bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of animal studies evaluating the effect of hydrogen sulfide on ischemic stroke: is the preclinical evidence sufficient to move forward?
Authors: Emre Aydıngöz Selda , Teimoori Ariyan , Orhan Halit Güner , Demirtaş Elif , Zeynalova Nargız
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including its role in the pathophysiology and treatment of stroke. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the sufficiency of overall preclinical evidence to guide the initiation of clinical stroke trials with H2S and provide tailored recommendations for their design. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched for studies evaluating the effect of any H2S donor on in vivo animal models of regional ischemic stroke, and 34 publications were identified. Pooling of the effect sizes using the random-effect model revealed that H2S decreased the infarct area by 34.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 28.2–40.8%, p < 0.0001), with substantial variability among the studies (I2 = 89.8%). H2S also caused a 37.9% reduction in the neurological deficit score (95% CI 29.0–46.8%, p < 0.0001, I2 = 63.8%) and in the brain water content (3.2%, 95% CI 1.4–4.9%, p = 0.0014, I2 = 94.6%). Overall, the studies had a high risk of bias and low quality of evidence (median quality score 5/15, interquartile range 4–9). The majority of the included studies had a “high” or “unclear” risk of bias, and none of the studies overall had a “low” risk. In conclusion, H2S significantly improves structural and functional outcomes in in vivo animal models of ischemic stroke. However, the level of evidence from preclinical studies is not sufficient to proceed to clinical trials due to the low external validity, high risk of bias, and variable design of existing animal studies.
Fully automated segmentation and volumetric measurement of ocular adnexal lymphoma by deep learning-based self-configuring nnU-net on multi-sequence MRI: a multi-center study
Authors: Wang Guorong , Yang Bingbing , Qu Xiaoxia , Guo Jian , Luo Yongheng , Xu Xiaoquan , Wu Feiyun , Fan Xiaoxue , Hou Yang , Tian Song , Huang Sicong , Xian Junfang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate nnU-net’s performance in automatically segmenting and volumetrically measuring ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) on multi-sequence MRI.

Methods

We collected T1-weighted (T1), T2-weighted and T1-weighted contrast-enhanced images with/without fat saturation (T2_FS/T2_nFS, T1c_FS/T1c_nFS) of OAL from four institutions. Two radiologists manually annotated lesions as the ground truth using ITK-SNAP. A deep learning framework, nnU-net, was developed and trained using two models. Model 1 was trained on T1, T2, and T1c, while Model 2 was trained exclusively on T1 and T2. A 5-fold cross-validation was utilized in the training process. Segmentation performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity, and positive prediction value (PPV). Volumetric assessment was performed using Bland-Altman plots and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).

Results

A total of 147 patients from one center were selected as training set and 33 patients from three centers were regarded as test set. For both Model 1 and 2, nnU-net demonstrated outstanding segmentation performance on T2_FS with DSC of 0.80–0.82, PPV of 84.5–86.1%, and sensitivity of 77.6–81.2%, respectively. Model 2 failed to detect 19 cases of T1c, whereas the DSC, PPV, and sensitivity for T1_nFS were 0.59, 91.2%, and 51.4%, respectively. Bland–Altman plots revealed minor tumor volume differences with 0.22–1.24 cm3 between nnU-net prediction and ground truth on T2_FS. The CCC were 0.96 and 0.93 in Model 1 and 2 for T2_FS images, respectively.

Conclusion

The nnU-net offered excellent performance in automated segmentation and volumetric assessment in MRI of OAL, particularly on T2_FS images.
Evolution of Cellular Organization Along the First Branches of the Tree of Life
Authors: Kailing Freya , Lieberman Jules , Wang Joshua , Turner Joshua L. , Goldman Aaron D.
Published: July 2024

Current evidence suggests that some form of cellular organization arose well before the time of the last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Standard phylogenetic analyses have shown that several protein families associated with membrane translocation, membrane transport, and membrane bioenergetics were very likely present in the proteome of the LUCA. Despite these cellular systems emerging prior to the LUCA, extant archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes have significant differences in cellular infrastructure and the molecular functions that support it, leading some researchers to argue that true cellularity did not evolve until after the LUCA. Here, we use recently reconstructed minimal proteomes of the LUCA as well as the last archaeal common ancestor (LACA) and the last bacterial common ancestor (LBCA) to characterize the evolution of cellular systems along the first branches of the tree of life. We find that a broad set of functions associated with cellular organization were already present by the time of the LUCA. The functional repertoires of the LACA and LBCA related to cellular organization nearly doubled along each branch following the divergence of the LUCA. These evolutionary trends created the foundation for similarities and differences in cellular organization between the taxonomic domains that are still observed today.
Ecosystem Services Approach in Turnicki National Park Planning: Factors Influencing the Inhabitants’ Perspectives on Local Natural Resources and Protected Areas
Authors: Boćkowski Mariusz Daniel , Tusznio Joanna , Rechciński Marcin , Blicharska Małgorzata , Akhshik Arash , Grodzińska-Jurczak Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

Despite changing paradigms in nature conservation, protected areas, such as national parks, remain key tools for nature conservation. Today, protected areas are perceived as socio-ecological systems, therefore using an ecosystem services approach may help in their designation. Here, we focus on the planned Turnicki National Park located in the far eastern part of the Polish Carpathian Mountains and conflict between proponents of the park establishment and local stakeholders. We used an ecosystem services-driven questionnaire survey among local communities to analyze interactions between the perception of ecosystem services and opinions about national parks, and the role of social and economic status in shaping these opinions. We found links between opinions towards national parks and other factors: age, life span in a municipality, level of education, and an average net income. Respondents who perceived benefits from nature were more positive towards national parks in general and the Turnicki National Park specifically; however, those who prioritized provisioning services were more skeptical. Also, we distinguished four Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis models which describe factors shaping opinions on national parks, respectively. The study has shown that the ecosystem services lens perspective can help in exploring the factors crucial while establishing the protected areas in specific social and economic context. The main implication for the study is careful consideration of the role of national park to protect the local environment in harmony with social needs and economic development.
New approach for deacidification and consolidation of bone artifacts
Authors: Abdel-Maksoud Gomaa , Darwish Sawsan S. , Mohamed Wael S. , Elnagar Khaled , Hassaballah Asmaa
Published: July 2024

Acidic conditions affect the archaeological bone in the burial and in uncontrolled display and storage environment or due to improper restoration processes. Accordingly, bones become weak and fragile. This study aims to evaluate nano calcium propionate and nano styrene butyl acrylate (used for the first time in the treatment of bones) at different concentrations for deacidification and consolidation of fragile bones. New bone samples were prepared. Artificial accelerated aging (acid and heat) was applied to prepare aged untreated samples. Deacidification and consolidation processes using the materials mentioned above were applied. The analytical techniques used were transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for morphological and thermal stability investigation for the prepared nano styrene butyl acrylate copolymer and its calcium propionate nonocomposites, a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for investigation of the surface morphology, pH value measurement, change of color measurement, attenuated total reflection—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), contact angle (wettability), and X-ray diffraction analysis for measurement of bone crystallinity. The results proved that acid-heat aging affected bone properties such as changes in surface morphology and color, decrease in pH value, and contact angle. Bone samples became more crystalline, and the chemical composition of bone was also affected. The treatment of aged untreated bone samples with the materials used in this study improved their properties, such as increasing the pH value and contact angle. The surface morphology, color change, and crystallinity of bone improved and became more stable.
Dynamical downscaling CMIP6 models over New Zealand: added value of climatology and extremes
Authors: Gibson Peter B. , Stuart Stephen , Sood Abha , Stone Dáithí , Rampal Neelesh , Lewis Hamish , Broadbent Ashley , Thatcher Marcus , Morgenstern Olaf
Published: July 2024

Dynamical downscaling provides physics-based high-resolution climate change projections across regional and local scales. This is particularly important for island nations characterized by complex terrain, where the coarse resolution of global climate model (GCM) output often prohibits direct use. One of the main motivations for dynamical downscaling is to reduce biases relative to the host GCM at the local scale, which can be quantified through assessing ‘added value’. However, added value from downscaling is not guaranteed; quantifying this can help users make informed decisions about how best to use available climate projection data. Here we describe the experiment design of the updated national climate projections for New Zealand based on dynamical downscaling. The global non-hydrostatic Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) is primarily used for downscaling, with a global stretched grid targeting high resolution over New Zealand (12-km) and the wider South Pacific region (12–35-km). Focusing on the historical simulations, we assess added value for a range of metrics, climatological fields, extreme indices, and tropical cyclones. The main strengths of the downscaling include generally large improvements relative to the host GCM for temperature and orographic precipitation. Inter-annual variability in temperature is well captured across New Zealand, and several temperature and precipitation-based extreme indices show large improvements. The representation of tropical cyclones reaching at least category 2 intensity is generally improved relative to the large consistent under-representation in the host GCMs. The remaining biases are explored and discussed forming the basis for ongoing bias-correction work.
Platelet Rich plasma injection of the vocal folds in benign vocal pathologies
Authors: Mackay Georgia , Allen Jacqui
Published: July 2024

Purpose

There are few options for treatment of dysphonia secondary to vocal pathology related to lamina propria scar, atrophy, sulcus, or inflammatory disorders. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) may provide anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties seen with other tissue engineering therapies without the risks associated with these treatments. We evaluated vocal fold (VF) injection of PRP for feasibility, phonatory effects, patient satisfaction and durability.

Methods

Patients with dysphonia secondary to vocal fold scar, atrophy, sulcus and inflammatory lesions were included. PRP injections were administered in office, to bilateral vocal folds. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months to assess outcomes (GRBAS scale, maximum phonation time, vocal fatigue index (VFI), voice handicap index (VHI-10) and stroboscopy).

Results

75 intracordal PRP injections were administered to 48 patients. All injections were completed, and no adverse reactions were experienced. Improvements in VHI-10 scores at 1,3,6 months were seen (mean VHI 21.73 at baseline, 15.62 at six months, p < 0.001). 72.3% rated improvement at 7 or above on Likert scale. 95.7% of patients would consider a future PRP injection. Secondary outcomes VFI, MPT, and GRBAS also demonstrated significant improvements over time. Patients receiving a single PRP injection (n = 26) still demonstrated significant VHI-10 improvements at 1,3 and 6 months.

Conclusions

VF office PRP injections are feasible and safe and can provide phonatory benefit and reduce vocal effort in benign VF disorders. A single PRP injection is sufficient to provide sustained benefit in some cases.

Level of evidence

Level III: prospective cohort study.
Prevalence and characteristics of vascular cognitive impairment in a European cohort of adult patients with Moyamoya angiopathy
Authors: Giroud Marine , Calviere Lionel , Machado Carla , Reyes Sonia , Mirabel Hélène , Raposo Nicolas , Brandicourt Pierre , Viguier Alain , Albucher Jean-François , Bonneville Fabrice , Olivot Jean Marc , Péran Patrice , Pariente Jérémie , Hervé Dominique , Planton Mélanie
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is associated with a high risk of stroke, but it is also increasingly recognized as leading to cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, nature, and severity of vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND) in adults with MMA and to identify clinical and imaging factors associated with VCIND.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients with MMA followed in two tertiary hospitals (Toulouse and Paris Lariboisiere). All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). VCIND was defined as at least two variables of the same cognitive process with z-scores of < 2 standard deviations, regardless of the cognitive domain, that do not interfere in everyday life. Baseline demographic, clinical, and imaging data were compared between patients with and without VCIND.

Results

A total of 102 patients (mean age 43 years; 65% women) were included. Thirty-four patients (33.3%) had VCIND. VCIND was mild in 20/34 (59%), moderate in 8/34 (23%), and severe in 6/34 (18%) patients. Executive function was the most widely affected (25.5%), followed by attention and processing speed (24.8%). In univariable analyses, VCIND was associated with ischemic stroke at diagnosis and the presence of ischemic lesions on MRI.

Conclusions

VCIND is highly prevalent in adults with MMA. Executive functions and processing speed are predominantly affected. These findings may guide clinicians in their evaluation of patients with MMA. Further research should assess the effect of revascularization therapies on cognitive functions.
Indocyanine green fluorescence perfusion testing in robot-assisted hepatic arterial infusion pump placement
Authors: van Dorst Roderick W. J. J. , Ten Haaft Britte H. E. A. , Franssen Stijn , Borel Rinkes Inne H. M. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan , Hagendoorn Jeroen
Published: July 2024

Background

Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) treatment is a technique used to treat liver localized malignancy with intra-arterial chemotherapy. Methylene blue is generally administered to verify hepatic perfusion and exclude inadvertent extrahepatic perfusion. The use of indocyanine green dye (ICG) combined with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging during robot-assisted HAIP placement may be an attractive alternative by providing high contrast without blue discoloration of the operative field.

Methods

Data was collected retrospectively from 2 centers in the Netherlands. Intraoperative perfusion of the liver segments and extrahepatic perfusion were assessed using ICG/NIR as well as methylene blue on video imaging and correlated to postoperative 99 m-Tc perfusion scintigraphy.

Results

13 patients underwent robot-assisted surgery for HAIP placement; median length of stay was 4 days, complications occurred in 4 patients. Hepatic perfusion showed identical patterns when ICG was compared with methylene blue. In 1 patient, additional extrahepatic perfusion was found using ICG, leading to further vessel ligation. Intraoperative ICG perfusion was concordant with 99 m-Tc perfusion scintigraphy.

Discussion

Liver and extrahepatic perfusion determined by ICG fluorescence imaging is concordant with blue dye perfusion and 99 m-Tc perfusion scintigraphy. Therefore, ICG fluorescence imaging is deemed a safe and reliable technique for perfusion testing during robot-assisted HAIP placement.

Graphical abstract
Birth weight and thoracoscopic approach for patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Borselle Dominika , Gerus Sylwester , Bukowska Monika , Patkowski Dariusz
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to analyze the results, feasibility and safety of the thoracoscopic approach for patients with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) depending on the patient’s birth weight.

Methods

The study involved only type C and D EA/TEF. Among the analyzed parameters were the patients’ characteristics, surgical treatment and post-operative complications: early mortality, anastomosis leakage, anastomosis strictures, chylothorax, TEF recurrence, and the need for fundoplication or gastrostomy.

Results

145 consecutive newborns underwent thoracoscopic EA with TEF repair. They were divided into three groups—A (N = 12 with a birth weight < 1500 g), B (N = 23 with a birth weight ≥ 1500 g but < 2000 g), and C—control group (N = 110 with a birth weight ≥ 2000 g). Primary one-stage anastomosis was performed in 11/12 (91.7%) patients—group A, 19/23 (82.6%)—group B and 110 (100%)—group C. Early mortality was 3/12 (25%)—group A, 2/23 (8.7%)—group B, and 2/110 (1.8%)—group C and was not directly related to the surgical repair. There were no significant differences in operative time and the following complications: anastomotic leakage, recurrent TEF, esophageal strictures, and chylothorax. There were no conversions to an open surgery. Fundoplication was required in 0%—group A, 4/21 (19.0%)—group B, and 2/108 (1.9%)—group C survivors. Gastrostomy was performed in 1/9 (11.1%)—group A, 3/21 (14.3%)—group B and 0%—group C.

Conclusion

In an experienced surgeon’s hands, even in the smallest newborns, the thoracoscopic approach may be safe, feasible, and worthy of consideration. Birth weight seems to be not a direct contraindication to the thoracoscopic approach.
Space–time isogeometric analysis of tire aerodynamics with complex tread pattern, road contact, and tire deformation
Authors: Kuraishi Takashi , Xu Zhaojing , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E. , Kakegami Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

The space–time (ST) computational method “ST-SI-TC-IGA” and recently-introduced complex-geometry isogeometric analysis (IGA) mesh generation methods have enabled high-fidelity computational analysis of tire aerodynamics with near-actual tire geometry, road contact, tire deformation, and aerodynamic influence of the car body. The tire geometries used in the computations so far included the longitudinal and transverse grooves. Here, we bring the tire geometry much closer to an actual tire geometry by using a complex, asymmetric tread pattern. The complexity of the tread pattern required an updated version of the NURBS Surface-to-Volume Guided Mesh Generation (NSVGMG) method, which was introduced recently and is robust even in mesh generation for complex shapes with distorted boundaries. The core component of the ST-SI-TC-IGA is the ST Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) method, and the other key components are the ST Slip Interface (ST-SI) and ST Topology Change (ST-TC) methods and the ST Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA). They all play a key role. The ST-TC, uniquely offered by the ST framework, enables moving-mesh computation even with the topology change created by the contact between the tire and the road. It deals with the contact while maintaining high-resolution flow representation near the tire.The computational analysis we present is the first of its kind and shows the effectiveness of the ST-SI-TC-IGA and NSVGMG in tire aerodynamic analysis with complex tread pattern, road contact, and tire deformation.
A web-based knowledge database to provide evidence-based information to cancer patients: Utilization within the PIKKO study
Authors: Schneider Nico , Altmann Uwe , Brandt Florian , Hübner Jutta , Strauss Bernhard , Keinki Christian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Cancer is associated with an urgent need for understandable and reliable information, which is often not satisfied by information available online. Therefore, as part of the PIKKO project, a web-based knowledge database (WDB) was introduced to provide cancer patients with quality-assured, evidence-based information. This paper aims to provide insights into the usage (Who? How? What?) and the effects regarding health literacy of the WDB.

Methods

A patient survey and automatically generated logfile data were evaluated. Two user groups, patients and patient navigators (PNs), were compared.

Results

The 13 PNs were responsible for 1/3 of all accesses over the entire duration of the project. The 413 patients used WDB twice on average and spent an average of 12 min per session online (PNs: 9 min per session, more frequently). The top 3 topics of interest were ‘therapy’, ‘nutrition’ and ‘carcinogenesis’ for the patients, and ‘therapy’, ‘naturopathy’ and ‘legal regulations/support’ for the PNs. Of the patients surveyed, 69% said that WDB was helpful in making informed decisions, 76% found the information they wanted and 90% thought WDB was an appropriate way to provide information.

Conclusion

Our WDB provided important information about cancer and its treatment on a digital way both, to patients and PNs. In routine cancer care, the WDB can improve health literacy and informed decision-making.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trial Register under DRKS00016703 (21 Feb 2019, retrospectively registered). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016703
Organic geochemistry of Palaeogene coals from Greenland and Svalbard
Authors: Kerschhofer Franz Philip , Blumenberg Martin , Kus Jolanta , Reinhardt Lutz , Thiel Volker
Published: July 2024

The organic geochemistry and coal petrology of Palaeogene coals from northeast Greenland (Thyra Ø Island and Kronprins Christian Land) and central Spitsbergen (Longyearbyen and Grumantbyen) were studied using Rock–Eval and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, as well as microphotometry and maceral group analyses. Bulk data and biomarker distributions of the coals demonstrate a low coal rank for both, but a lower coalification degree of coals from Greenland (0.49–0.55% VRr) compared to those from Svalbard (0.68–0.75% VRr). Maceral group analyses revealed relatively similar distributions with a strong predominance of vitrinite. The generally high abundance of hopanoids (hopanes/hopenes and hopanoic acids) implies a strong bacterial reworking of the organic matter, whereas sulphur occurrences indicate a marine influence after organic matter deposition. A great variety of higher plant biomarkers was detected in all coals. Distinctive compounds recorded in the coals are aliphatic and aromatic diterpenoids as well as partly hydrogenated picenes, suggesting strong input of conifers and angiosperms. Pristane/phytane ratios indicate that the organic matter in the ancient swamps was deposited in an oxic, fluvio-deltaic setting at both sites. This study provides a detailed geochemical investigation of understudied coals from northeast Greenland. Moreover, it enhances our understanding of probably interrelated Palaeogene depositional settings from Greenland and Spitsbergen in terms of their palaeoecology, primary input into coal swamps, and individual thermal history.

Graphical abstract
The diagnostic accuracy of community spine radiology for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis brace candidates
Authors: Kim Dorothy J. , Dermott Jennifer A. , Mitani Aya A. , Doria Andrea S. , Howard Andrew W. , Lebel David E.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to establish the diagnostic accuracy of community spine x-rays for brace candidates.

Methods

A review of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients seen for initial visit at a tertiary care pediatric hospital was conducted (n = 170). The index test was the pre-referral community spine x-ray interpreted by a community radiologist. Measures of diagnostic accuracy for the index test were determined against the reference standard if images were obtained within 90 days (n = 111). The reference standard was the 3-foot standing EOS spine x-ray evaluated by spine specialists. Diagnostic criterion for a brace candidate was dichotomized by Cobb angle range (25–40°) according to Scoliosis Research Society criteria. Risser stage was not included given significant missing data in index reports. To mitigate the uncertainty around true progression, sensitivity analyses were conducted on a sub-sample of data when index test was within 60 days of the reference standard (n = 67).

Results

Accuracy of the community spine x-ray to detect a brace candidate was 65.8% (95% CI 56.2–74.5). Sensitivity of the index test was 65.4% with a false negative rate of 34.6%. Specificity was 66.1% with a false positive rate of 33.9%. Positive and negative predictive values were 63.0% and 68.4%, respectively. Of the total number of brace candidates (n = 52), 32.7% were missed because of underestimation in Cobb angle (95% CI 21.5–46.2). The proportion of missed brace candidates because of underestimation was unchanged with 60-day data (p = 0.37).

Conclusions

Inaccuracies in community spine radiology may lead to missed opportunities for non-operative treatment.
The epidemiology of odontoid fractures: a study from the Swedish fracture register
Authors: Baranto Dawid , Steinke Julia , Blixt Simon , Gerdhem Paul , Beck Joel , Westin Olof , Horvath Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to characterize the occurrence of odontoid fractures within a Swedish population.

Methods

Prospective data of adults diagnosed with an odontoid fracture between 2015 and 2021 were retrieved from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). Epidemiologic data including age, sex, injury mechanism, injury type, fracture type (Anderson and D’Alonzo classification), neurological status and treatment type were requested from the SFR. Data pertinent to osteoporosis was retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Register.

Results

A total of 1,154 odontoid fractures were identified, of which 30 were type I fractures, 583 type II fractures, and 541 type III fractures. The mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) age was 77.2 (13.8) years. The prevalence of osteoporosis and neurological deficits did not differ between the fracture types. The majority of patients were treated non-surgically (81%). Male sex and patient age 18–30 years were commonly associated with a high-injury mechanism, especially motor vehicle accidents. In the type II fracture group, significantly more patients had fallen from standing height or less than in the type III group (66% vs. 58%, p = 0.01) while in contrast, motor vehicle accidents were more common in the type III fracture group (12% vs. type II: 8%, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Based on the SFR, the typical odontoid fracture patient is older and suffers a type II fracture. Most injuries were caused by low-energy trauma although in younger patients and males, they were associated with motor vehicle accidents. Across the patient population, odontoid fractures were usually treated non-surgically.
Explicitly Correlated Gaussians with Tensor Pre-factors: Analytic Matrix Elements
Authors: Fedorov D. V. , Teilmann A. F. , Østerlund M. C. , Norrbohm T. L.
Published: July 2024

We consider a specific form of explicitly correlated Gaussians—with tensor pre-factors—which appear naturally when dealing with certain few-body systems in nuclear and particle physics. We derive analytic matrix elements with these Gaussians—overlap, kinetic energy, and Coulomb potential—to be used in variational calculations of those systems. We also perform a quick test of the derived formulae by applying them to p- and d-waves of the hydrogen atom.
Algebraic Varieties in Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Faulstich Fabian M. , Sturmfels Bernd , Sverrisdóttir Svala
Published: July 2024

We develop algebraic geometry for coupled cluster (CC) theory of quantum many-body systems. The high-dimensional eigenvalue problems that encode the electronic Schrödinger equation are approximated by a hierarchy of polynomial systems at various levels of truncation. The exponential parametrization of the eigenstates gives rise to truncation varieties. These generalize Grassmannians in their Plücker embedding. We explain how to derive Hamiltonians, we offer a detailed study of truncation varieties and their CC degrees, and we present the state of the art in solving the CC equations.
Trajectory planning with multiplatform spacetime RRT*
Authors: Burzyński Wojciech , Stecz Wojciech
Published: July 2024

The article presents a method of planning the flight trajectory of a swarm of drones using a modified RRT (Rapidly-exploring Random Tree) algorithm. The version of the RRT algorithm presented in the article is called Multiplatform Spacetime RRT*. The proposed modifications make it possible to determine the flight trajectory of UAVs taking into account time constraints related to the area occupied by each platform. Additionally, the proposed algorithm ensures the avoidance of potential collisions of platforms in the air by using a collision avoidance algorithm used in practice based on geometric methods. Two designed and tested modifications of RRT were presented, based on the basic RRT* and Informed RRT* algorithms. The algorithm used in both tested versions guarantees the determination of the optimal flight path for unmanned platforms in a finite, small number of steps, which solely depends on the number of UAVs involved. This algorithm takes into account the dynamic model of the fixed-wing UAV. The simulation results presented by planning the flight trajectory of a swarm, consisting of three and four UAVs using the Multiplatform Spacetime RRT* algorithm, are significantly better than the algorithms that were compared to achieve these results.
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number – the Role of Managers’ Ethical Meaning-Making and Subjective Wellbeing Complexity
Authors: Mishra Archana , Newey Lance , Spee Paul
Published: July 2024

Despite the appeal of ‘the greatest good for the greatest number’ as an ethical ideal for businesses to pursue, applying this  utilitarian principle in practice proves challenging. This is not least due to fundamental disagreements as to what constitutes the ‘greatest good.’ For example, the concept of ‘wellbeing’ now commonly proposed as a way of apprehending the greatest good is itself subject to widely varying interpretations. Drawing on an in-depth qualitative study of 64 managers in different sectors and country contexts, we explore this variation through the lens of constructivist ethics, asking how and why managers systematically differ in their ethical meaning-making around wellbeing. Our theorizing advances constructivist ethics by relating these differences to developmental stages identified in constructivist psychology, finding that systematic variations in ethical meaning-making are shaped by differences in actors’ capacities to process complexity. Our analysis reveals that managers’ ethical meaning-making about wellbeing is subjective, socially constructed, dynamic, and evolutionary, progressing in stages that we differentiate with a novel concept of ‘subjective wellbeing complexity.’ We contribute to practice by discussing how managers’ ability to work with more complex conceptions of wellbeing can be purposefully enhanced through stage-by-stage capacity-building in the form of ‘vertical development.’
Exploring barriers in the transition toward an established e-waste management system in Brazil: a multiple-case study of the formal sector
Authors: Frantz Schneider Alice , Aanestad Margunn , Carvalho Tereza Cristina
Published: July 2024

Brazil is the largest generator of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in Latin America but faces significant challenges with its management. This study investigates barriers to the growth of the formal sector in transitioning toward an established e-waste management system in the country. Driven by sustainability transitions research, it applies a transition management approach to e-waste management. The study presents the results of field studies conducted in four organizations with different levels of recycling operations. The results show several barriers, for instance, a lack of processes for the complete separation of metals, high reverse logistics cost, a lack of transparency throughout the supply chains, concern with data security, and a lack of financial incentives and policy integration. The study highlights various initiatives from the organizations that assist in tackling some of the identified barriers and shed light on possible transition pathways. The study provides a perspective from e-waste management organizations and policy insights to strengthen e-waste management in the country.
Kinetic analysis of reversible solid-gas reactions in films: application to the decomposition of CaCO$$_3$$ and BaCO$$_3$$ carbonates
Authors: Sanchez-Rodriguez Daniel , Zaidi Sihem , Riera Genis , Planella Anna , Dammak Mohamed , Roura-Grabulosa Pere , Farjas Jordi
Published: July 2024

To determine the decomposition conditions of carbonates in the form of films, we investigated the dependence of the kinetics on carbon dioxide partial pressure, temperature and film thickness. Three different analyses allow us to determine the functional dependence of the decomposition onset temperature on the CO$$_2$$

2

partial pressure, of the reaction rate on the temperature and of the kinetics on the film thickness. The latter analysis also reveals geometrical aspects of the reaction mechanism. Experiments have been carried out with CaCO$$_3$$

3

and BaCO$$_3$$

3

films. The simple geometry of the films and their relatively fast heat and gas transport allow the reaction kinetics to be easily explored.
DSC of biodegradable plastic composites material
Authors: Nowak Agnieszka J. , Waśkiewicz Sylwia , Baszczeńska Oliwia , Niesporek Kamil , Król Mariusz , Hajnyš Jiří
Published: July 2024

The article presents the thermal analysis of new, fully biodegradable thermoplastic composites filled with natural additives. The samples were made of thermoplastic material with the trade name BIOPLAST® GS 1289, and the natural filler was powder from walnut shells and chicken egg shells in various mass proportions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used to assess the quality of the new materials obtained. Moreover, it allowed to determine and select technological parameters of processing and explain the occurrence of undesirable phenomena related to the processing of these materials. The thermal properties of the obtained samples were determined using a Mettler-Toledo DSC 3 scanning calorimeter by the ISO 11357 standard. The analysis was carried out using the following method: conditioning the sample for 10 min at − 20 °C and heating from − 20 to 180 °C at a 10 K min−1 speed. Each sample was subjected to three measurements according to the given method, the first and second cycle in a row, and the third cycle was performed after 24 h. The mass melt flow rate (MFR) was also determined. The critical share of filler in the matrix (BIOPLAST® GS 1289) and the influence of natural fillers on signals on the curve were determined, and it was related to the processing properties of the developed materials.
Spatial entropy as an inductive bias for vision transformers
Authors: Peruzzo Elia , Sangineto Enver , Liu Yahui , De Nadai Marco , Bi Wei , Lepri Bruno , Sebe Nicu
Published: July 2024

Recent work on Vision Transformers (VTs) showed that introducing a local inductive bias in the VT architecture helps reducing the number of samples necessary for training. However, the architecture modifications lead to a loss of generality of the Transformer backbone, partially contradicting the push towards the development of uniform architectures, shared, e.g., by both the Computer Vision and the Natural Language Processing areas. In this work, we propose a different and complementary direction, in which a local bias is introduced using an auxiliary self-supervised task, performed jointly with standard supervised training. Specifically, we exploit the observation that the attention maps of VTs, when trained with self-supervision, can contain a semantic segmentation structure which does not spontaneously emerge when training is supervised. Thus, we explicitly encourage the emergence of this spatial clustering as a form of training regularization. In more detail, we exploit the assumption that, in a given image, objects usually correspond to few connected regions, and we propose a spatial formulation of the information entropy to quantify this object-based inductive bias. By minimizing the proposed spatial entropy, we include an additional self-supervised signal during training. Using extensive experiments, we show that the proposed regularization leads to equivalent or better results than other VT proposals which include a local bias by changing the basic Transformer architecture, and it can drastically boost the VT final accuracy when using small-medium training sets. The code is available at https://github.com/helia95/SAR.
Methodology and evaluation in sports analytics: challenges, approaches, and lessons learned
Authors: Davis Jesse , Bransen Lotte , Devos Laurens , Jaspers Arne , Meert Wannes , Robberechts Pieter , Van Haaren Jan , Van Roy Maaike
Published: July 2024

There has been an explosion of data collected about sports. Because such data is extremely rich and complex, machine learning is increasingly being used to extract actionable insights from it. Typically, machine learning is used to build models and indicators that capture the skills, capabilities, and tendencies of athletes and teams. Such indicators and models are in turn used to inform decision-making at professional clubs. Designing these indicators requires paying careful attention to a number of subtle issues from a methodological and evaluation perspective. In this paper, we highlight these challenges in sports and discuss a variety of approaches for handling them. Methodologically, we highlight that dependencies affect how to perform data partitioning for evaluation as well as the need to consider contextual factors. From an evaluation perspective, we draw a distinction between evaluating the developed indicators themselves versus the underlying models that power them. We argue that both aspects must be considered, but that they require different approaches. We hope that this article helps bridge the gap between traditional sports expertise and modern data analytics by providing a structured framework with practical examples.
Corporate carbon accounting: balance sheets and flow statements
Authors: Reichelstein Stefan
Published: July 2024

Current corporate disclosures regarding carbon emissions lack generally accepted accounting rules. The transactional carbon accounting system described here takes the rules of historical cost accounting for operating assets as a template for generating carbon emissions (CE) statements comprising a balance sheet and a flow statement. The asset side of the CE balance sheet reports the carbon emissions embodied in operating assets. The liability side conveys the firm’s cumulative direct emissions into the atmosphere as well as the cumulative emissions embodied in goods acquired from suppliers less those sold to customers. Flow statements report the company’s annual corporate carbon footprint calculated as the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of goods sold during the current period. Taken together, balance sheets and flow statements generate key performance indicators of a company’s past, current, and future performance in the domain of carbon emissions.
Same Same or Different? Pay Referents and Unfairness Perceptions in Two Employment Arrangements
Authors: Klumb Petra L. , Gahrmann Caroline , Piskernik Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Which reference information do nurses select to evaluate pay and does their employment arrangement matter? To answer these questions, we investigated the role of three types of reference information (perceived responsibility, social appreciation from colleagues and patients) in pay unfairness evaluations of Swiss temporary and staff nurses. Since unfair pay signals a lack of worth, we examined the role of social appreciation from the two sources as boundary condition for the effects of pay unfairness on exhaustion and job satisfaction. We analyzed our time-lagged survey data from 262 staff nurses and 120 temporary nurses using a multi-group framework. The effect of pay unfairness on job satisfaction – but not on exhaustion – was stronger in temporary nurses than in staff nurses. Contrary to our hypotheses, we did not find evidence that social appreciation from colleagues or patients moderated the effects of pay unfairness on job satisfaction and exhaustion. Follow-up analyses showed, however, that staff nurses rely on perceived responsibility and colleagues’ appreciation to gauge pay unfairness. Temporary nurses, in contrast, considered social appreciation on the output side, consistently for both sources of appreciation. This pattern of findings suggests that the comparison processes underlying fairness evaluations are not uniform across different employment arrangements. From a practical perspective, the findings imply that appreciation will not do as compensation for pay staff nurses perceive as unfair.
Observing logics: revisiting reason in The Brothers Karamazov
Authors: Kim Eric
Published: July 2024

Very often in frameworks for and presentations of The Brothers Karamazov, the modern reading public attempts to divide characters by their ability to reason. Usually Ivan is remembered for his reason, pitted against Dmitri’s passion. Adapting some terminology from mathematical logic, I propose and trace a different approach to reason in Dostoevsky’s text, to recast its canonical characters into alternative, though still fluid, categories. This exercise aims not to reinscribe or to reinterpret Dostoevsky’s novel but rather to reconsider an aspect of reasoning, specifically modes or forms of logic. With an admittedly imperfect mapping of characters onto these logical structures, this article encourages the ways in which we can trouble notions of stable reason and sound logic as they operate in the novel.
Beliefs, delusions, hinge commitments
Authors: Pritchard Duncan
Published: July 2024

It is argued that in order to properly engage with the debate regarding the ethics of belief one first needs to determine the nature of the propositional attitude in question. This point is illustrated by discussing a related topic from social philosophy, broadly conceived, concerning the nature of, and inter-relationship between, delusions and the Wittgensteinian notion of a hinge commitment. Are we to understand either or both of these notions as beliefs? Are delusions a kind of hinge commitment? In answering these questions we will appeal to a distinction between folk belief and knowledge-apt belief. It is argued that while both delusions and hinge commitments count as beliefs in the former sense, neither is a belief in the latter sense. Moreover, once we understand what is involved in the notion of a hinge commitment, it will also become clear why delusions are not hinge commitments. It is claimed that by gaining an understanding of delusions and hinge commitments, and thereby of two fundamental ways of thinking about belief, we will be in a better position to determine what is at issue in the ethics of belief debate.
Role of UV radiation and oxidation on polyethylene micro- and nanoplastics: impacts on cadmium sorption, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in fish intestinal cells
Authors: Pinto Estefanía Pereira , Scott Justin , Hess Kendra , Paredes Estefanía , Bellas Juan , Gonzalez-Estrella Jorge , Minghetti Matteo
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation in high-density polyethylene microplastics (2–15 μm) and nanoplastics (0.2–9.9 μm) (NMPs) on particle chemistry, morphology, and reactivity with cadmium (Cd). Additionally, toxicity of NMPs alone and with Cd was evaluated using RTgutGC cells, a model of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) intestine. The role on NMPs on Cd bioaccumulation in RTgutGC cells was also evaluated. Dynamic light scattering indicated that after UV radiation NPs agglomerated size increased from 0.8 to 28 µm, and to 8 µm when Cd was added. Oxidized MPs agglomerated size increased from 11 and 7 to 46 and 27 µm in non-UV- and UV-aged oxidized MPs when adding Cd, respectively. Cd-coated particles exhibited generally significantly higher zeta potential than non-Cd-coated particles, while attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the functional chemistry of the particles was oxidized and modified after being exposed to UV radiation. Presence of NMPs resulted in a significant decrease in Cd bioaccumulation in RTgutGC cells (100.5–87.9 ng Cd/mg protein) compared to Cd alone (138.1 ng Cd/mg protein), although this was not quite significant for co-exposures with UV-aged NPs (105.7 ng Cd/mg protein). No toxicity was observed in RTgutGC cells exposed to NMPs alone for 24 h. Moreover, co-exposures with Cd indicated that NMPs reduce the toxicity of Cd. Altogether these results show that UV aging enhances NMP surface reactivity, increasing Cd absorption in solution, which resulted in a reduction in Cd bioavailability and toxicity.
Sexual hormones monitoring in surface waters and wastewaters from Northern Italy by thin film microextraction coupled with HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Merlo Francesca , Quarta Valentina , Speltini Andrea , Profumo Antonella , Fontàs Clàudia , Anticó Enriqueta
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of sex steroid hormones, viz. oestrogens and progestins, in aquatic ecosystems is of global concern due to their role as endocrine disrupting chemicals, even at low concentration (μg L−1 or less). Thus, it is essential to monitor these organic pollutants to get a realistic picture of their presence and to control their contamination levels in environmental water bodies. In this respect, we have explored the use of self-prepared polymeric films as novel sorptive phase for the microextraction of 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol, estrone, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate and hydroxyprogesterone. The thin film microextraction procedure has been developed, evaluating different film compositions, sample volumes and elution conditions to recover the sorbed analytes. The overall method provides good reproducibility (RSD < 12%) and recoveries higher than 60%. The final method has been applied to environmental monitoring in surface waters (river and lake samples) and urban wastewater treatment plant effluents and influents from Northern Italy, to get a contamination snapshot of this highly urbanized area.