bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern-Recognition Processes of First-Grade Students: An Explorative Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Baumanns Lukas , Pitta-Pantazi Demetra , Demosthenous Eleni , Lilienthal Achim J. , Christou Constantinos , Schindler Maike
Published: January 2024

Recognizing patterns is an essential skill in early mathematics education. However, first graders often have difficulties with tasks such as extending patterns of the form ABCABC. Studies show that this pattern-recognition ability is a good predictor of later pre-algebraic skills and mathematical achievement in general, or the development of mathematical difficulties on the other hand. To be able to foster children’s pattern-recognition ability, it is crucial to investigate and understand their pattern-recognition processes early on. However, only a few studies have investigated the processes used to recognize patterns and how these processes are adapted to different patterns. These studies used external observations or relied on children’s self-reports, yet young students often lack the ability to properly report their strategies. This paper presents the results of an empirical study using eye-tracking technology to investigate the pattern-recognition processes of 22 first-grade students. In particular, we investigated students with and without the risk of developing mathematical difficulties. The analyses of the students’ eye movements reveal that the students used four different processes to recognize patterns—a finding that refines knowledge about pattern-recognition processes from previous research. In addition, we found that for patterns with different units of repeat (i.e. ABABAB versus ABCABCABC), the pattern-recognition processes used differed significantly for students at risk of developing mathematical difficulties but not for students without such risk. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the pattern-recognition processes of first-grade students, laying the foundation for enhanced, targeted support, especially for students at risk of developing mathematical difficulties.
The mechanics of the friction-assisted lateral extrusion process
Authors: Tóth László S. , Sepsi Máté , Szűcs Máté , Kumaran Surya N. , Lowe Terry C.
Published: January 2024

The friction-assisted lateral extrusion process (FALEP) is gaining attention as a candidate for fabricating high-performance ultrafine grain alloys for potential industrial applications. It consists of extruding metal in bulk or powder form into a solid sheet in a single operation to obtain ultrafine-grained (UFG) structures. The sheet has high yield strength due to its UFG microstructure and a shear-type crystallographic texture that is fundamentally different from the textures of sheets obtained by rolling. Apart from its single-step feature, FALEP requires lower forces than in rolling, so less energy is required to achieve large reductions. The present work introduces analytical elastic/plastic continuum calculations for the mechanics of the FALEP process. The results of the calculations demonstrate the great advantages of FALEP with respect to rolling and equal/non-equal channel angular pressings.

Graphical Abstract
A Novel Homozygous Germline Mutation in Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1) Leads to Combined Immunodeficiency and Provides New Insights into Iron-Immunity Axis
Authors: Aba Ümran , Maslak İbrahim Cemal , İpşir Canberk , Pehlivan Damla , Warnock Nicholas I. , Tumes Damon J. , Cildir Gökhan , Erman Baran
Published: January 2024

A homozygous missense mutation in the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), also known as CD71, leads to a rare inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by the impaired lymphocyte activation and proliferation due to defective iron uptake of cells. However, only one causative mutation (c.58T > C, p.Y20H) in the TFRC gene coding for TfR1 has been reported so far. We herein identified a new disease-causing homozygous germline mutation in the TFRC gene (c.64C > T, p.R22W) (referred to as TfR1R22W from now on) in a Turkish patient with combined immunodeficiency (CID). TfR1R22W results in impaired TfR1 internalization similar to previously defined TfR1Y20H mutation. We found that TfR1R22W is associated with severely restricted B and T lymphocyte clonal diversity and impaired T cell activation and cytokine production as well as defective mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in helper T cells. In addition, circulating NK, Treg, and MAIT cell populations were significantly decreased in the patient. Using whole transcriptome analysis, we found dysregulated immune homeostasis and novel biological processes associated with TfR1R22W. We also identified a considerable expansion of circulating low-density neutrophils (LDNs) in patient’s PBMCs. Overall, TfR1R22W mutation expands the current understanding of the IEI associated with TfR1 dysfunction and provides new insights underlying impaired immune function, lymphocyte diversity, and granulocyte homeostasis.
Thermalization of a SQUID Chip at Cryogenic Temperature: Thermal Conductance Measurement for GE 7031 Varnish Glue, Apiezon N Grease and Rubber Cement Between 20 and 200 mK
Authors: D’Andrea M. , Torrioli G. , Macculi C. , Kiviranta M.
Published: January 2024

In the context of the ATHENA X-IFU Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC) development, we have studied the thermalization properties of a 2 × 2 mm SQUID chip. The chip is glued on a front-end PCB and operated on the cold stage of a dilution refrigerator (TBASE < 20 mK). We performed thermal conductance measurements by using different materials to glue the SQUID chip on the PCB. These have been repeated in subsequent cryostat runs, to highlight degradation effects due to thermal cycles. Here, we present the results obtained by glues and greases widely used in cryogenic environments, i.e., GE 7031 Varnish Glue, Apiezon N Grease and Rubber Cement.
TP53 to mediate immune escape in tumor microenvironment: an overview of the research progress
Authors: Zhu Kai-li , Su Fei , Yang Jing-ru , Xiao Ruo-wen , Wu Rui-yue , Cao Meng-yue , Ling Xiao-ling , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that key cancer-causing driver genes continue to exert a sustained influence on the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting the importance of immunotherapeutic targeting of gene mutations in governing tumor progression. TP53 is a prominent tumor suppressor that encodes the p53 protein, which controls the initiation and progression of different tumor types. Wild-type p53 maintains cell homeostasis and genomic instability through complex pathways, and mutant p53 (Mut p53) promotes tumor occurrence and development by regulating the TME. To date, it has been wildly considered that TP53 is able to mediate tumor immune escape. Herein, we summarized the relationship between TP53 gene and tumors, discussed the mechanism of Mut p53 mediated tumor immune escape, and summarized the progress of applying p53 protein in immunotherapy. This study will provide a basic basis for further exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting p53 protein.
Locational Analysis of In-motion Wireless Power Transfer System for Long-distance Trips by Electric Vehicles: Optimal Locations and Economic Rationality in Japanese Expressway Network
Authors: Honma Yudai , Hasegawa Daisuke , Hata Katsuhiro , Oguchi Takashi
Published: January 2024

The popularization of electric vehicles (EVs) is limited by their driving range and long charging times. To address this, in-motion wireless power transfer systems (WPTSs) are currently attracting attention as a new power supply system. In-motion WPTSs have coils embedded under the road to transfer power from the WPTSs to EVs while driving. However, the main drawback of WPTSs is their large investment, especially in supporting the long-distance trips of EVs on expressways. Therefore, this study proposes a new mixed-integer programming model (MIP) to determine the optimal location of WPTSs for maximized total feasible flow demand. By focusing on long-distance trips on expressways, we propose the first flow-capturing model for WPTS locations that can (i) solve for the distance of WPTS installed as continuous variables, and (ii) solve problems based on real-scale data using a general MIP solver. Our method is extended to a discussion of WPTS installations on expressways in Japan. We observe that WPTS has strong potential as an EV power supply system in terms of coverage and economic rationality. In particular, WPTS has economic rationality not only in busy networks but also in sparsely populated networks that connect urban and rural areas. Thus, this study clarifies the important insights of WPTSs in improving their effectivity to narrow down the demand and ensure the flexibility in the locations of WPTS.
Palaeoseismological assessment for a seismic gap located very close to the epicentre of the 30 October 2020 Samos Earthquake (M6.9), western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Öncü Umut , Sözbilir Hasan , Özkaymak Çağlar , Softa Mustafa , Sümer Ökmen , Eski Semih , Spencer Joel Q. G. , Şahiner Eren , Yüksel Mehmet , Meriç Niyazi , Topaksu Mustafa
Published: January 2024

The Tuzla Fault (TF), considered one of the most important seismic sources in İzmir province, is defined as a strike–slip fault with N10E–N60E striking between Gaziemir and Doğanbey districts. A 50-km-long fault consists of three segments which are, from north to south Çatalca, Orhanlı, and Doğanbey segments. Recent studies claim that the part of the TF extending to Kuşadası Bay is also in a kinematic relationship with the Samos Fault that caused an earthquake on 30 October 2020 (Mw = 6.9). In this study, in order to analyse the historical behaviour of the fault, three trench-based palaeoseismology studies across the fault scarp were conducted on three geometric segments of the TF. Palaeoseismology findings show that seven historic/prehistoric earthquakes were generated by TF. According to Oxcal distribution using the Bayesian methods, the time of the events lie between 46.2 ± 6.1 and 1.6 ± 0.3 ka. When the events are compared with the historical earthquakes, the last event is correlated with the earthquakes of 47 AD and/or 177/178 AD on the Doğanbey segment. Moreover, the other events can be attributed to the late Pleistocene–Holocene earthquakes that are prehistorical periods. Our results provide a recurrence interval of an earthquake along the TF to between 0.7 and 4.3 ka for the Holocene period. The elapsed time since the most recent surface faulting earthquake on the TF is 1844 years. It is suggested that it is predicted that TF has the potential to produce destructive earthquakes in the near future, especially in Orhanlı and Çatalca segments which may be considered as a seismic gap.
Enhancing Science Education Through Visual Art and Complex Storytelling Using the Book “The Case Study of Einstein, Eddington, and the Eclipse: Travel Impressions”
Authors: Simões Ana , Sousa Ana Matilde
Published: January 2024

This paper delves into the innovative integration of arts in science education, as exemplified by the book Einstein, Eddington, and the Eclipse: Travel Impressions. The book uniquely combines a history of science essay and a graphic novel, collaboratively created by Ana Simões, a historian of science, and Ana Matilde Sousa, an artist. Diverging from conventional science communication comics, the graphic novel section adopts an “art comics” style, with experimental aesthetics and complex storytelling, challenging the notion that comics oversimplify scientific concepts and events. This paper primarily focuses on the creative processes, themes, and decisions involved in the making of the graphic novel, showcasing how it synergizes with the essay to present a rich tapestry of the global context, societal impact, and diverse individuals involved in the 1919 British astronomical expeditions which proved Einstein’s light bending prediction. Additionally, this paper also serves as a practical resource/tool for educators, offering a “skeleton key” that engages students, particularly science undergraduates, in critical thinking about scientific and historical content. It underscores the significant role of visual arts in enriching science education and highlights the book’s contribution to the evolving landscape of STEAM education.
False-name-proof and strategy-proof voting rules under separable preferences
Authors: Fioravanti Federico , Massó Jordi
Published: January 2024

We consider the problem of a society that uses a voting rule to choose a subset from a given set of objects (candidates, binary issues, or alike). We assume that voters’ preferences over subsets of objects are separable: adding an object to a set leads to a better set if and only if the object is good (as a singleton set, the object is better than the empty set). A voting rule is strategy-proof if no voter benefits by not revealing its preferences truthfully and it is false-name-proof if no voter benefits by submitting several votes under other identities. We characterize all voting rules that satisfy false-name-proofness, strategy-proofness, and ontoness as the class of voting rules in which an object is chosen if it has either at least one vote in every society or a unanimous vote in every society. To do this, we first prove that if a voting rule is false-name-proof, strategy-proof, and onto, then the identities of the voters are not important.
On the use of MiniCPS for conducting rigorous security experiments in Software-Defined Industrial Control Systems
Authors: Etxezarreta Xabier , Garitano Iñaki , Iturbe Mikel , Zurutuza Urko
Published: January 2024

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) offers a global view over the network and the ability of centrally and dynamically managing network flows, making them ideal for creating security threat detection and mitigation solutions. Industrial networks possess specific characteristics that make them well-suited for such solutions, leading to extensive research efforts in this area. However, due to the high economic cost and potential risks associated with real equipment interaction, most studies rely on testbeds for demonstration purposes. Therefore, it becomes crucial to understand the limitations and safe operating ranges of testbed environments to ensure the development of scientifically rigorous experiments and accurate result measurements. This study focuses on analyzing MiniCPS-based testbeds in terms of network performance, experiment replicability, and the effects of different attacker implementation modes. The findings demonstrate that utilizing MiniCPS on actual hardware enables the development of highly replicable and high-performance testbeds, as long as they operate within the predefined safe operating ranges. Additionally, this work provides an in-depth analysis of various attacker implementation techniques and their impact on the network.
To charge or not to charge? Using Prospect Theory to model the tradeoffs of electric vehicle users
Authors: Pelka S. , Bosch A. , Chappin E. J. L. , Liesenhoff F. , Kühnbach M. , de Vries L. J.
Published: January 2024

Electric vehicle (EV) users who aim to become flexibility providers face a tradeoff between staying in control of charging and minimizing their electricity costs. The common practice is to charge immediately after plugging in and use more electricity than necessary. Changing this can increase the EV’s flexibility potential and reduce electricity costs. Our extended electricity cost optimization model systematically examines how different changes to this practice influence electricity costs. Based on the Prospect Theory and substantiated by empirical data, it captures EV users’ tradeoff between relinquishing control and reducing charging costs. Lowering the need to control charging results in disproportionally large savings in electricity costs. This finding incentivizes EV-users to relinquish even more control of charging. We analyzed changes to two charging settings that express the need for control. We found that changing only one setting offsets the other and reduces its positive effect on cost savings. Behavioral aspects, such as rebound effects and inertia that are widely documented in the literature, support this finding and underline the fit of our model extension to capture different charging behaviors. Our findings suggest that service providers should convince EV-users to relinquish control of both settings.
Effect of Thickness and Thermal Treatment on the Electrical Performance of 2D MoS2 Monolayer and Multilayer Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Martínez B. A. Muñiz , Salazar Mario Flores , Rao M. G. Syamala , de Luna Bugallo Andrés , Ramirez-Bon R.
Published: January 2024

We deposited high-quality molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer and multilayer crystals on SiO2/Si substrates, by means of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process at atmospheric pressure. Notably, NaCl salt was used as component of the precursors to assist the growth of MoS2 crystals, which were intended for use as the active channel layer in the fabrication of field-effect transistors (FETs). The resulting MoS2 crystals from this CVD process were analyzed by optical, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopies, and by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The optical images and the micrographs obtained by SEM revealed the formation of dispersed MoS2 crystals with a triangular shape all over the SiO2 surface. The thickness of the MoS2 crystals, analyzed by atomic force microscopy, showed minimum values of around 0.7 nm, confirming the formation of monolayers. Additionally, multilayers with larger thickness were also identified. The Raman and photoluminescence spectra of the MoS2 crystals corroborated the formation of single and multiple layers. The fabrication of the FET back-SiO2 -gate configuration was made by depositing patterned source and drain Ti contacts on the dispersed MoS2 crystals to achieve the Ti/MoS2/SiO2/Si layer stacks. MoS2-based FETs with one and three layers were assembled and their electrical response analyzed by I–V output and transfer curves showing the typical characteristics of an n-type semiconductor channel operating in depletion mode. The electrical performance parameters of the devices, such as mobility and threshold voltage, were also determined from this analysis. Finally, to enhance their electrical response, the MoS2-based devices were thermally annealed at 200 °C for 30 min in Ar atmosphere. The increase in the mobility of the device was 176% compared to the device before the treatment.
Phytochemical composition and biological activity of native Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea)
Authors: Johnson Joel B. , Batley Ryan J. , Mani Janice S. , du Preez Ryan , Trotter Tieneke , Netzel Michael E. , Naiker Mani
Published: January 2024

The edible, endemic Australian species Alpinia caerulea belongs to the same family as ginger and turmeric. The rhizome and fruit have a mild ginger-like flavour, but there is very little information on its chemical composition or potential biological activities. This study found low levels of ascorbic acid in the fruit and fruit capsule (2.3–3.4 mg/100 g fresh weight), as well as detecting six polyphenols (rutin, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin, vanillic acid, kaempferol and chlorogenic acid) across all of the plant parts. The volatile profile of the rhizome was also explored for the first time. The volatiles were dominated (91.7%) by (E)-8(17),12-labdadiene-15,16-dial, but included 20 other minor constituents; mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Extracts showed no inhibitory activity against tyrosinase or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase was found for the rhizome and stem extracts. Further investigation into A. caerulea and other species from this genus will help to elucidate their full nutritional and bioactive potential.
Spielt der Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmus eine Rolle im Profifußball?
Authors: Fietze Ingo , Ossadnik Sarah , Rosenblum Elisabeth-Maria , Glos Martin
Published: January 2024

Profisporttreibende weisen häufig einen gestörten Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmus auf, der sowohl durch irreguläre Trainingstage als auch unregelmäßige Wochenrhythmen bestimmt wird und darüber hinaus durch spezielle Zeitpläne anspruchsvoller Wettkämpfe. Dies gilt auch für Fußballspieler und Fußballspielerinnen, die typischerweise an Wochentagen trainieren und meist am Wochenende an Spielen teilnehmen.

Inwieweit das individuelle Schlaf-Wach-Verhalten und insbesondere das Powernapping die Trainingsplanung beeinflussen, war das Ziel einer Befragung von 56 Herrenmannschaften der Bundesligen inkl. der dritten Liga und 12 Damenmannschaften der Bundesliga. Insgesamt wurden 700 Trainer und Betreuer gebeten, die Umfrage zu beantworten.

Es konnten 35 ausgefüllte Fragebögen ausgewertet werden. Die Ergebnisse demonstrieren, dass das Thema Schlaf im Profifußball wichtig ist; in 50 % der Fälle wird es sogar bei der Trainingsplanung berücksichtigt. Darüber hinaus gaben mehr als 50 % an, dass ein Powernapping vor den Spielen zum Trainingsprogramm gehört und morgens und mittags eine geringere Konzentration zu beobachten ist. Im Gegensatz dazu zeigen die Ergebnisse, dass es an Wissen über den individuellen Chronotyp der Spieler und den individuellen Aktivitäts-Ruhe-Zyklus mangelt.

Eine gemeinsame Forschung von Sportbetreuern und Medizinern kann das Wissen über die Bedeutung des erholsamen Schlafes und eines ausgewogenen Schlaf-Wach-Rhythmus im Profifußball verbessern und könnte den zahlreichen Vereinen, welche in diesen Bereichen ein Defizit aufweisen, zum Beispiel Präventionstools zur Verfügung stellen, um die Leistungsreserve Schlaf besser zu nutzen und individualisierte Ruhe-Aktivitäts-Regime zu etablieren.
Production of AA 2014 Matrix Wollostanite/Wood Ash Solid Waste Particle Reinforced Hybrid Composite with Powder Metallurgy and Investigation of Its Structural Properties
Authors: Gökmeşe Hakan , Bülbül Şaban
Published: January 2024

In this study, using AA 2014 aluminum alloy, AA2014/wollastanite, AA2014/wood ash, and AA2014/wollastanite/wood ash composite hybrid materials were produced by powder metallurgy method. The powders, whose mixing ratios were determined by weight, were mixed in a 3-dimensional mixer for 30 min. The prepared mixture powders were pressed uniformly under a pressure of 700 MPa, and cylindrical materials with a diameter of 10 mm were obtained. Then, the materials were sintered for 1 h under argon gas flow at a temperature of 600°C. The density, microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of the materials were examined. It was observed that the density of the composite materials increased relatively compared to AA 2014 alloy. As the particle reinforcement ratios increased, porosity amounts also increased in the composite and especially in the hybrid materials. In the wood ash-reinforced composite materials, the particles were distributed more homogeneously in the microstructure. The highest hardness value obtained was 70.65 HV in AA2014/15% wollastanite composite material. The weight loss increased in the materials created by particle reinforcement, and the lowest weight loss (170 mg) was determined in this material.
Antibody–drug conjugates in ovarian cancer
Authors: Feroz Barin , Marth Christian , Zeimet Alain Gustave
Published: January 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) management presents a challenging scenario in clinical practice due to its late diagnosis, high recurrence rate, and dismal 5‑year survival rate of 45%—especially in platinum-resistant cases. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel drugs that enable the selective delivery of potent cytotoxic agents directly to tumor cells, thereby maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Recent studies have shown promising results in this regard. Mirvetuximab soravtansine achieved remarkable results in the MIRASOL trial, suggesting it as a potential new standard of care for folate receptor-α-positive platinum-resistant OC treatment. Furthermore, trastuzumab deruxtecan demonstrated promising results in the PanTumor02 trial, showing clinically meaningful efficacy across a broad spectrum of HER2-positive solid tumors. This review article explores the current state of ADCs in ovarian cancer and their potential to improve outcomes in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, especially in the platinum-resistant setting.
Polydopamine-coated photoautotrophic bacteria for improving extracellular electron transfer in living photovoltaics
Authors: Reggente Melania , Roullier Charlotte , Mouhib Mohammed , Brandl Patricia , Wang Hanxuan , Tacconi Stefano , Mura Francesco , Dini Luciana , Labarile Rossella , Trotta Massimo , Fischer Fabian , Boghossian Ardemis A.
Published: January 2024

Living photovoltaics are microbial electrochemical devices that use whole cell–electrode interactions to convert solar energy to electricity. The bottleneck in these technologies is the limited electron transfer between the microbe and the electrode surface. This study focuses on enhancing this transfer by engineering a polydopamine (PDA) coating on the outer membrane of the photosynthetic microbe Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. This coating provides a conductive nanoparticle shell to increase electrode adhesion and improve microbial charge extraction. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis absorption, and Raman spectroscopy measurements were used to characterize the nanoparticle shell under various synthesis conditions. The cell viability and activity were further assessed through oxygen evolution, growth curve, and confocal fluorescence microscopy measurements. The results show sustained cell growth and detectable PDA surface coverage under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.5) and at low initial dopamine (DA) concentrations (1 mM). The exoelectrogenicity of the cells prepared under these conditions was also characterized through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The measurements show a three-fold enhancement in the photocurrent at an applied bias of 0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl [3 M KCl]) compared to non-coated cells. This study thus lays the framework for engineering the next generation of living photovoltaics with improved performances using biosynthetic electrodes.
Kalziumregulation aus nephrologischer Sicht – manches anders als gedacht?
Authors: Pirklbauer Markus
Published: January 2024

Eine präzise Regulation der extrazellulären Kalziumkonzentration ist essenziell für das Funktionieren des Organismus. Parathormon und Vitamin D steuern und synchronisieren dosisabhängig die kalziumregulierenden Organsysteme Niere, Knochen und Darm, um eine stabile extrazelluläre Kalziumkonzentration mittel- bis langfristig sicherzustellen. Elegante tierexperimentelle Studien haben jedoch gezeigt, dass die akute Kalziumregulation (innerhalb von Minuten) primär unabhängig von kalzitropen Hormonen, zellulärem Knochenremodeling sowie Darm- und Nierenfunktion ist. Ein labiler Kalziumpool an der Knochenoberfläche wurde als temporärer Kalziumpuffer postuliert, der in Phasen akuter Kalziumbelastung oder -deprivation Kalzium rasch aufnehmen bzw. freisetzen kann, um gefährlichen Veränderungen der extrazellulären Kalziumkonzentration entgegenzuwirken. Die Funktion dieses labilen Kalziumpools basiert primär auf physikochemischen Prinzipien, wobei das lösliche Kalziumsalz Brushit und stabilisierende nicht kollagene Knochenproteine an der Knochenoberfläche eine entscheidende Rolle einnehmen. Klinische Studien, die die intradialytische Kalziumkinetik untersuchten, konnte erstmals die Existenz eines labilen Kalziumpools in vivo bestätigen und Hinweise für die Beteiligung des Knochens im Rahmen der akuten Kalziumregulation liefern, indem eine unabhängige Assoziation des nicht kollagenen Knochenproteins Osteocalcin mit der akuten Kalziumpufferkapazität beschrieben wurde. Darüber hinaus ist der gezeigte Zusammenhang zwischen intradialytischer Kalziumkinetik und dem Vorhandensein einer koronaren Herzkrankheit ein erster Hinweis für die klinische Relevanz der akuten Kalziumregulation.
Navigating Digital Transformation and Knowledge Structures: Insights for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Hu Yuchong , Pan Yifan , Yu Miao , Chen Peishen
Published: January 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation has become synonymous with the strategic integration of cloud computing, mobile internet, social media, and big data. This paradigm shift has reshaped traditional business models, presenting organizational challenges and opportunities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, face a unique set of obstacles as they navigate the complexities of this digital revolution. This research paper delves into the intricacies of digital transformation within the SME context. It acknowledges the significance of this transformation for enhancing core competencies and sustainable development, emphasizing the convergence of business strategy and technological advancement. To provide a comprehensive understanding, this study employs bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace, shedding light on underappreciated procedures, steps, and data related to SMEs’ digital transformation. A systematic literature review extracts a theoretical framework, offering valuable insights and guidance for SMEs operating in an increasingly digitalized business environment. The research contributes to the ongoing global discussion on digital transformation and highlights differences and similarities across various research domains. It identifies thematic clusters such as “Digital transformation of SMEs,” “Industry 4.0,” “Adoption paths,” and “Business model,” revealing trends, themes, and shifts in studying digital transformation in SMEs worldwide. This paper provides a valuable synthesis of previous research accomplishments, offering theoretical implications for academia and practical managerial insights. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative mechanisms and research networks, fostering knowledge exchange and driving innovation in the field of digital transformation for SMEs, both nationally and internationally.
Effect of road pricing on the spatial distribution of traffic flow in a grid network
Authors: Miyagawa Masashi
Published: January 2024

This paper develops a continuous approximation model for analyzing the effect of road pricing on the spatial distribution of traffic flow. The traffic flow density, which describes traffic flow as a function of position, is derived for a rectangular city with a grid network. The analytical expression for the traffic flow density demonstrates how the toll level, the size and shape of the toll area, and the shape of the city affect the spatial distribution of traffic flow. As the size of the toll area increases, reducing the traffic flow density at the city center becomes difficult. As the aspect ratio of the toll area increases, the traffic flow density at the city center increases. The shape of the city has less impact on the traffic flow density than the shape of the toll area.
Landscape perspectives for agroecological weed management. A review
Authors: Boinot Sébastien , Alignier Audrey , Storkey Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Faced with the biodiversity extinction crisis and climate change, alternative approaches to food production are urgently needed. Decades of chemical-based weed control have resulted in a dramatic decline in weed diversity, with negative repercussions for agroecosystem biodiversity. The simplification of cropping systems and the evolution of herbicide resistance have led to the dominance of a small number of competitive weed species, calling for a more sustainable approach that considers not only weed abundance but also community diversity and composition. Agroecological weed management involves harnessing ecological processes to minimize the negative impacts of weeds on productivity and maximize biodiversity. However, the current research effort on agroecological weed management is largely rooted in agronomy and field-scale farming practices. In contrast, the contributions of landscape-scale interventions on agroecological weed management are largely unexplored (e.g., interventions to promote pollinators and natural enemies or carbon sequestration). Here, we review current knowledge of landscape effects on weed community properties (abundance, diversity, and composition) and seed predation (a key factor in agroecological weed management). Furthermore, we discuss the ecological processes underlying landscape effects, their interaction with in-field approaches, and the implications of landscape-scale change for agroecological weed management. Notably, we found that (1) landscape context rarely affects total weed abundance; (2) configurational more than compositional heterogeneity of landscapes is associated with higher alpha, beta, and gamma weed diversity; (3) evidence for landscape effects on weed seed predation is currently limited; and (4) plant spillover from neighboring habitats is the most common interpretation of landscape effects on weed community properties, whereas many other ecological processes are overlooked. Strikingly, the drivers of weed community properties and biological regulation at the landscape scale remain poorly understood. We recommend addressing these issues to better integrate agroecological weed management into landscape-scale management, which could inform the movement towards managing farms at wider spatiotemporal scales than single fields in a single season.
Stresses in repair welding of high-strength steels—part 1: restraint and cold cracking risk
Authors: Schroepfer D. , Witte J. , Kromm A. , Kannengiesser T.
Published: January 2024

The sustainable and resource-efficient production of wind energy plants requires the use of modern high-strength fine-grain structural steels. This applies to both foundation and erection structures, like mobile or ship cranes. During the assembly of steel structures, unacceptable defects can occasionally be found in the weld area. In most cases, the economical solution would be local thermal gouging of the affected areas and re-welding. Due to the high shrinkage restraint of the joint groove in the overall structure, the superposition of global and local welding-induced stresses may lead to crack formation and component failure, particularly in interaction with the degradation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of high-strength steels during the repair process. However, manufacturers hardly have any information about these issues and there is a lack of recommendations and guidelines to take these safety-relevant aspects into account in adequate repair concepts. The aim of this research is to derive recommendations for repair concepts appropriate to the stresses and materials involved providing a basis for standards and guidelines to avoid cold cracking, damage and expensive reworking especially for high-strength steels. Part 1 of this study involves systematic investigations of influences of shrinkage restraint during repair welding of two high-strength steels S500MLO for offshore application and S960QL for mobile crane structures. The quantification of the shrinkage restraint of repair weld joints was achieved by means of experimental and numerical restraint intensity analysis. In welding experiments with self-restrained slot specimens, restraint intensity and introduction of hydrogen via the welding arc using anti spatter spray were varied systematically to analyse the effect on welding result, residual stresses and cold cracking. It could be shown that increasing restraint intensities result in significantly higher transverse residual stress levels. In the case of hydrogen introduction S500MLO showed no cold cracking independent of the restraint conditions. However, S960QL was found to be considerably cold cracking sensitive if hydrogen is introduced. With increasing restraint intensity length and number of cold cracks increases significantly. Part 2 [1] of this study is focussed on microstructure and residual stresses due to gouging and stress optimization via adequate heat control parameters in repair welding.
From the harmony to the tension: Helmuth Plessner and Kurt Goldstein’s readings of Jakob von Uexküll
Authors: Pagan Matteo , Dal Pozzolo Marco
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the reception and discussion of Jakob von Uexküll’s biological theory by two German thinkers of his time, Helmuth Plessner and Kurt Goldstein. It demonstrates how their bio-philosophical perspectives are on the one hand indebted to Uexküll’s theory and, on the other, critical of its tendency to excessively harmonize the relationship between living beings and their environment. This original critical reading of the Umweltlehre is rooted in ambiguities within Uexküll’s own thought - between a dynamic conception of the organism-environment relationship and the idea of "conformity to a plan" -, , which is here examined in the second section. In the third and fourth sections we will then focus on Plessner and Goldstein respectively, demonstrating how for these two authors the harmony between organism and environment is not an original state, but only reveals itself against the background of a tension; as such, it can only be partial, unstable and always changing. The two thinkers avoid the rigid alternative between Darwin’s concept of adaptation (Anpassung) and Uexküll’s “fitting into” (Einpassung) by theorizing the ideal state of the relationship between organism and environment in terms of “adequacy” (Adäquatheit) and “adaptability” (Adaptiertheit). Between organism and environment there is neither absolute separation nor perfect harmony, but rather a gap which can never be definitively fixed.
Embedding multi-agent reinforcement learning into behavior trees with unexpected interruptions
Authors: Li Xianglong , Li Yuan , Zhang Jieyuan , Xu Xinhai , Liu Donghong
Published: January 2024

Behavior trees have attracted great interest in computer games and robotic applications. However, it lacks the learning ability for dynamic environments. Previous works combining behavior trees with reinforcement learning either need to construct an independent sub-scenario or train the learning method over the whole game, which is not suited for complex multi-agent games. In this paper, a framework is proposed, named as MARL-BT, that embeds multi-agent reinforcement learning methods into behavior trees. Following the running mechanism of behavior trees, we design the way of collecting samples and the training procedure. Further, we point out a special phenomenon in MARL-BT, i.e., the unexpected interruption, and present an action masking technique to remove its harmful effect on learning performance. Finally, we make extensive experiments on the 11 versus 11 full game in Google Research Football. The introduced MARL-BT framework could get an 11.507% improvement compared to pure BT for certain scenarios. The action masking technique could greatly improve the performance of the learning method, i.e., the final reward is improved around 100% times for a sub-task.
Seismic performance of structure equipped with a new rubber bracing damper system
Authors: Hejazi Farzad , Farahpour Hengameh , Ayyash Najad
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, vibration energy absorption devices are widely implemented in many buildings subjected to severe vibration due to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, strong winds, and typhoons. Recently, viscous dampers have been commonly used in many structures as the most conventional damper type. However, the high maintenance cost resulting from oil leakage from cylinder seals has prompted researchers to seek an alternative system to viscous damper systems. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to develop a new rubber bracing damper (RBD) system by implementing high damping rubber material as a viscoelastic material to be installed in framed structures as diagonal bracing members. This will help dissipate vibration effects on the structure. To achieve this, the initial design for the RBD device has been developed, and finite-element simulation has been conducted to evaluate the behavior of the proposed RBD under various dynamic loading conditions. To define the viscoelastic material properties in finite-element modeling, high damping rubber material has been produced and experimentally tested to determine the numerical model of the material. Subsequently, the test data were utilized to develop the analytical model of the RBD device, and its performance was evaluated by applying cyclic loads and conducting nonlinear analysis. Furthermore, a series of cyclic dynamic tests with various displacement amplitudes and frequencies have been conducted on the prototype of the RBD device based on the finite-element results. Finally, to analyze the dynamic behavior of the structure equipped with RBD, a finite-element model of a three-story reinforced concrete frame structure furnished with RBD dampers has been developed. The response of the structure has been evaluated under seismic loads, and a parametric study has been conducted to investigate the response of the structures with various rubber properties. The numerical analysis results indicated that the implementation of the RBD device leads to a reduction in the occurrence of plastic hinges and lateral displacements of the structure by up to 69%. This demonstrates the efficiency of the RBD device in diminishing the seismic load effect on the structure’s response.
Begleitete Patient:innen in der hausärztlichen Sprechstunde
Authors: Kalitzkus Vera , Randerath Franziska , Hoppe Sabrina , Wilm Stefan
Published: January 2024

Die hausärztliche Konsultation wird gewöhnlich als Interaktion zwischen zwei Personen verstanden. Studien aus anderen Ländern zeigen, dass ein Großteil der Patient:innen aber begleitet zur hausärztlichen Sprechstunde erscheint. Weder Häufigkeit der Mitnahme einer Begleitperson noch etwaige Zusammenhänge mit dem kulturellen Hintergrund wurden bisher für den deutschsprachigen Raum untersucht. Im Jahr 2018 wurde eine explorative Studie in sechs städtischen Hausarztpraxen in Nordrhein-Westfalen durchgeführt (numerische Erfassung von Patient:innen mit/ohne Begleitung in der Sprechstunde; leitfadengestützte Befragung begleiteter Patient:innen nach der Konsultation). Von allen erfassten Patient:innen (n = 1155) wurden 27 % (95%-Konfidenzintervall, 95%-KI: 24,31–29,41) begleitet. Zwischen dem Vorliegen eines türkischen Migrationshintergrunds (MH) und der Mitnahme einer Begleitperson besteht ein signifikanter Zusammenhang (χ2 (2) = 92,37; p < 0,01). Patient:innen mit türkischem MH wurden mit 47 % (95%-KI = 41,64–52,98) häufiger begleitet als Patient:innen ohne MH (19 %; 95%-KI = 16,38–21,95). Von allen erfassten Patient:innen konnte mit 124 begleiteten Patient:innen ein Kurzinterview geführt werden. Das Durchschnittsalter der interviewten begleiteten Patient:innen lag bei 50 Jahren. Frauen wurden mit 67 % deutlich häufiger begleitet als Männer. Die Begleitpersonen stammten fast ausschließlich aus dem Kreis der Familie. Etwas über die Hälfte der Begleitpersonen waren Frauen. Der überwiegende Teil der Begleitpersonen war selbst Patient:in in dieser Hausarztpraxis und wies zu 60 % einen eigenen Behandlungsanlass in dieser Konsultation auf. Die Motive zur Mitnahme einer Begleitperson betrafen die Bereiche Organisation, Kommunikation und soziale Unterstützung. Prominent vertreten war der Wunsch, die Familie in das Krankheitsgeschehen einzubeziehen, emotionaler Beistand sowie Unterstützung in der Kommunikation. Begleitete Patient:innen ohne/mit türkischem MH unterscheiden sich aber kaum in Bezug auf die genannten Motive.
Environmental pollution indices: a review on concentration of heavy metals in air, water, and soil near industrialization and urbanisation
Authors: Swain Chinmaya Kumar
Published: January 2024

Current industrial operations pollute the world’s land, water, and air with heavy metals. Metals’ environmental behaviour and geographical distribution near the industrial production. Heavy metal contamination potential was assessed using geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, and other criteria. Heavy metal concentrations have increased due to industrial waste, geochemical shifts, agriculture, and mining. Modifying cell structure, heavy metals can harm and cause cancer. We need to develop and conduct comprehensive monitoring to determine if industrial production and mining is causing elevated heavy metal levels nearby area in the zone. This review shares contemporary heavy metal contamination on its nature, origin, and extent.
Rendering lineament induced stream alignment in Upper Krishna Basin, India: a geospatial approach
Authors: Pardeshi Suchitra S. , Pardeshi Sudhakar D. , Autade Sumant E. , Raut Tushar P.
Published: January 2024

Lineaments play an important role in drainage development, stream alignment and groundwater recharge. These are traced as surface or subsurface feature. A linear feature that is associated with dislocation and deformation is known as lineament. The present study was aimed to identify the influence of lineaments extracted from satellite images in the Upper Krishna River basin in India. Objective set for the present study is to characterize and analyse the spatial organization of lineaments from ASF-DEM and sentinel-2 satellite data which may help to determine the role of lineaments in groundwater flow and to identify groundwater potential zones. High resolution spatial data allows determining the linear features for considerable distance and play an important role to identify mineral potential areas (Mohammadpour et al. in Geotectonics 54:366–382, 2020). Comprehensive understanding of regional lineament maps is important in terms of their prospectivity for mineral exploration (Richards in SEG Newsl 42:1–20, 2000). Remote sensing datasets are considered the best option when using image enhancement techniques for extracting lineaments. Lineament studies are useful for groundwater and mineral exploration and also in the field of engineering geology (Anbazhagan in Bhu-Jal News 8:8–12, 1994; Anbazhagan et al. in New approaches to characterizing groundwater flow, 2001. http://dspace.library.iitb.ac.in/xmlui/handle/10054/16176, http://hdl.handle.net/100/2781) more generally in the geomorphological studies like forms of surface features and structural geological fields also in physical setting and control over the rocky terrain. The availability of high-resolution satellite data and image processing techniques have rendered it further convenient to map lineaments. In the present study, lineaments were extracted from Sentinel-2 images with a resolution of 10 m, using various image processing techniques. A total of 1314 lineaments were extracted from the study area with a total length of 3983.44 km. The analysis of the extracted lineaments revealed that the lineament density was higher in the upper reaches of the basin, where the undulating hilly region which is located in Western Ghats. This finding implied that these regions have a high structural deformation and a higher groundwater infiltration potential. Moreover, 15% of the total stream length was observed to be influenced by the lineaments. The maximum influence of lineaments was observed in the source region. The lineament extraction results of the present study would assist in understanding the geomorphology of this region and the structural control on the streams and groundwater potential zones, particularly as a contribution to water resource management in this region.