Su-Chen , Beckstead Jason W. , Yang Chiu-Yueh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To investigate the association between lifestyle and atypical antipsychotic drug use in patients with schizophrenia and the risk of constipation and to assess the impact of anxiety and depressive symptoms on constipation risk.

Methods

Cross-sectional convenience sampling was employed, and 271 participants aged 20–65 were enrolled. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising participants’ demographic data, medication information, dietary behavior assessment, and the Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. IBM SPSS 24.0 with multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. We performed a subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs via multivariate logistic regression.

Results

In total, 180 participants had functional constipation; risk factors included female sex, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quetiapine and aripiprazole use. Patients who drank more than 3,000 cc of water daily or used risperidone were less likely to have functional constipation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were risk factors even after adjusting for sex, use of anticholinergics and laxatives, consuming two servings of fruit, consuming three servings of vegetables, consuming more than 3,000 cc of water daily, physical activity, medical comorbidity, chlorpromazine equivalent dose, and atypical antipsychotic use. Similar associations were found for two affective symptoms and functional constipation in the subgroup analysis of anticholinergic drugs.

Conclusion

The prevalence of functional constipation in patients with schizophrenia was 66.4%. The risk factors included female sex, anticholinergics, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Risperidone users and those who drank 3000 cc of water daily were less likely to have constipation.
React: recognize every action everywhere all at once
Authors: Chappa Naga V. S. Raviteja , Nguyen Pha , Dobbs Page Daniel , Luu Khoa
Published: July 2024

In the realm of computer vision, Group Activity Recognition (GAR) plays a vital role, finding applications in sports video analysis, surveillance, and social scene understanding. This paper introducesRecognizeEveryAction Everywhere All At Once (REACT), a novel architecture designed to model complex contextual relationships within videos. REACT leverages advanced transformer-based models for encoding intricate contextual relationships, enhancing understanding of group dynamics. Integrated Vision-Language Encoding facilitates efficient capture of spatiotemporal interactions and multi-modal information, enabling comprehensive scene understanding. The model’s precise action localization refines joint understanding of text and video data, enabling precise bounding box retrieval and enhancing semantic links between textual descriptions and visual reality. Actor-Specific Fusion strikes a balance between actor-specific details and contextual information, improving model specificity and robustness in recognizing group activities. Experimental results demonstrate REACT’s superiority over state-of-the-art GAR approaches, achieving higher accuracy in recognizing and understanding group activities across diverse datasets. This work significantly advances group activity recognition, offering a robust framework for nuanced scene comprehension.
Enumeration of non-nodal real plane rational curves
Authors: Shustin Eugenii
Published: July 2024

Welschinger invariants enumerate real nodal rational curves in the plane or in another real rational surface. We analyze the existence of similar enumerative invariants that count real rational plane curves having prescribed non-nodal singularities and passing through a generic conjugation-invariant configuration of appropriately many points in the plane. We show that an invariant like this is unique: it enumerates real rational three-cuspidal quartics that pass through generically chosen four pairs of complex conjugate points. As a consequence, we show that through any generic configuration of four pairs of complex conjugate points, one can always trace a pair of real rational three-cuspidal quartics.
Enhancing electrochemical detection through machine learning-driven prediction for canine mammary tumor biomarker with green silver nanoparticles
Authors: Enginler Sinem Özlem , Küçükdeniz Tarık , Dal Gamze Evkuran , Yıldırım Funda , Cilasun Gökçe Erdemir , Alkan Fulya Üstün , Gürgen Hazal Öztürk , Taşaltın Nevin , Sabuncu Ahmet , Yılmaz Merve , Karakuş Selcan
Published: July 2024

This study developed an innovative biosensor strategy for the sensitive and selective detection of canine mammary tumor biomarkers, cancer antigen 15–3 (CA 15–3) and mucin 1 (MUC-1), integrating green silver nanoparticles (GAgNPs) with machine learning (ML) algorithms to achieve high diagnostic accuracy and potential for noninvasive early detection. The GAgNPs-enhanced electrochemical biosensor demonstrated selective detection of CA 15–3 in serum and MUC-1 in tissue homogenates, with limits of detection (LODs) of 0.07 and 0.11 U mL−1, respectively. The nanoscale dimensions of the GAgNPs endowed them with electrochemically active surface areas, facilitating sensitive biomarker detection. Experimental studies targeted CA 15–3 and MUC-1 biomarkers in clinical samples, and the biosensor exhibited ease of use and good selectivity. Furthermore, ML algorithms were employed to analyze the electrochemical data and predict biomarker concentrations, enhancing the diagnostic accuracy. The Random Forest algorithm achieved 98% accuracy in tumor presence prediction, while an Artificial Neural Network attained 76% accuracy in CA 15–3-based tumor grade classification. The integration of ML techniques with the GAgNPs-based biosensor offers a promising approach for noninvasive, accurate, and early detection of canine mammary tumors, potentially revolutionizing veterinary diagnostics. This multilayered strategy, combining eco-friendly nanomaterials, electrochemical sensing, and ML algorithms, holds significant potential for advancing both biomedical research and clinical practice in the field of canine mammary tumor diagnostics.

Graphical Abstract
Acceleration of skeletal maturation in Central Europe over the last two decades: insights from two cohorts of healthy children
Authors: Pape Johanna , Rosolowski Maciej , Zimmermann Peter , Pfäffle Roland , Hirsch Franz W. , Gräfe Daniel
Published: July 2024

Background

Deviations between the determination of bone age (BA) according to Greulich and Pyle (G&P) and chronological age (CA) are common in Caucasians. Assessing these discrepancies in a population over time requires analysis of large samples and low intra-observer variability in BA estimation, both can be achieved with artificial intelligence-based software. The latest software-based reference curve contrasting the BA determined by G&P to the CA of Central European children dates back over two decades.

Objective

To examine whether the reference curve from a historical cohort from the Netherlands (Rotterdam cohort) between BA determined by G&P and CA still applies to a current Central European cohort and derive a current reference curve.

Materials and methods

This retrospective single-center study included 1,653 children and adolescents (aged 3–17 years) who had received a radiograph of the hand following trauma. The G&P BA estimated using artificial intelligence-based software was contrasted with the CA, and the deviations were compared with the Rotterdam cohort.

Results

Among the participants, the mean absolute error between BA and CA was 0.92 years for girls and 0.97 years for boys. For the ages of 8 years (boys) and 11 years (girls) and upward, the mean deviation was significantly greater in the current cohort than in the Rotterdam cohort. The reference curves of both cohorts also differed significantly from each other (P < 0.001 for both boys and girls).

Conclusion

The BA of the current Central European population and that of the curve from the Rotterdam cohort from over two decades ago differ. Whether this effect can be attributed to accelerated bone maturation needs further evaluation.
Clinical management of intestinal malrotation in different age groups
Authors: Bostancı Süleyman Arif , Öztorun Can İhsan , Erten Elif Emel , Akkaya Fahri , Akbaş İrem , Çayhan Vildan Selin , Abay Aslı Nur , Demir Sabri , Ertürk Ahmet , Azılı Müjdem Nur , Şenel Emrah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Intestinal malrotation, characterized by abnormal intestinal positioning, can lead to severe complications like volvulus and internal hernias, especially in neonates and children. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic methods, treatment results and postoperative follow-up of pediatric patients treated for intestinal malrotation.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for intestinal malrotation between January 2013 and January 2022. Data on demographics, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, surgical interventions, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The study included 45 patients, with a male predominance (68.8%). Ages ranged from 1 day to 15 years, averaging 1.54 years. Presenting symptoms were acute abdomen (n = 21) and chronic abdominal pain with vomiting (n = 24). Diagnoses were established via physical exams and imaging, including upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and abdominal ultrasonography. All patients received the Ladd procedure, with some requiring necrotic bowel resection due to volvulus.

Conclusion

The diagnosis and management of pediatric intestinal malrotation present significant challenges due to its variable symptoms and potential for life-threatening complications. Early and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate surgical management, is crucial. This study emphasizes the importance of diligent postoperative follow-up to identify and mitigate complications, particularly in younger and severely affected patients.
Unfolding the role of exercise in the management of sleep disorders
Authors: Giannaki Christoforos D. , Sakkas Giorgos K. , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M. , Manconi Mauro , Bargiotas Panagiotis
Published: July 2024

Sleep disorders are prevalent among the general population and even more in individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Recent data reveal promising effects of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep and managing various sleep disorders. However, more studies with proper design and methodology should be conducted in the future to obtain a clearer understanding of the subject. The role of exercise in preventing and improving sleep disorders is probably much higher than what is currently exploited. To fully exploit the potential benefit of physical activity on sleep disorders in the future, it is necessary to identify the relevant tools to assess sleep–wake disorders and establish specific exercise protocols tailored to different sleep disorders. The present manuscript aims to review the literature on the use of exercise in managing selected sleep disorders. Regular exercise, including short-term aerobic activity, resistance training, and mind–body exercises, can effectively improve sleep quality, particularly in cases of insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of aerobic and strength training, and body-mind exercises such as yoga in managing sleep-related movement disorders. Exercise can be a safe, affordable, and efficient tool in enhancing sleep quality and improving sleep disorders. Per se, regular exercise could play an adjuvant role alongside with established therapies, or a valid alternative when the pharmacological approach is limited by side effects, interactions, or inefficacy. More research is needed to define how exercise affects the physiology of sleep, and consequently how to use exercise in patients with sleep disorders.

Graphical Abstract
A De Lellis–Müller type estimate on the Minkowski lightcone
Authors: Wolff Markus
Published: July 2024

We prove an analogue statement to an estimate by De Lellis–Müller in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

on the standard Minkowski lightcone. More precisely, we show that under some additional assumptions, any spacelike cross section of the standard lightcone is $$W^{2,2}$$

W

2
,
2

-close to a round surface provided the trace-free part of a scalar second fundamental form A is sufficiently small in $$L^2$$

L
2

. To determine the correct intrinsically round cross section of reference, we define an associated 4-vector, which transforms equivariantly under Lorentz transformations in the restricted Lorentz group. A key step in the proof consists of a geometric, scaling invariant estimate, and we give two different proofs. One utilizes a recent characterization of singularity models of null mean curvature flow along the standard lightcone by the author, while the other is heavily inspired by an almost-Schur lemma by De Lellis–Topping.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on administrative eating disorder prevalence in the outpatient sector and on severity of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Tam Friederike I. , Ochmann Richard , Marschall Jörg , Leschzinski Henri , Seidel Maria , Klink Linda , Föcker Manuel , Bühren Katharina , Dahmen Brigitte , Jaite Charlotte , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Seitz Jochen , Gilsbach Susanne , Correll Christoph U. , Müller Antonia E. , Hebebrand Johannes , Bell Rebecca , Legenbauer Tanja , Holtmann Martin , Becker Katja , Weber Linda , Romanos Marcel , Egberts Karin , Kaess Michael , Fleischhaker Christian , Möhler Eva , Wessing Ida , Hagmann Daniela , Hahn Freia , Thiemann Ulf , Antony Gisela , Gramatke Katrin , Roessner Veit , Ehrlich Stefan
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a considerable impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly regarding eating disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the pandemic affected only the frequency or also the severity of eating disorders. We examined potential pandemic-related changes in the administrative prevalence of eating disorders in the outpatient sector compared with other mental disorders using German statutory health insurance data for the age group 10 to 16 years. We also examined disorder severity of anorexia nervosa using data from the multicenter German Registry of Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa in the same age group. Our results showed a marked increase in the administrative prevalence of eating disorders (based on documented diagnoses) in the outpatient sector among girls but not among boys. A similar pattern was found for internalizing disorders, whereas the administrative prevalences of externalizing disorders decreased. Regarding the severity of anorexia nervosa among inpatients, we found no pandemic-related changes in body mass index standard deviation score at admission, body weight loss before admission, psychiatric comorbidities and psychopharmacological medication. Given the administrative prevalence increase in the outpatient sector, the lack of impact of the pandemic on the inpatient sector may also be partly due to a shift in healthcare utilization towards outpatient services during the pandemic. Thus, the higher number of children and adolescents requiring specialized and timely outpatient care may be a major concern under pandemic conditions.
eSTARK: extending STARKs with arguments
Authors: Masip-Ardevol Héctor , Baylina-Melé Jordi , Guzmán-Albiol Marc , Muñoz-Tapia Jose Luis
Published: July 2024

STARK is a widely used transparent proof system that uses low-degree tests for proving the correctness of a computer program. STARK consumes an intermediate representation known as AIR that is more appropriate for programs with a relatively short and structured description. However, an AIR is not able to succinctly express non-equality constraints, leading to the incorporation of unwanted polynomials. We present the eSTARK protocol, a new probabilistic proof that generalizes the STARK family through the introduction of a more generic intermediate representation called eAIR. We describe eSTARK in the polynomial IOP model, which combines the optimized version of the STARK protocol with the incorporation of three arguments into the protocol. We also explain various techniques that enhance the vanilla STARK complexity, including optimizations applied to polynomial computations, and analyze the tradeoffs between controlling the constraint degree either at the representation of the AIR or inside the eSTARK itself.
Development of a generalized pseudo-probabilistic approach for characterizing ecological conditions in estuaries using secondary data
Authors: Harwell Linda C. , McMillion Courtney A. , Lamper Andrea M. , Summers J. Kevin
Published: July 2024

Under the best circumstances, achieving or sustaining optimum ecological conditions in estuaries is challenging. Persistent information gaps in estuarine data make it difficult to differentiate natural variability from potential regime shifts. Long-term monitoring is critical for tracking ecological change over time. In the United States (US), many resource management programs are working at maximum capacity to address existing state and federal water quality mandates (e.g., pollutant load limits, climate impact mitigation, and fisheries management) and have little room to expand routine sampling efforts to conduct periodic ecological baseline assessments, especially at state and local scales. Alternative design, monitoring, and assessment approaches are needed to help offset the burden of addressing additional data needs to increase understanding about estuarine system resilience when existing monitoring data are sparse or spatially limited. Research presented here offers a pseudo-probabilistic approach that allows for the use of found or secondary data, such as data on hand and other acquired data, to generate statistically robust characterizations of ecological conditions in estuaries. Our approach uses a generalized pseudo-probabilistic framework to synthesize data from different contributors to inform probabilistic-like baseline assessments. The methodology relies on simple geospatial techniques and existing tools (R package functions) developed for the US Environmental Protection Agency to support ecological monitoring and assessment programs like the National Coastal Condition Assessment. Using secondary estuarine water quality data collected in the Northwest Florida (US) estuaries, demonstrations suggest that the pseudo-probabilistic approach produces estuarine condition assessment results with reasonable statistical confidence, improved spatial representativeness, and value-added information. While the pseudo-probabilistic framework is not a substitute for fully evolved monitoring, it offers a scalable alternative to bridge the gap between limitations in resource management capability and optimal monitoring strategies to track ecological baselines in estuaries over time.
Female fertility preservation for family planning: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR)
Authors: Massarotti Claudia , Cimadomo Danilo , Spadoni Valentina , Conforti Alessandro , Zacà Carlotta , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Vaiarelli Alberto , Venturella Roberta , Vitagliano Amerigo , Busnelli Andrea , Cozzolino Mauro , Borini Andrea
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This position statement by the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aims to establish an optimal framework for fertility preservation outside the standard before oncological therapies. Key topics include the role of fertility units in comprehensive fertility assessment, factors impacting ovarian potential, available preservation methods, and appropriate criteria for offering such interventions.

Methods

The SIFES-MR writing group comprises Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists. The consensus emerged after a six-month period of meetings, including extensive literature review, dialogue among authors and input from society members. Final approval was granted by the SIFES-MR governing council.

Results

Fertility counselling transitions from urgent to long-term care, emphasizing family planning. Age, along with ovarian reserve markers, is the primary predictor of female fertility. Various factors, including gynecological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and prior gonadotoxic therapies, may impact ovarian reserve. Oocyte cryopreservation should be the preferred method. Women 30–34 years old and 35–39 years old, without known pathologies impacting the ovarian reserve, should cryopreserve at least 12–13 and 15–20 oocytes to achieve the same chance of a spontaneous live birth they would have if they tried to conceive at the age of cryopreservation (63% and 52%, respectively in the two age groups).

Conclusions

Optimal fertility counselling necessitates a long-term approach, that nurtures an understanding of fertility, facilitates timely evaluation of factors that may affect fertility, and explores fertility preservation choices at opportune intervals.
Genetic and ecological inheritance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Yaghoubi Khanghahi Mohammad , Spagnuolo Matteo , Filannino Pasquale , Minervini Fabio , Crecchio Carmine
Published: July 2024

Background

The utilization of beneficial (Rhizo) bacteria, as an alternative to traditional fertilizers, has emerged as an eco-friendly strategy for ameliorating sustainable agricultural production. This approach aims to reduce the use of agrochemicals and minimize environmental pollution.

Scope

This review provides an updated insight into the ecological impact of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), focusing on the resident microbiome and its potential transferability to the next generation of plants.

Conclusion

In this context, PGPR are assumed to alter the rhizosphere microbiome by outcompeting the existing taxa through nutrient deprivation, acidification of the environment, metabolites production, and consequently, increasing the copiotrophic taxa. Such modifications can maximize the beneficial interactions of plant-PGPR by increasing the bioavailability of nutrients and handling diverse signaling pathways. The effects of interactions within the PGPR-root system can adjust the composition of root exudates and influence the release of bioactive molecules by the root, especially under stress conditions, which can act as signals to reactivate and recruit the beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere and endosphere in favor of the plants. Such changes in microbiome structure can occur gradually over time, even if the survival rate of PGPR in soil and their re-colonization efficiency inside plant tissue are limited. The aforementioned modifications in the rhizosphere and plant microbiome have the potential to increase the survival chances of the progeny plants growing under the same stress conditions. Establishing a comprehensive and robust knowledge framework that addresses all of these issues is critical for significantly advancing the field of microbe-plant interactions and for developing reliable applications of PGPR.
Employee ownership and corporate investment efficiency in Europe
Authors: Adwan Sami , Ahamed M. Mostak
Published: July 2024

We investigate the effect of non-executive employee ownership (EO) on the efficiency of investment decisions for a sample of non-financial European firms over the period 2006–2017. We find a positive (negative) association between EO and investment for firms that are more likely to underinvest (overinvest). In addition, we find the impact of EO on underinvestment and overinvestment to be more pronounced for firms with lower analyst following and lower blockholding ownership. Overall, our findings suggest that employee ownership increases firm-level investment efficiency through two channels: reduced information asymmetry and improved monitoring of management. The results hold after using an alternative specification of investment efficiency, Heckman's two-stage procedure, instrumental variable regressions, and alternative proxies for information asymmetry and monitoring of management both at the firm and the country level.
Improving Archard’s Wear Model: An Energy-Based Approach
Authors: Choudhry Jamal , Almqvist Andreas , Larsson Roland
Published: July 2024

Archard’s wear law encounters challenges in accurately predicting wear damage and volumes, particularly in complex situations like asperity–asperity collisions. A modified model is proposed and validated, showcasing its ability to predict wear in adhesive contacts with better accuracy than the original Archard’s wear law. The model introduces an improved wear coefficient linked to deformation energy, creating a spatially varying relationship between wear volume and load and imparting a non-linear characteristic to the problem. The improved wear model is coupled with the Boundary Element Method (BEM), assuming that the interacting surfaces are semi-infinite and flat. The deformation energy is calculated from the normal contact pressure and displacements, which are the common outputs of BEM. By relying solely on these outputs, the model can efficiently predict the correct shape and volume of the adhesive wear particle, without resorting to large and often slow models. An important observation is that the wear coefficient is expected to increase based on the accumulated deformation energy along the direction of frictional force. This approach enhances the model’s capability to capture complex wear mechanisms, providing a more accurate representation of real-world scenarios.
Economic utility of Colombian Romosinuano cattle
Authors: Moncaleano-Vega Juana , Amaya Alejandro , Martínez Carlos , Burgos-Paz William , Cerón-Muñoz Mario
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to quantify the economic utility in Romosinuano production systems by developing a bioeconomic model assumed cow-calf, cow-calf plus stocker (CCPS), and complete cycle operations. Each system produced males for sale and females for replacement. Input parameters were established from breed data collected by AGROSAVIA. Revenues were estimated using the official cattle price, and production costs were quantified per activity. In the results, for cow-calf operations, the maximum economic utility was 244.12 USD. CCPS, yielded 231.86 USD, and Complete cycle, 268.94 USD. The genetic progress per generation for W240, W480, W24 and CI was + 3.8 kg, + 5 kg, + 5.9 kg, and -1 d, respectively. The price of livestock was the sensitized variable with the greatest impact on maximum economic utility (± 118.64 USD to ± 155.44 USD), followed by mineral supplementation (16.31 USD to ± 37.34 USD). The sensitized variables with the lowest impact were food (± 1.62 USD to ± 1.8 USD) and health plan supplies (± 6.03 USD to ± 9.13 USD). It is concluded that economic utility defined as a composite trait influenced by the characteristics that shape it favors genetic progress and the identification of animals with optimal performance in different bovine production systems.
Inequality in rural Catalonia in the early eighteenth century
Authors: Martinez-Galarraga Julio , Prat Marc
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses economic inequality in central Catalonia in the early 1720s using the information contained in cadastral tax records. The data set includes 2617 male taxpayers distributed across 17 rural villages. We take advantage of the large amount of information provided by the cadastre to study economic inequality in a pre-industrial society by looking at both wealth and income inequality. Compared to previous work on Western Europe, our results generally show high levels of inequality in rural Catalonia. However, inequality seems to be lower among those groups engaged in non-agricultural activities. Then, and given the traditional presence of proto-industrial activities in this area of Catalonia, we explore the effect of proto-industrial wool specialization on levels of inequality.
Executing automotive test workflows with BPMN and web service orchestration in software-defined car manufacturing
Authors: König Simone , Vogel-Heuser Birgit , Hradecky Adam , Horn Sophie , Hahn Michael
Published: July 2024

Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are facing the challenge of keeping their cars innovative for the customer by integrating new advanced software functions, e.g., to provide higher levels of automated driving. Nonetheless, internal business processes should stay efficient to support the transformation despite the increasing complexity caused by new information and car technologies. For engineering and production processes where interdisciplinary teams of engineers, software developers, and workers interact along the car life cycle, the concept of executable process models offers an opportunity for work streamlining and process automation by web service orchestration. This paper will shed light on using executable process models under the cross-industry Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) standard, along with the example of automotive test and diagnostic processes in smart manufacturing. We introduce a lean approach that includes the enterprise IT architecture for process modeling and the product car for process execution. Finally, we present our evaluation of the approach through a focus group with OEM experts.
Theory Figures and Causal Claims in Sociology
Authors: Brett Gordon , Silver Daniel
Published: July 2024

When sociologists examine the content of sociological knowledge, they typically engage in textual analysis. Conversely, this paper examines the relationship between theory figures and causal claims. Analyzing a random sample of articles from prominent sociology journals, we find several notable trends in how sociologists both describe and visualize causal relationships, as well as how these modes of representation interrelate. First, we find that the modal use of arrows in sociology are as expressions of causal relationship. Second, arrow-based figures are connected to both strong and weak causal claims, but that strong causal claims are disproportionately found in U.S. journals compared to European journals. Third, both causal figures and causal claims are usually central to the overarching goals of articles. Lastly, the strength of causal figures typically fits with the strength of the textual causal claims, suggesting that visualization promotes clearer thinking and writing about causal relationships. Overall, our findings suggest that arrow-based figures are a crucial cognitive and communicative resource in the expression of causal claims.
A new cloud forest tree Lychnodiscus bali (Sapindaceae), Critically Endangered from the Bali-Ngemba Forest Reserve, NW Region, Cameroon
Authors: Cheek Martin , Onana Jean Michel , Lachenaud Olivier
Published: July 2024

We describe and illustrate Lychnodiscus bali Cheek (Sapindaceae), a new species to science, from the Bali Ngemba Forest Reserve of NW Region Cameroon, the last major remnant of cloud forest in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon, recently evidenced as a Tropical Important Plant Area (TIPA or IPA). Confined on current evidence to upper submontane forest, the new species is threatened by expanding habitat clearance for farms and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A small tree, attaining 3 – 4 m height, it is the first new species to be added to this Guineo-Congolian tree genus in 50 years, the third recorded from Cameroon and takes the number of species in the genus to eight. It has the highest known altitudinal range (1700 – 1950 m alt.) of any species of the genus. We discuss its discovery in the context of other recently discovered and highly threatened or even extinct plant species in the Cameroon Highlands, and the importance of their conservation. The new species was previously identified as Lychnodiscus grandifolius Radlk., but differs in the shorter length of the distal leaflets (12 – 18 cm vs 22 – 39 cm long); in the abaxial leaf surface lacking glands (vs glands flat and conspicuous); in being sparsely hairy all over (vs glabrous except the main veins) and in its larger flowers, 8 – 11 mm long at anthesis (vs 5 – 7 mm long). We present an identification key of the species of Lychnodiscus and discuss their classification in the context of recent molecular phylogenetic and phylogenomic studies. The authors contend that Lychnodiscus Radlk., previously placed in Cupanieae by Radlkofer, should now be placed in the reconstituted Nephelieae in the revised 2021 intrafamilial classification of Buerki et al., probably close to the genera Aporrhiza Radlk. and Laccodiscus Radlk. However, until the genus is included in molecular studies this cannot be confirmed and a sister relationship remains speculative.
Determination of carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene in heat treated black tea samples from Turkey by using HPLC-fluorescence detection system
Authors: Aygun Seker Fatma , Dikbas Cigdem , Tembo Zebron Nchimunya
Published: July 2024

A rapid, simple, and cost-efficient extraction method was developed for evaluating and screening benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in tea samples by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with coupled fluorescence detector (FLD) in order to obtain the best extraction performance. In this study, it was observed that when optimized using microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method was performed twice for 2 min using 10 mL n-hexane: acetonitrile (1:3, v/v). The recoveries for BaP in tea were found to be 97 ± 2; 83 ± 8 and 92 ± 6%, respectively. Using classical solid-liquid extraction (CSLE), it was observed that when the extraction procedure was performed twice for 4 min with 10 mL n-hexane: acetonitrile (3:1,v/v). The recoveries for BaP in tea were found to be 104 ± 5; 81 ± 9 and 86 ± 8%, respectively. The levels of BaP in tea were found to change in the range from 0.75 to 0.83 µg kg-1 (MAE) and 0.72 to 0.86 µg kg-1 (CSLE). Although the matrix of tea is complex, BaP was detectable without doing any cleaning up procedures.
Frequency and clinical significance of Herpes simplex virus type 1/2 reactivation in adult patients with mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Bahrs Christina , Schönherr Christian , Panning Marcus , Rose Norman , Dähne Theo , Hagel Stefan , Weis Sebastian , Rupp Jan , Rohde Gernot , Witzenrath Martin , Pletz Mathias W. ,   the CAPNETZ Study Group
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study assessed the frequency, clinical significance, and risk factors for Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation in immunocompetent patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

The study included adult CAP-patients who were enrolled in the CAPNETZ study between 2007 and 2017 and had a residual sputum sample available for analysis. In addition to routine diagnostics, sputum and blood samples were tested for HSV-1/2 using PCR. Demographics, comorbidities, and CRB-65 score were compared between HSV-positive and negative patients using Fisher exact or Mann Whitney test. Logistic regression analyses investigated the influence of HSV reactivation on a modified hospital recovery scale (HRS) until day 7, divided into 3 categories (no oxygen therapy, oxygen therapy, ICU admission or death).

Results

Among 245 patients, HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected in 30 patients (12.2%, 95%CI 8.7–16.9) and 0 patients, respectively. All HSV-positive patients were hospitalized, had a CRB-65 severity score of 0–2 and survived the first 28 day. In the HSV-positive group, patients had a non-significantly higher median age (70.5 versus 66 years) and a higher rate of oncological comorbidities (16.7% versus 8.8%) compared to the HSV-negative group. Distribution of co-pathogens and outcome parameters did not significantly differ between both groups. In a multivariate logistic regression model, age (AOR 1.029, p = 0.012) and CRB-65 score (AOR 1.709, p = 0.048), but not HSV-1 as single or co-pathogen were independently associated with higher HRS.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that HSV-1 reactivation is common in CAP but might not be associated with specific risk factors or a complicated disease course.
Reduced Runoff in the Upper Yangtze River Due To Comparable Contribution of Anthropogenic and Climate Changes
Authors: Zeng Feng , He Qiulan , Li Yao , Shi Weiyu , Yang Ruowen , Ma Mingguo , Huang Guangwei , Xiao Junlan , Yang Xinyue , Di Dongrui
Published: July 2024

The changing climate and intensifying human activities have made an impact on the hydrological processes in the upper Yangtze River (UYR), but quantifying their effects remains uncertain. This study used the Budyko framework to investigate the response of runoff (Q) to climate change and human activities during 1956–2017 and evaluate the impacts of human activities, including land use/cover change, water use, dam construction, and vegetation change, on watershed characteristic. Results show that climate change is the dominant driver of Q variations in the Wujiang River (WJR), Jialing River (JLR), and Jinsha River (JSR) watersheds, with contributions of 58.6%, 66.9%, and 67.6%, respectively. However, in Mingjiang River (MJR) and UYR watersheds, human activities contribute more to Q variations with 55.2% and 51.2%, respectively. Human activities play important roles in variation of watershed characteristics, and they can explain 22%, 26%, 36%, 25%, and 53% of the watershed character change in UYR, WJR, JLR, MJR, and JSR, respectively. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the causes of Q change in UYR, and provides a new perspective to explore the effects of specific human activities on watershed characteristics.
Thinning and Heating of Laramide Continental Lower Crust Recorded by Zircon Petrochronology
Authors: Cipar J. H. , Smye A. J. , Garber J. M. , Reimink J. R. , Kylander‐Clark A. R. C.
Published: July 2024

Zircon grains from the metasedimentary lower crust of the Rio Grande Rift, New Mexico, preserve a metamorphic record of the transition from Laramide compression to Eocene extension. Zircon U‐Pb isotopes and trace‐element concentrations from five two‐pyroxene metaigneous granulite xenoliths define discrete populations: older zircon cores (∼15–50 Ma) that are depleted in heavy rare‐earth elements (HREE) but Ti‐rich, and younger zircon rims (∼3–15 Ma) with elevated HREE and lower Ti concentrations. Coupled phase equilibria and garnet‐melt‐zircon trace‐element partitioning calculations show that the older zircon cores equilibrated in thick (>40 km), hot (800–900°C), garnet‐bearing lower crust during the cessation of compression at the end of the Laramide orogeny. Zircon rim domains equilibrated at lower pressures, consistent with >9 km of thinning of the lower crust. Thermal‐kinematic calculations show that these pressure‐temperature‐time constraints require thinning of the lithospheric mantle prior to and during regional Cenozoic extension. Convective erosion of the mantle lithosphere over tens of millions of years, possibly facilitated by dynamics of the Farallon slab, provides a mechanism to facilitate lower crustal heating and extension.
Osmium Transport and Enrichment From the Lithosphere to the Hydrosphere: New Perspectives From Hydrothermal Experiments and Geochemical Modeling
Authors: Yan Haibo , Ding Xing , Liu Junfeng , Tu Xianglin , Sun Weidong , Chou I‐Ming
Published: July 2024

Metal complexation and speciation is the primary process responsible for metal transport and circulation in hydrothermal systems, during which stable and soluble metal complexes play a pivotal role. Here, we investigate the speciation of Os and the thermodynamic stability of Os(IV)‐Cl complexes in chloride‐bearing solutions at temperatures ranging from 150 to 600°C and pressure of 100 MPa through hydrolysis experiments. The results show that the dominant species of Os is OsCl62− at temperatures between 150 and 450°C and 100 MPa, gradually converting into Os(IV)‐OH‐Cl and Os(II)‐Cl complexes over 450°C. The equilibrium constant (ln K) (K = [HCl]4 ⨯ [Cl−]2/[OsCl62−]) between OsCl62− and water molecule is determined as ln K = (50.43 ± 4.633) − (54223 ± 2525.6)/T, and ΔrHmΘ and ΔrSmΘ are inferred to be (450.8 ± 21.00) kJ · mol−1 and (419.3 ± 38.52) J · mol−1 · K−1. Furthermore, the formation constant (ln β) of OsCl62− exhibits a change from −0.097 to −0.104 as temperatures increase from 150 to 400°C, while the change values in standard Gibbs free energy (ΔrGmΘ) for the hydrolysis reactions decrease with rising temperature, suggesting a temperature‐dependent thermodynamic stability of OsCl62−. Geochemical modeling further demonstrates that high solubility of OsCl62− could exist in low‐temperature and acidic fluids (≤300°C and pH < 5), or relatively high‐temperature and acidic‐neutral fluids (>300°C and pH < 7), primarily influenced by the Cl concentration. Acidic and near‐neutral fluids with high Cl concentration venting in the mid‐ocean ridge, back‐arc, and sediment‐hosted systems contribute more to dissolving and transporting Os from the lithosphere to the hydrosphere, thereby impacting the global ocean dissolved Os budget.
Dependence of Climate and Carbon Cycle Response in Net Zero Emission Pathways on the Magnitude and Duration of Positive and Negative Emission Pulses
Authors: Jayakrishnan K. U. , Bala Govindasamy , Caldeira Ken
Published: July 2024

Understanding the climate and carbon cycle response to negative CO2 emissions is important for developing climate mitigation strategies that aim to limit global warming to a specific threshold. In this study, using a coupled climate and carbon cycle model, a novel set of nine stylized simulations are conducted with cumulative emissions of 1,000 GtC, 2,000 GtC, and 5,000 GtC over 150, 250, and 500 years, followed by identical cumulative negative emissions so that the net cumulative emissions are zero. On millennial‐timescales, the climate system returns close to the preindustrial state, independent of the emission and removal pathways. However, the thermal and biogeochemical inertia of the ocean play an important role in determining the climate and carbon cycle response during the emission and removal phases. When zero net emissions are reached, surface air temperature is larger by 0–1°C than the preindustrial state, and the atmospheric CO2 concentration is less by 12–29 ppm. These changes increase with both the magnitude and duration of the emission and removal pulses. In contrast, hysteresis in the relationship between global mean surface temperature and cumulative carbon emissions increases with the magnitude but decreases with the duration of emission and removal pulses. Our study highlights the role of ocean inertia in the asymmetry in climate response to emissions and removals and indicates that an earlier emission reduction implying emission/removal pathways with smaller magnitudes and shorter durations for the positive and negative emission pulses would avoid larger climate and carbon cycle impacts on centennial‐timescales.
What Drives the Mean Along‐Shelf Flow in the Northwest Atlantic Coastal Ocean?
Authors: Chen Ke , Yang Jiayan
Published: July 2024

A long‐standing hypothesis is that the steady along‐shelf circulation in the Northwest Atlantic (NWA) coastal ocean is driven by buoyancy input from continental freshwater runoff. However, the forcing from the freshwater runoff has not been adequately evaluated and compared with other potential driving mechanisms. This study investigates the roles of both wind stress and freshwater runoff in driving the mean along‐shelf flow in the NWA coastal ocean and examines other potential drivers using a newly developed high‐resolution regional model with realistic forcing conditions. The results reveal that wind stress has a larger impact than freshwater runoff on the overall mean circulation and along‐shelf sea‐level gradient on the NWA shelf. While the continental freshwater input consistently contributes to the equatorward along‐shelf flow and higher sea level along the coast, wind stress is more effective for the setup of the broad‐scale circulation pattern by driving the along‐shelf flow on the Labrador Shelf and opposing the flow in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight and on the Scotian Shelf. In addition to the local wind and continental runoff, the sub‐Arctic inflow from higher latitude is an essential part of the NWA shelf circulation system. This remote driver directly contributes to the along‐shelf flow and insulates the shelf flow from the Gulf Stream on the southern shelves.
Evaluating the Effect of Morphologic Units on Fractional Sediment Mobility and Bedload Transport in a Small Pool‐Riffle Reach
Authors: Al‐Ghorani Nisreen G. , Hassan Marwan A. , McDowell Conor
Published: July 2024

This study examines the spatial pattern of fractional sediment mobility and assesses the influence of morphologic units on bedload transport in a small pool‐riffle reach with limited supply. Using a 2D hydraulic model and a subsurface‐based sediment transport model, shear stresses, fractional sediment mobility, and bedload transport were examined for flow events ranging in magnitude between 0.2Qbf and 1.5Qbf. Results reveal that while spatial variations in shear stress decrease as discharge increases, only a small proportion of the bed experiences high transport rates. At the reach scale, riffles are the primary morphological unit contributing to fully mobile sediment for all size fractions. However, at a subunit scale, there is evidence of sediment transport reversal for grains >32 mm at flows near or exceeding bankfull discharge in association with shear stress reversal. These transport reversals are important for maintaining pools despite their infrequent occurrence in the study reach. Sediment transport maps indicate that bed morphology considerably influences sediment transport at low to moderate flows. During these events, the shear stress is sensitive to local bed topography and partial mobility is the dominant transport process. In contrast, variations in bedload transport rates decrease during high flows when the flow is less sensitive to variations in bed topography and the bed becomes fully mobile.
“Deeds not words”: the forgotten class
Authors: Jenner Bernadette
Published: July 2024

The Sir Stanley Peart Essay Competition is an annual event run by the British and Irish Hypertension Society to encourage Early Career Researchers to continue the ethos of Sir Stanley Peart. Sir Stanley Peart was a clinician and clinical researcher who made a major contribution to our understanding of blood pressure regulation. He was the first to demonstrate the release of noradrenaline in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation. He was also the first to purify, and determine the structure of, angiotensin and he later isolated the enzyme, renin, and carried out many important investigations of the factors controlling its release in the body. This year, the essay topic was “Do we need new classes of antihypertensive drugs?”. In her prize-winning essay, “Deeds not words”: the forgotten class, Dr Jenner proposes that there is a need to address the unmet needs of hypertensive women, to increase their involvement in clinical trials and develop antihypertensives that are fit for purpose. Dr Jenner proposes that women are therefore the perfect class for new antihypertensives.