bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cascading consequences of structural interventions in a tropical wandering gravel‐bed river
Authors: Tolentino Pamela Louise M. , Williams Richard D. , Hurst Martin D.
Published: August 2024

Riverscapes are often modified and managed through ‘command and control’ structural engineering approaches. These structures not only alter flow and sediment transport patterns but also negatively affect riverscape biodiversity. These impacts are particularly acute for rivers that are characterised by high mobility and wide flow distribution during extreme events. We used hydrodynamic and geomorphological change assessment to appraise the impacts of existing flood structures and their potential for removal in a tropical wandering gravel‐bed river in the Philippines. Our approach informs a systematic decision‐making process to screen opportunities for channel reconnection. Two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling showed flood structures confine flood water within the active channel for more frequent flood events, but banks are overtopped during larger magnitude events (>50‐year recurrence interval). Incorporating modelling results, a multi‐criteria analysis was developed to appraise opportunities for river reconnection based on structure purpose, functionality, and local land‐use. We differentiate among four actions for each structure: removal, redesign, set back, or retention. One structure is recommended for removal because it cuts off an anabranch, reduces channel capacity, and increases main anabranch bed shear stress. Increased potential for bed and bank erosion due to the structure's presence had a cascading effect, resulting in further interventions downstream and on the opposite bank. We show how the use of system‐scale two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling alongside high‐resolution topographic mapping can support management of interventions to reconnect a river to its wider anabranch‐bar morphology. Such actions form part of proactive, adaptive, and nature‐based flood management plans with local and non‐local benefits.
Topical Immunotherapy with Diphenylcyclopropenone in Paediatric Patients with Alopecia Areata—A Retrospective Study of 97 Patients
Authors: Esmaeili Farzad , Vahabi Seyed Mohammad , Abdoli Mohammadsadegh , Fazeli Patrick , Ghandi Narges , Seddigh Leila , Aryanian Zeinab , Etesami Ifa
Published: August 2024

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease causing chronic non-scarring hair loss. Different therapeutic regimens have been suggested for AA, which depend on patients’ age, scalp involvement extent and duration. Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is one of the treatment options for these patients.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the response to DPCP in paediatric AA patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 97 paediatric AA patients followed in the DPCP clinic from March 2016 to March 2021 at a referral dermatology hospital.

Results

In a cohort of 97 paediatric patients with AA under treatment with DPCP, with a mean age of 11.10 ± 0.9, 53.6% of the patients were male. Patchy alopecia was the most prevalent type (45.4%). After 6 months of DPCP treatment, 51.5% showed no response, while 3.1% achieved complete response. At the 12-month evaluation, among the 68 patients who continued treatment, complete response was observed in 8.8%. A significant positive correlation was found between alopecia type, specifically patchy, and treatment response (p = 0.031). Additionally, treatment duration emerged as a significant predictor of positive response at both six (OR 1.450, p = 0.026) and 12 months (OR 1.310, p = 0.043). A higher initial Severity of Alopecia Tool score was inversely correlated with treatment response (Spearman’s rho −0.14, p = 0.002), indicating that initial disease severity may predict treatment efficacy.

Conclusions

One year after the onset of DPCP in paediatric AA patients, the complete response and any hair regrowth rates were 8.8% and 61.8%, respectively. The milder initial disease severity and longer duration of treatment resulted in a better response.
Bimetallic Sulfide Sb2S3/FeS2 Heterostructure Anchored in a Carbon Skeleton for Fast and Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Yu Lianghao , Li Zhuanxia , Cai Wu , Xie Haoliang , Wang Jing , Ling Yihan , Huang Fei , Li Hengzheng , Zhu Guang , Jin Huile , Wang Shun
Published: August 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising substitute for lithium batteries due to their abundant resources and low cost. Metal sulfides are regarded as highly attractive anode materials due to their superior mechanical stability and high theoretical specific capacity. Guided by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, 3D porous network shaped Sb2S3/FeS2 composite materials with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through a simple solvothermal and calcination method, which is predicted to facilitate favorable Na+ ion diffusion, is synthesized. Benefiting from the well‐designed structure, the resulting Sb2S3/FeS2 exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 536 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1 and long high‐rate cycle life of 3000 cycles at a current density of 30 A g−1 as SIBs anode. In situ and ex situ analyses are carried out to gain further insights into the storage mechanisms and processes of sodium ions in Sb2S3/FeS2@rGO composites. The significantly enhanced sodium storage capacity is attributed to the unique structure and the heterogeneous interface between Sb2S3 and FeS2. This study illustrates that combining rGO with heterogeneous engineering can provide an ideal strategy for the synthesis of new hetero‐structured anode materials with outstanding battery performance for SIBs.
Emerging Strategies to Prevent Bacterial Infections on Titanium‐Based Implants
Authors: Villegas Martin , Bayat Fereshteh , Kramer Taylor , Schwarz Elise , Wilson David , Hosseinidoust Zeinab , Didar Tohid F.
Published: August 2024

Titanium and titanium alloys remain the gold standard for dental and orthopedic implants. These materials are heavily used because of their bioinert nature, robust mechanical properties, and seamless integration with bone. However, implant‐associated infections (IAIs) remain one of the leading causes of implant failure. Eradicating an IAI can be difficult since bacteria can form biofilms on the medical implant, protecting the bacterial cells against systemic antibiotics and the host's immune system. If the infection is not treated promptly and aggressively, device failure is inevitable, leading to costly multi‐step revision surgeries. To circumvent this dire situation, scientists and engineers continue to develop novel strategies to protect the surface of medical implants from bacteria. In this review, details on emerging strategies to prevent infection in titanium implants are reported. These strategies include anti‐adhesion properties provided by polymers, superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, and liquid‐infused surface coatings, as well as strategies and coatings employed to lyse the bacteria. Additionally, commercially available technologies and those under preclinical trials are examined while discussing current and future trends.
Unique Organic Crystal Skeleton Based on N‐Phenyl‐Carbazole Derivatives with Adjustable Room Temperature Phosphorescence and Highly Stable Inclusion Ability to Dichloromethane
Authors: Liu Xudong , Jiang Hongji
Published: August 2024

Monosubstituted 9‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐carbazole (1Br1CZ) and disubstituted 9,9′‐(2,4‐dibromo‐1,3‐phenylene) bis(9H‐carbazole) (2Br2CZ) are synthesized by introducing bromine into ortho‐phenyl position of 9‐phenyl‐carbazole (PhCZ). The decomposition temperature with 5% mass loss and melting point of 2Br2CZ crystal are 360 and 230 °C. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of PhCZ is the highest, and that of 2Br2CZ is the lowest. The crystals of PhCZ, 1Br1CZ, and 2Br2CZ are monoclinic, orthorhombic, and triclinic system, which exhibit room temperature phosphorescence with lifetimes of 171.81, 37.15, and 28.77 ms, and their corresponding phosphorescence quantum yields are 0.83%, 0.16%, and 4.58%. It theoretically reveals that six triplet energy levels (T1‐T6) exist under S1 in 2Br2CZ crystal, and the spin orbit coupling constants between S1 and Tn in 2Br2CZ are also greater than those in PhCZ and 1Br1CZ, which promotes the intersystem crossing. Meanwhile, through crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis, the torsion angles between the carbazole unit of 2Br2CZ and the central phenyl group reached 85.28°. The 2Br2CZ crystal exhibits the richest intermolecular interactions. A cavity of 4.498 Å is formed within the crystal skeleton of 2Br2CZ, which can precisely fixe dichloromethane with a record‐high desorption temperature over 145 °C.
Uncovering security vulnerabilities through multiplatform malware analysis
Authors: Mohammadi R. , Hosseini M. M. , Bahrami R.
Published: August 2024

Cybercriminals, keen on staying anonymous, focus on creating secure connections to hide their activities. This has fueled the rise of malware, especially remote access trojans (RATs), designed to protect themselves for long‐term use and profit. This research investigates how multiplatform malware analysis can expose security weaknesses across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. We designed and analyzed custom malware to uncover vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to establish persistent, hidden access. The malware was programmed to bypass detection while performing actions like stealing sensitive data, launching denial‐of‐service attacks, and generating fake website traffic. Controlled lab experiments and real‐world simulations confirmed the malware's ability to operate stealthily on various platforms, highlighting critical security gaps. By uncovering these vulnerabilities, this study provides valuable insights for strengthening cybersecurity defenses.
Effect of alkali silica reaction on pretensioned concrete bridge girders
Authors: Aligolnia Hamed , Yousefpour Hossein
Published: August 2024

Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is an undesirable phenomenon that occurs between alkalis that usually originate from cement and certain types of siliceous aggregates in concrete. The result of this reaction is delayed expansion of hardened concrete in the presence of moisture, which may cause cracking and damage in an existing structure. The present paper investigates the general behavior and shear strength of pretensioned concrete bridge girders affected by ASR. Four identical pretensioned concrete AASHTO Type I girders were fabricated using reactive concrete and subjected to environmental conditioning at a relative humidity of 100% and a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius for up to 296 days to accelerate the development of ASR. During this period, ASR‐induced expansions, changes in surface strains of concrete, transfer lengths, and patterns of damage and cracking were monitored. Each specimen was subjected to shear‐critical loading until failure upon reaching the desired expansion level. The results showed that the existence of prestressing force played a significant role in limiting the ASR‐induced in‐plane expansion and cracking. Progress of ASR caused a reduction in the load corresponding to the first detected flexural crack but an increase by up to 14% in the load corresponding to the first diagonal cracking compared to the control specimen, likely due to the additional prestress caused by restrained ASR‐induced expansions. The ultimate shear strength of ASR‐affected girders was generally within 5% of the control specimens, and all specimens exceeded their nominal shear strengths according to AASHTO LRFD 2020 specifications. Until the unrestrained uniaxial expansion of 0.2%, no significant concerns were identified regarding the shear strength of the ASR‐affected pretensioned concrete specimens.
National Regulation of Satellite Ground Stations: A Global Comparison
Authors: Rasila Tommi , Ojala Arto
Published: August 2024

Ground stations play a key role in space ecosystems by enabling communications with satellites. Due to the increasing number of LEO satellites, the number of ground stations is also growing. However, legislation and regulations related to ground stations have fallen behind due to this rapid development. Furthermore, different countries have varying regulations for ground stations, making it difficult for firms operating ground stations to establish and conduct successful global operations. In this study, we employ a qualitative approach to collect data and compare ground station regulations in 20 different countries. Based on our findings, we categorize regulations into specific, general, and hidden categories and explain their impact on ground station operations. Secondly, we highlight the possibilities for foreign operators to act and establish ground stations in different countries. Thirdly, we emphasize the need for harmonizing regulations globally.
The safety and utility of the semi-sitting position for clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms
Authors: Al-Afif Shadi , Lang Josef M. , Abdulbaki Arif , Palmaers Thomas , Scheinichen Dirk , Abu-Fares Omar , Hermann Elvis J. , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: August 2024

Background

The semi-sitting position offers advantages for surgeries in the posterior cranial fossa. However, data on its safety and effectiveness for clipping aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation are limited. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of using the semi-sitting position for these surgeries.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients with posterior cerebral circulation aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping in the semi-sitting position in the Department of Neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School over a 10-year period.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 62 years (range, 31 to 75). Fourteen patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 3 patients had incidental aneurysmas. Fifteen patients had PICA aneurysms, and two had aneurysms of the vertebral artery and the superior cerebellar artery, respectively. The median diameter of the aneurysms was 5 mm (range 3–17 mm). Intraoperative venous air embolism (VAE) occurred in 4 patients, without affecting the surgical or clinical course. VAE was associated with a mild decrease of EtCO2 levels in 3 patients and in 2 patients a decrease of blood pressure occurred which was managed effectively. Surgical procedures proceeded as planned in all instances. There were no complications secondary to VAE. Two patients died secondary to respiratory problems (not related to VAE), and one patient was lost to follow-up. Eleven of fourteen patients were partially or completely independent (Barthel index between 60 and 100) at a median follow-up duration of 13.5 months (range, 3–103 months).

Conclusion

The semi-sitting position is a safe and effective technique for the surgical clipping of aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation. The incidence of VAE is comparable to that seen in tumor surgery. However, it is crucial for the surgical and anesthesiological team to be familiar with potential complications and to react immediately in case of an occurrence of VAE.
Cost-effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening: the current guideline versus no screening and reduced regimens
Authors: Quist Sara W. , Dorsthorst Sophie te , Freriks Roel D. , Postma Maarten J. , Hoyng Carel B. , van Asten Freekje
Published: August 2024

Objective

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) effectively treats autoimmune diseases but prolonged use may lead to retinopathy and subsequent vision loss. Guidelines suggest annual follow-up after 5 years for low-risk and 1 year for high-risk patients. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of current screening guidelines and a reduced regimen in the Netherlands from a societal perspective.

Methods

A Markov model assessed costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for current and reduced screening regimens. The model included 359 HCQ-treated patients from Radboud University Medical Center. Cost-effectiveness was examined in the general population and patients using < 5.0 mg/kg, 5.0–6.0 mg/kg, or > 6.0 mg/kg HCQ per day for several reduced regimens.

Results

Compared to no screening, the current screening guideline saves costs (i.e., €210 per patient), while gaining QALYs (i.e., 0.79 QALY per patient) over a lifetime in the Netherlands. However, in patients receiving < 5.0 mg/kg HCQ per day, a biennial screening regimen after 10 years using SD-OCT was more cost-effective. For those with 5.0–6.0 mg/kg and > 6.0 mg/kg per day, initiating annual screening with an SD-OCT after 5 years was more cost-effective than the current guideline.

Conclusions

Screening for HCQ retinopathy is cost-effective, but delayed initiation and a reduced frequency, using solely an SD-OCT, are more cost-effective. We recommend screening with an SD-OCT and a biennial regimen after 10 years for low-risk patients, an annual regimen after 5 years for intermediate- and high-risk patients.
A comprehensive numerical approach to coil placement in cerebral aneurysms: mathematical modeling and in silico occlusion classification
Authors: Holzberger Fabian , Muhr Markus , Wohlmuth Barbara
Published: August 2024

Endovascular coil embolization is one of the primary treatment techniques for cerebral aneurysms. Although it is a well-established and minimally invasive method, it bears the risk of suboptimal coil placement which can lead to incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm possibly causing recurrence. One of the key features of coils is that they have an imprinted natural shape supporting the fixation within the aneurysm. For the spatial discretization, our mathematical coil model is based on the discrete elastic rod model which results in a dimension-reduced 1D system of differential equations. We include bending and twisting responses to account for the coils natural curvature and allow for the placement of several coils having different material parameters. Collisions between coil segments and the aneurysm wall are handled by an efficient contact algorithm that relies on an octree based collision detection. In time, we use a standard symplectic semi-implicit Euler time stepping method. Our model can be easily incorporated into blood flow simulations of embolized aneurysms. In order to differentiate optimal from suboptimal placements, we employ a suitable in silico Raymond–Roy-type occlusion classification and measure the local packing density in the aneurysm at its neck, wall region and core. We investigate the impact of uncertainties in the coil parameters and embolization procedure. To this end, we vary the position and the angle of insertion of the micro-catheter, and approximate the local packing density distributions by evaluating sample statistics.
Acceptance of farmed African catfish in Egypt: addressing consumer concerns and marketing challenges
Authors: Abdel-Hady Mahmoud M. , Haggag Shaimaa M. , Abdel-Khalek Zeinab M. , Othman Mahmoud G. , Abdelrahman Hisham A.
Published: August 2024

African catfish farmers used animal waste as feed to reduce production costs, a practice that raised concerns among consumers, causing them to avoid it. Consequently, this study aimed to explore factors that influenced the acceptance of farmed African catfish. The data survey involving 2294 participants from Egypt was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The results indicated that 67% of participants abstained from consuming it, while 2.30% consumed it regularly. The chi-square test revealed significant consumption pattern variations (p < 0.05) based on most demographic factors. Entirely, 43% were uninformed about the nutritional value, market availability, and the potential impact of using aquafeeds on pricing. About 55–57% lacked information on feeding practices, had quality concerns, viewed catfish consumption as a health risk, and were unaware of its prices. Additionally, 68% were worried about pollution, and 76% found the available information insufficient. The main reasons for this challenge lie in consumers’ health, religious, and psychological concerns. To address this, we propose a targeted marketing strategy focusing on improving safety and quality through safe and cost-effective aquafeeds. This involves requiring farmers to obtain quality certifications and adhere to best management practices, adding value to the product, and transparent communication with consumers to provide them with reliable information about cultivation practices and the nutritional value of African catfish. Effective collaboration among key stakeholders in implementation, efficient sector management, establishing an activity licensing system, and prohibiting current feeding practices will enhance sustainable demand and reverse the declining production trend of this promising species.
Superhydrophobic cellulose-nanofiber aerogels from waste cotton stalks for superior oil–water and emulsion separation
Authors: Zhang Chengbo , Chen GuoHao , Lang DaNing , Liu Gang , Wu RongLan , Wang Wei , Zhang Zheng , Li JiYang , Fu JiHong
Published: August 2024

Cellulose aerogel, a sustainable material characterized by low density and high porosity, demonstrates promising potential for addressing oil spill incidents. In this study, waste cotton stalk biomass was processed using formic acid and hydrogen peroxide to extract cellulose, resulting in the successful creation of a cost-effective aerogel. This material exhibits notable attributes: low density (21.1 mg cm−3), high porosity (91.5%), significant hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 147°), exceptional adsorption capacity (47.61 g g−1), and robust cycling performance (maintaining 94% adsorption capacity after 15 cycles). Moreover, the CNF/CS biomass aerogel boasts high mechanical strength and exceptional oil–water and emulsion separation properties. These characteristics position this aerogel as a promising solution for mitigating various sudden oil spill incidents, indicating its potential for widespread application.
Optimization of Joint Space Trajectories for Assistive Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robots: Real-Time and Flexible Gait Patterns
Authors: Mohamad Habib , Ozgoli Sadjaad , Kazemi Jafar
Published: August 2024

This research focuses on designing a real-time, flexible gait planner for lower limb exoskeleton robots to assist patients with lower limb disabilities. Given the dynamic nature of gait parameters, which vary according to ground conditions and user intent, the challenge lies in developing a gait planner capable of adapting to these changes in real-time. To avoid planning complications in the cartesian space and to comply with the speed constraints of joint motors, this paper proposes planning in joint space. Furthermore, the approach also considers the maximum speed capabilities of the joint motors, aiming to generate an executable gait pattern and simultaneously enhance the robot’s walking speed by determining the minimum time required for implementation. The introduced gait planner optimizes joint trajectories for minimal angular acceleration. To provide flexibility, generalized boundary conditions suitable for different scenarios are defined. The effectiveness of the proposed planner is validated through comprehensive performance analysis, simulations, and successful implementation trials on the Exoped® robot in various scenarios.
Ruin Probabilities as Recurrence Sequences in a Discrete-Time Risk Process
Authors: Cruz Ernesto , Rincón Luis , Santana David J.
Published: August 2024

The theory of linear recurrence sequences is applied to obtain an explicit formula for the ultimate ruin probability in a discrete-time risk process. It is assumed that the claims distribution is arbitrary but has finite support $$\varvec{\{0,1,\ldots ,m+1\}}$$

{
0
,
1
,
…
,
m
+
1
}

, for some integer $$\varvec{m\ge 1}$$

m
≥
1

. The method requires finding the zeroes of an m degree polynomial and solving a system of m linear equations. An approximation is derived and some numerical results and plots are provided as examples.
Endocannabinoid system and phytocannabinoids in the main species of veterinary interest: a comparative review
Authors: Di Salvo Alessandra , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Sforna Monica , della Rocca Giorgia
Published: August 2024

Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and due to the empirical evidence of the therapeutic effects on several illnesses both in humans and animals that follow the administration of exogenous cannabinoids (i.e., phytocannabinoids), numerous studies have been conducted. These investigations aimed to identify the expression and distribution of cannabinoid receptors in healthy and pathologic organs and tissues of different animal species and to define the interactions of phytocannabinoids with these receptors. In the last decade, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerability of many Cannabis derivatives formulations, mainly containing cannabidiol, in the main species of veterinary interest, have been also investigated. This manuscript summarizes the findings reported by the scientific studies published so far on the molecular mode of action of the main phytocannabinoids, the localization of cannabinoid receptors in organs and tissues, as well as the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerability of Cannabis derivatives in dogs, cats, horses and other species of veterinary interest. A deep knowledge of these issues is crucial for the use of phytocannabinoids for therapeutic purposes in animal species.
Life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction and resilience: when the pleasure of helping others protects veterinary staff from emotional suffering
Authors: Peixoto Maria Manuela , Cunha Olga
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Individuals working in veterinary field suffer significantly from mental health problems, and research has extensively focused on psychological and work-related predictors of psychological distress. This study intended to approach psychological distress through a positive lens by investigating the predictive role of life satisfaction on psychological distress in veterinary staff, and the mediating effect of compassion satisfaction, resilience and perceived social support.

Methodology

A total of 868 veterinary staff (i.e. veterinarians, veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants and veterinary administrative staff) completed a web-survey assessing life satisfaction, psychological distress, compassion satisfaction, resilience, and social support.

Results

Life satisfaction negatively predicts psychological distress, and compassion satisfaction and resilience showed a mediation effect on the relationship between life satisfaction and psychological distress, with compassion satisfaction explaining 59% and resilience 6.4% of the effect of life satisfaction on psychological distress.

Conclusion

Current data support the role of life satisfaction as a protective dimension on psychological distress within a broader sample population of veterinary staff in Portugal, highlighting the role of compassion satisfaction and resilience in contributing in minimising distress among veterinary staff.
Preliminary assessment of TNM classification performance for pancreatic cancer in Japanese radiology reports using GPT-4
Authors: Suzuki Kazufumi , Yamada Hiroki , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Honda Goro , Sakai Shuji
Published: August 2024

Purpose

A large-scale language model is expected to have been trained with a large volume of data including cancer treatment protocols. The current study aimed to investigate the use of generative pretrained transformer 4 (GPT-4) for identifying the TNM classification of pancreatic cancers from existing radiology reports written in Japanese.

Materials and methods

We screened 100 consecutive radiology reports on computed tomography scan for pancreatic cancer from April 2020 to June 2022. GPT-4 was requested to classify the TNM from the radiology reports based on the General Rules for the Study of Pancreatic Cancer 7th Edition. The accuracy and kappa coefficient of the TNM classifications by GPT-4 was evaluated with the classifications by two experienced abdominal radiologists as gold standard.

Results

The accuracy values of the T, N, and M factors were 0.73, 0.91, and 0.93, respectively. The kappa coefficients were 0.45 for T, 0.79 for N, and 0.83 for M.

Conclusion

Although GPT is familiar with the TNM classification for pancreatic cancer, its performance in classifying actual cases in this experiment may not be adequate.
Convergence error analysis of reflected gradient Langevin dynamics for non-convex constrained optimization
Authors: Sato Kanji , Takeda Akiko , Kawai Reiichiro , Suzuki Taiji
Published: August 2024

Gradient Langevin dynamics and a variety of its variants have attracted increasing attention owing to their convergence towards the global optimal solution, initially in the unconstrained convex framework while recently even in convex constrained non-convex problems. In the present work, we extend those frameworks to non-convex problems on a non-convex feasible region with a global optimization algorithm built upon reflected gradient Langevin dynamics and derive its convergence rates. By effectively making use of its reflection at the boundary in combination with the probabilistic representation for the Poisson equation with the Neumann boundary condition, we present promising convergence rates, particularly faster than the existing one for convex constrained non-convex problems.
Two-component integrable extension of general heavenly equation
Authors: Kryński Wojciech , Sergyeyev Artur
Published: August 2024

We introduce an integrable two-component extension of the general heavenly equation and prove that the solutions of this extension are in one-to-one correspondence with 4-dimensional hyper-para-Hermitian metrics. Furthermore, we demonstrate that if the metrics in question are hyper-para-Kähler, then our system reduces to the general heavenly equation. We also present an infinite hierarchy of nonlocal symmetries, as well as a recursion operator, for the system under study.
Crossing the Trust Gap in Medical AI: Building an Abductive Bridge for xAI
Authors: Gouveia Steven S. , Malík Jaroslav
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we argue that one way to approach what is known in the literature as the “Trust Gap” in Medical AI is to focus on explanations from an Explainable AI (xAI) perspective. Against the current framework on xAI – which does not offer a real solution – we argue for a pragmatist turn, one that focuses on understanding how we provide explanations in Traditional Medicine (TM), composed by human agents only. Following this, explanations have two specific relevant components: they are usually (i) social and (ii) abductive. Explanations, in this sense, ought to provide understanding by answering contrastive why-questions: “Why had P happened instead of Q?” (Miller in AI 267:1–38, 2019) (Sect. 1). In order to test the relevancy of this concept of explanation in medical xAI, we offer several reasons to argue that abductions are crucial for medical reasoning and provide a crucial tool to deal with trust gaps between human agents (Sect. 2). If abductions are relevant in TM, we can test the capability of Artificial Intelligence systems on this merit. Therefore, we provide an analysis of the capacity for social and abductive reasoning of different AI technologies. Accordingly, we posit that Large Language Models (LLMs) and transformer architectures exhibit a noteworthy potential for effective engagement in abductive reasoning. By leveraging the potential abductive capabilities of LLMs and transformers, we anticipate a paradigm shift in the integration of explanations within AI systems. This, in turn, has the potential to enhance the trustworthiness of AI-driven medical decisions, bridging the Trust Gap that has been a prominent challenge in the field of Medical AI (Sect. 3). This development holds the potential to not only improve the interpretability of AI-generated medical insights but also to guarantee that trust among practitioners, patients, and stakeholders in the healthcare domain is still present.
Encircling the Liouvillian exceptional points: a brief review
Authors: Sun Konghao , Yi Wei
Published: August 2024

Exceptional points are the branch-point singularities of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians and have rich consequences in open-system dynamics. While the exceptional points and their critical phenomena are widely studied in the non-Hermitian settings without quantum jumps, they also emerge in open quantum systems depicted by the Lindblad master equations, wherein they are identified as the degeneracies in the Liouvillian eigenspectrum. These Liouvillian exceptional points often have distinct properties compared to their counterparts in non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, leading to fundamental modifications of the steady states or the steady-state-approaching dynamics. Since the Liouvillian exceptional points widely exist in quantum systems such as the atomic vapors, superconducting qubits, and ultracold ions and atoms, they have received increasing amount of attention of late. Here, we present a brief review on an important aspect of the dynamic consequence of Liouvillian exceptional points, namely the chiral state transfer induced by the parametric encircling the Liouvillian exceptional points. Our review focuses on the theoretical description and experimental observation of the phenomena in atomic systems that are experimentally accessible. We also discuss the ongoing effort to unveil the collective dynamic phenomena close to the Liouvillian exceptional points, as a consequence of the many-body effects therein. Formally, these phenomena are the quantum-many-body counterparts to those in classical open systems with nonlinearity, but hold intriguing new potentials for quantum applications.
Hospital management and challenges during COVID-19 outbreaks: lessons from a level 1 hospital in the southeast of Iran-case study
Authors: Esmaeilian Saeid , Mohajeri Elham , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Ghorbani Mohammad , Rahmanipour Elham , Sarmast Kamran
Published: August 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unparalleled challenges to hospitals globally, particularly those in resource-limited settings. This case study elucidates the experiences and lessons from managing a 40-bed public hospital in Rask, Iran, during the pandemic.

Methods

Data were gathered through focus group discussions with the management team and key informants, supplemented by document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to discern key themes and subthemes related to the challenges encountered and solutions implemented by the hospital.

Results

The study underscores the necessity of a dynamic management team, effective external stakeholder communication, staff involvement in decision-making, and establishing connections with pre-hospital care units. It also emphasizes the need for adaptable protocols, comprehensive staff training, and infrastructure enhancements. Despite these strategies, the hospital grappled with unresolved issues such as inadequate disaster planning, ethical dilemmas, and poor inter-hospital coordination.

Conclusion

This case study offers insights into managing a small hospital in a resource-limited setting during a health crisis, highlighting the importance of effective leadership, staff support, infrastructural flexibility, and community engagement. The lessons gleaned can guide the development of context-specific strategies to bolster the resilience and preparedness of similar hospitals. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic on these hospitals and to explore the perspectives of frontline staff, patients, and families for a more comprehensive understanding of effective hospital management during health disasters.
Selection tests work better than we think they do, and have for years
Authors: Foster Jeff L. , Steel Piers , Harms Peter D. , O’Neill Thomas A. , Wood Dustin
Published: August 2024

We can make better decisions when we have a better understanding of the different sources of variance that impact job performance ratings. A failure to do so cannot only lead to inaccurate conclusions when interpreting job performance ratings, but often misguided efforts aimed at improving our ability to explain and predict them. In this paper, we outline six recommendations relating to the interpretation of predictive validity coefficients and efforts aimed at predicting job performance ratings. The first three focus on the need to evaluate the effectiveness of selection instruments and systems based only on the variance they can possibly account for. When doing so, we find that it is not only possible to account for the majority of the variance in job performance ratings that most select systems can possibly predict, but that we’ve been able to account for this variance for years. Our last three recommendations focus on the need to incorporate components related to additional sources of variance in our predictive models. We conclude with a discussion of their implications for both research and practice.
Fully developed flow through shrouded-fin arrays: exact and asymptotic solutions
Authors: Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Kirk Toby L. , Hodes Marc , Crowdy Darren G.
Published: August 2024

The flow resistance, i.e. friction factor times Reynolds number (

$\,f\,{Re}$

), of longitudinal-fin heat sinks with or without clearance between a shroud and the tips of the fins is an important parameter in thermal design. This is because it dictates the caloric resistance of the heat sink, i.e. change in bulk temperature of the fluid flowing through it. When there is no clearance and the common and oft-valid assumption of negligible fin thickness is invoked,

$f\,{Re}$

corresponds to simply that of a rectangular duct. However, with clearance, only numerical results are available as per the well-known study by Sparrow, Baliga and Patankar (ASME J. Heat Transfer, vol. 100, 1978). We develop analytical formulae for

$f\,{Re}$

for fully developed flow with clearance. The exact solution is provided by an integral formula derived via conformal mappings. Additionally, simple formulae are derived via asymptotic expansions in three cases: (1) the fin spacing is small compared to the fin height and clearance; (2) the clearance is small compared to the fin spacing, which is small compared to the fin height; (3) the same as case (2) but valid for larger clearances. The different asymptotic formulae are compared to the exact formula, and together cover almost the entire relevant parameter range (for fin spacing and clearance) with errors of less than 15 %. A formula for the limiting case of no clearance is shown to be more accurate, for any fin spacing, than a widely used correlation from the literature.
The Decarbonization Bargain: How the Decarbonizable Sector Shapes Climate Politics
Authors: Kupzok Nils , Nahm Jonas
Published: August 2024

Political scientists conceptualize climate politics as a distributive struggle between emerging green and incumbent fossil coalitions. We argue that, even though this conceptualization is historically accurate, a dichotomous understanding no longer fully explains conflicts over climate policy. Importantly, it misses a group of industries that are central to recent policy progress: the decarbonizable sector. Decarbonizable industries, such as automakers or energy-intensive manufacturers, have long been part of fossil coalitions but can develop new sources of competitiveness through decarbonization. This makes them receptive to a bargain: agreeing to meet climate goals in exchange for policies that support their decarbonization, especially fiscal policies that partially fund or de-risk their business transitions. We establish this argument using an original measurement of the size of the decarbonizable sector and corroborate our findings through case studies of green spending policies in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Missbrauch neuer synthetischer Cannabinoide im Maßregelvollzug
Authors: Scheu Martin , Auwärter Volker
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Bei synthetischen Cannabinoiden (SC) handelt es sich um eine Subgruppe „neuer psychoaktiver Substanzen“ (NpS), der in Deutschland eine besonders hohe Bedeutung zukommt. SC werden als Alternative zu Cannabis konsumiert, wobei SC im Vergleich zu Cannabis ein wesentlich ungünstigeres Risikoprofil aufweisen. SC können nicht über gängige immunchemische Tests nachgewiesen werden und speziell für SC entwickelte Immunoassays haben sich aufgrund der hohen Marktdynamik nicht bewährt. Dies stellt ein Problem für wirksame Abstinenzkontrollen dar, insbesondere im Justiz- und Maßregelvollzug. Ziel: Untersuchung der Prävalenz von SC in Urinproben aus dem Maßregelvollzug. Methoden: Es wurden analytische Befunde zu Urinproben von 2018 bis 2023 aus dem Maßregelvollzug in Deutschland in die Auswertung einbezogen. Die Analyse erfolgte mittels Flüssigchromatographie-Tandemmassenspektrometrie (LC-MS/MS). Ergebnisse: Zwischen den Jahren 2018 und 2023 konnte ein Rückgang der SC-Positivraten von ca. 16 % auf ca. 10 % beobachtet werden. Auf der Ebene der einzelnen Bundesländer wurden allerdings Trends festgestellt, die von einem sehr starken Rückgang der Positivrate bis hin zu einer Verdopplung der Positivrate über den beobachteten Zeitraum reichten. Schlussfolgerung: Trotz eines generellen Rückgangs bleibt der Konsum von SC im Maßregelvollzug ein Problem im Bereich der Abstinenzkontrolle. Dabei zeigen sich zum Teil erhebliche Unterschiede in verschiedenen Regionen.
Instrumente des Strafsanktionenrechts zur Bewältigung suchtmittelbedingter Delinquenz in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz
Authors: Baur Alexander , Messerschmidt Tabea , Sackl Sophie , Sautner Lyane , Urwyler Thierry
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Ziel: Der vorliegende Beitrag hat zum Ziel, den strafrechtlichen Umgang mit suchtmittelbezogener Delinquenz im deutschsprachigen Raum zu untersuchen und dabei Gemeinsamkeiten sowie Unterschiede herauszuarbeiten. Methode: Rechtsvergleichende Analyse des strafrechtlichen Sanktionenrechts im DACH-Raum (Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz). Ergebnisse: Die drei Rechtsordnungen weisen in den Grundzügen strukturelle Gemeinsamkeiten auf (Zweispurigkeit des Sanktionenrechts, spezifische Maßregeln bzw. Maßnahmen für suchtbezogene Delinquenz, Vollzugsreihenfolge, positive Behandlungsprognose). Es manifestieren sich aber auch Unterschiede bei der Ausgestaltung des Instrumentariums sowie im Vollzug (Anrechnung an die Strafe, diversionelle Möglichkeiten, ambulant v. stationär etc.). Der in Deutschland stärkere Fokus auf freiheitsentziehende Maßregeln hat zu einem starken Anstieg der Anordnungsraten geführt. In der Schweiz und Österreich lässt sich diese Entwicklung nicht beobachten. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Untersuchung legt nahe, dass Wechselwirkungen zwischen dem Bestehen von diversionellen/ambulanten Optionen und der Anordnung von freiheitsentziehenden Maßnahmen bzw. Maßregeln bestehen. Darüber hinaus ergeben sich aus dem Rechtsvergleich relevante Erkenntnisse zum juristischen Entwicklungsbedarf des Sanktionenrechts bei suchtbezogener Delinquenz.
Is Self-Centered a Refutation of the Ego-Quieting Hypothesis in Contemplative Practices?
Authors: Arahuete Lorena , Pinazo Daniel
Published: August 2024

Abstract: The self-centrality principle holds that contemplative practices activate self-salience, encouraging moral self-enhancement, rather than the expected effect of acceptance hypothesized by the ego-quieting principle ( Gebauer et al., 2018 ). However, meditation may favor ego-quieting by inhibiting the disposition to judge and/or react to defend more equanimously a self that feels threatened ( Brown et al., 2007 ). In this study, we propose that meditation helps to reduce behaviors based on self-interest by limiting the defensive sense of the ego when the self is salient. We carry out three experimental studies to test this proposal. The first one tests the effect of meditation on a salient self with a proximal threat to their physical survival ( N = 400). The second study tests the effect of meditation in the case of distal defensiveness in a salient self whose physical survival is threatened ( N = 200). The third study evaluates the effect of proximal defensiveness when the integrity of the self-concept of the salient self is threatened ( N = 200). Our results provide evidence that practicing meditation quiets the ego, or tends to do so, when attention is focused on a self-threatened by a context based on a thought.
Impacts of Sea‐Level Rise on Coastal Groundwater Table Simulated by an Earth System Model With a Land‐Ocean Coupling Scheme
Authors: Xu Donghui , Bisht Gautam , Feng Dongyu , Tan Zeli , Li Lingcheng , Qiu Han , Leung L. Ruby
Published: August 2024

Sea‐level rise (SLR) poses a severe threat to the coastal environment through seawater intrusion into freshwater aquifers. The rising groundwater table also exacerbates the risk of pluvial, fluvial, and groundwater flooding in coastal regions. However, current Earth system models (ESMs) commonly ignore the exchanges of water at the land‐ocean interface. To address this gap, we developed a novel land‐ocean hydrologic coupling scheme in a state‐of‐the‐science ESM, the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2). The new scheme includes the lateral exchange between seawater and groundwater and the vertical infiltration of seawater driven by the SLR‐induced inundation. Simulations were performed with the updated E3SMv2 for the global land‐ocean interface to assess the impacts of SLR on coastal groundwater under a high CO2 emission scenario. By the middle of this century, seawater infiltration on the inundated areas will be the dominant component in the land‐ocean coupling process, while the lateral subsurface flow exchange will be much smaller. The SLR‐induced seawater infiltration will raise the groundwater levels, enhance evapotranspiration, and increase runoff with distinct spatial patterns globally in the future. Although the coupling process is induced by SLR, we found topography and warming temperature have more control on the coupling impacts, probably due to the relatively modest magnitude of SLR during the selected future period. Overall, our study suggests significant groundwater and seawater exchange at the land‐ocean interface, which needs to be considered in ESMs.
Interaction Between Typhoon, Marine Heatwaves, and Internal Tides: Observational Insights From Ieodo Ocean Research Station in the Northern East China Sea
Authors: Saranya J. S. , Dasgupta Panini , Nam SungHyun
Published: August 2024

Typhoons, fueled by warm sea surface waters, heighten concern as they increasingly interact with frequent Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) in a changing climate. Typhoon Hinnamnor (2022) weakened and re‐intensified as it approached the Korean Strait, interacting with an underlying MHW in the northern East China Sea (nECS). In‐situ observations and reanalysis products revealed a significant increase in latent heat loss from the nECS during the MHW period, contributing to the typhoon re‐intensification. Strong sea surface wind forcing with the typhoon enhanced vertical mixing and upwelling, resulting in a pronounced (0.90°C) sea surface cooling after the typhoon passage, facilitating MHW disappearance with reduced thermal stratification. During MHWs, increased background stratification increases temperature oscillations associated with semidiurnal internal tides. Furthermore, post‐typhoon changes in stratification weakened semidiurnal internal tides due to unfavorable conditions for generation from a nearby source. These findings highlight the importance of continuous time‐series observations to monitor interactions among climatic extremes.