bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translations and Prawitz’s Ecumenical System
Authors: Pereira Luiz Carlos , Pimentel Elaine , de Paiva Valeria
Published: October 2024

Since Prawitz proposal of his ecumenical system, where classical and intuitionistic logics co-exist in peace, there has been a discussion about the relation between translations and the ecumenical perspective. While it is undeniable that there exists a relationship, it is also undeniable that its very nature is controversial. The aim of this paper is to show that there are interesting relations between the Gödel-Gentzen translation and the ecumenical perspective. We show that the ecumenical perspective cannot be reduced to the Gödel-Gentzen translation, much less be identified with it.
Effect of a single dose of letrozole on ejaculation time, semen quality, and testicular hemodynamics in goat bucks subjected to heat stress
Authors: Adel Ola , El-Sherbiny Hossam R. , Shahat Abdallah M. , Ismail Sayed Taha
Published: October 2024

Letrozole (LTZ) is an aromatase inhibitor that limits estrogen (E2) production and increases testosterone (T) levels. This research aimed to examine the impact of a single dose of LTZ on testicular hemodynamics, ejaculation time, and semen quality in goats under heat stress (HS). Therefore, Doppler examination and semen evaluation were performed on twelve mature bucks for two weeks (W-1, W-2) as pre-heat stress control during winter. Then during summer HS bucks were subjected to Doppler examination, semen evaluation, and hormonal analysis (T, E2, and LH) at 0 h. Afterward, bucks were assigned into two groups and subcutaneously injected with physiological saline (n = 6; CON) or LTZ (0.25 mg/kg BW; n = 6; LTZ). Both groups were subjected to Doppler scanning and hormonal analysis at 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96,144, and 168 h. Semen evaluation was performed at 48 and 168 h. The LTZ group showed increasing (P < 0.05) in semen volume, sperm motility, and viability and decreasing (P < 0.05) in ejaculation time and sperm abnormalities compared to CON group at 48 h. Additionally, T concentrations increased (P < 0.01) at 2, 24, and 48 h, E2 decreased (P < 0.01) from 2 to 48 h, and LH raised (P < 0.01) at 2 and 72 h in LTZ group compared to CON one. Doppler indices reduced (P < 0.05) at 96 h in LTZ group. semen pH and scrotal circumference were not affected by LTZ. In conclusion, LTZ administration shortened ejaculation time and enhanced semen quality in bucks during HS.
Analysis of emission of volatile organic compounds and thermal degradation in investment casting using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and three-dimensional printing (3DP) made of various thermoplastic polymers
Authors: Hejna Aleksander , Marć Mariusz , Szymański Paweł , Mizera Kamila , Barczewski Mateusz
Published: October 2024

The study examined the degradation process of various types of polymers used to form models using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) and three-dimensional printing (3DP) methods and used in the investment casting method. Commercial filaments made of polylactide (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyamide 12 (PA12), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polypropylene (PP) were used to produce gypsum molds. The assessment included organic volatile compounds (VOCs) released during mold heating and model degradation, which is characteristic of this technological process. The screening qualitative chromatographic analysis of decomposition products sampled from various points of the production hall made it possible to define potential threats related to the processing of selected polymers and the necessary preventive measures. Furthermore, passive diffusion-type samplers were used at the sampling stage of VOCs emitted to the gaseous phase to reduce nuisance and user interference. Studies have been completed to characterize the thermoplastic polymer degradation process. The coupled thermogravimetry (TGA) with analysis of gaseous products by infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformation (FT-IR) has been used. The presented results are the first to compare and rate the use of this still-developing novel aspect of castings by the method of fused models.

Graphical abstract
A socio-economic assessment of an emerging technology in the mining industry
Authors: Cecere Giuseppe , Hassan Ruhul , Eltohamy Hazem , Rigamonti Lucia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article provides methodological insights to evaluate the socio-economic risk of an emerging froth flotation technology for the mining sector with the goal of guiding the design and development process. This technology is used to separate valuable particles based on surface properties among minerals and, if properly developed, could be used to valorize fine particles that currently existing technology cannot separate and thus become waste material.

Methods

The Social Hotspot assessment utilized the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database to analyze social hotspots in the relevant industrial sector. In addition, a survey captured the viewpoints of technology developers regarding additional potential social risk and opportunities. The final results were defined by combining these two analyses, conducted according to the 2020 UNEP guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products and Organizations. For the economic assessment, the Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) methodology (ISO14051) was applied, considering material costs, system costs, energy costs, and waste management costs for both the current situation and a future industrial-scale scenario.

Results and discussion

The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring methodological approaches for case studies involving low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies based on available data. The state of technology development has led to different results for the economic and social analyses, primarily due to the difficulty in accurately predicting potential social impacts at this stage. The social analysis identified potential risks and 28 subcategories of impacts across different stakeholder categories. The economic assessment found that energy costs (49%) were the highest contributor to the MFCA cost of the future scenario, followed by system costs (29%).

Conclusions and recommendations

The study concludes that conducting a socio-economic analysis during the developmental stage of a technology is valuable for identifying critical hotspots that require monitoring, effectively guiding the research and development phase. This application represents a unique case in the mining sector and could be a first step in defining a methodological approach suitable for low TRL technologies. Analyzing both social and economic risks provides a more comprehensive perspective on sustainability, complementing environmental risk assessments.
Challenging the Public Stigma of Alcohol Use Disorder in the UK Using Video ‘Education’ and ‘Contact’ Interventions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hytner Sophie , Josselin Daphne , Belin David , Jones Owen Bowden
Published: October 2024

Public stigma negatively impacts people with alcohol use disorder; yet, few interventions exist to reduce it. This quasi-randomised controlled pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of three such interventions. Participants (539 UK-based adults) watched a video presenting myths and facts about AUD (‘education’), personal testimonies about AUD (‘contact’), a combination of both (‘education and contact’) or a control video. Feasibility was assessed by examining recruitment capability, study retention and data quality, and participant satisfaction with the study’s procedures and interventions. Efficacy was assessed using self-report, public stigma measures issued at pre-test, post-test and 1-month follow-up. Stigma reduced significantly more in the intervention groups than in the control group at post-test and follow-up. Feasibility was generally high, though could be improved by shortening video length and enhancing video production quality. Education and contact videos are promising interventions for public AUD stigma, and merit further investigation.
Durch Social Media bedingte körperdysmorphe Störung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen – primärpräventive Maßnahmen durch Pflegefachpersonen
Authors: Ertl Corinna , Fraunhofer Andreas
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Vermutet wird ein Zusammenhang zwischen der vermehrten Nutzung von Social-Media-Plattformen und deren Schönheitsfiltern und der steigenden Anzahl der chirurgischen Eingriffe sowie der Anzahl an Personen, die an körperdysmorphen Störungen (KDS) leiden. Oft bricht die Krankheit bereits im Kindes- und Jugendalter aus. Viele leiden im Stillen, weshalb die Dunkelziffer wahrscheinlich deutlich höher ist als vermutet.

Ziel

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, verschiedene primärpräventive Maßnahmen durch bzw. mit Pflegekräften zu ermitteln. Zudem sollen Settings gefunden werden, durch welche möglichst viele Kinder und Jugendliche gleichzeitig erreicht werden. Hierzu wird eine Übersicht über den aktuellen Stand der Forschung gegeben.

Methode

Zur Beantwortung der Fragestellung wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche durchgeführt, welche durch die Freihandsuche ergänzt wurde. Für die systematische Literaturrecherche wurden die Datenbanken CINHAL und PubMed verwendet. Hier wurde deutsch- und englischsprachige Literatur ab 2010 bis 2023 gesichtet. Die Freihandsuche fand mithilfe von Google Scholar statt. Letztendlich konnten nach der kritischen Beurteilung der Studien 5 davon in diese Arbeit aufgenommen werden.

Ergebnisse

Für KDS wurden keine Ergebnisse zu primärpräventiven Maßnahmen gefunden. Aus diesem Grund fand eine Suche für Essstörungen statt. Es wurden einige Programme identifiziert, welche erfolgreich im Bereich der Essstörungen waren und es wurde versucht, diese auf KDS zu übertragen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Übertragung der Ergebnisse von Essstörungen auf KDS kann hier nur theoretisch dargestellt werden. Aus den fehlenden Studien zur Primärprävention bei KDS kann gefolgert werden, dass ein hoher Forschungsbedarf in diesem Bereich besteht.
Das Projekt „Gesundheitschamps – wir wissen um unsere Gesundheit Bescheid“
Authors: Rathmann Katharina , Sendatzki Saskia , Landwehr Carina
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Bereits im Kindes- und Jugendalter zeigen sich soziale Ungleichheiten in der Gesundheit(skompetenz). Programme zur Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit besonderen Bedarfen (bspw. Förderbedarfen) liegen bislang nur selten vor. Vor diesem Hintergrund entstand das Projekt „Gesundheitschamps – wir wissen um unsere Gesundheit Bescheid“.

Zielsetzung

Der vorliegende Beitrag ist eine Übersichtarbeit. Dabei geht es 1. um eine Übersicht zu Programmen im Bereich der Gesundheitskompetenzförderung bei Schüler*innen mit besonderen Bedarfen, 2. um das Studien- und Evaluationsdesign der Intervention „Gesundheitschamps“ und 3. um Anforderungen an die Intervention „Gesundheitschamps“ zur Förderung der Gesundheit(skompetenz) unter Berücksichtigung zielgruppenadäquater Methoden und Umsetzungsmodi.

Methodik

Für die Erstellung einer Übersicht über den Forschungsstand wurde eine Literaturrecherche in ausgewählten Datenbanken und Projektregistern durchgeführt (Ziel 1). Mithilfe einer Längsschnittstudie im Mixed-methods-Design (Laufzeit 2023–2026) wird die Intervention „Gesundheitschamps“ zur Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz von Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe I mit Förderschwerpunkt Lernen und Geistige Entwicklung unter Berücksichtigung eines hohen Grads an Partizipation entwickelt und erprobt (Ziel 2). Zur Beschreibung der Anforderungen an Interventionen zur Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz bei Schüler*innen mit besonderen Bedarfen werden erste Ergebnisse vergleichbarer Forschungsarbeiten herangezogen und durch einen Überblick über partizipative Methoden für Kinder und Jugendliche ergänzt (Ziel 3).

Ergebnisse

Aus der Literaturrecherche geht ein deutlicher Mangel an für die Zielgruppe geeigneten Programmen zur Förderung der Gesundheitskompetenz unter Berücksichtigung von Partizipation und Peer-to-peer-Ansatz hervor. Die Intervention „Gesundheitschamps“ leistet einen Beitrag zur Stärkung der Wissens- und Handlungskompetenz von Schüler*innen mit besonderen Bedarfen in zentralen Handlungsfeldern des Leitfadens Prävention (u. a. [psychische] Gesundheit[skompetenz], Ernährung und Bewegung, Substanzkonsum). Die Bedarfe der Zielgruppe machen besondere didaktische, methodische und sprachliche Anforderungen für die Gestaltung der Intervention erforderlich.
Preoperative evaluation of the segmental artery of left upper lobe by thin-section CT and 3d-CTA
Authors: Murota Makiko , Norikane Takashi , Ishimura Mariko , Yamamoto Yuka , Mitamura Katsuya , Takami Yasukage , Manabe Yuri , Satoh Katashi , Yokota Naoya , Nishiyama Yoshihiro
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Understanding pulmonary artery (PA) branches and their variations is crucial for successful lung resection. We aimed to evaluate the segmental PA branching pattern of the left upper lobe (LUL) using thin-section computed tomography (TSCT) images and 3D-CT angiography (3D-CTA).

Materials and methods

This study included 108 patients who underwent CTA and left upper lobectomy. The segmental PA branching pattern of the LUL was meticulously identified by two thoracic radiologists using 3D-CTA and TSCT images. The lingular artery branches from the left PA (LPA) were classified into mediastinal type (pars mediastinalis: PM), interlobar type (pars interlobaris: PI), and PI originating from the lower portion (PI’), specifically from A8. The intraoperative findings of the PA branches of the LUL were compared with the preoperatively obtained 3D-CTA and TSCT images in each patient’s case.

Results

The median (range) number of LPA branches of the LUL was 4.36 (3–8). The most common number of A1 + 2 branches was two, seen in 34 cases (31.5%). One or more branches of A1 + 2c directly originating from the LPA were found in 63 cases (58.3%). The number of branches of A3 was single in 85 cases and the most frequent (78.7%). Instances where one or more branches of A3a directly originated from the LPA were found in seven cases (6.5%). A1 + 2 and A3 origins were separate and independent in 40 cases (37.0%). As the branching pattern of the lingular artery, PI/PI’ was most frequent (61.1%). PI´ was observed in 26 cases (24.1%). Inter-observer agreement for A1 + 2, A1 + 2c, A3, A3a, and lingular artery branching patterns was moderate to substantial (κ = 0.53–0.72). Preoperative 3D-CTA and TSCT images identified 99.8% of LPA branches compared to intraoperative findings, except one.

Conclusion

The segmental PA branching pattern of the LUL can be evaluated using TSCT and 3D-CTA images, providing precise preoperative information.
Key attributes for effective knowledge brokering at the interface of environmental science and management
Authors: Karcher Denis B. , Cvitanovic Christopher , Colvin R. M. , van Putten Ingrid , Pozza Ramona Dalla , Posner Stephen
Published: October 2024

Spanning the boundaries between research and decision-making is critical for supporting environmental management. One way to do so is through knowledge brokers who, among other things, work to build social networks among decision-makers and researchers, facilitating their interaction and exchange of knowledge. While knowledge brokering has received increasing attention in the literature, critical gaps in our knowledge limit their effective recruitment and implementation, which demands for a better understanding of the personal attributes needed for their success. Such an understanding is also necessary to support the evaluation of knowledge brokering activities. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the question ‘what are the most important attributes for being a knowledge broker at the interface of environmental research and management’, and how is knowledge brokering evaluated. We do so through the study of Australia’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) which employs a range of professional knowledge brokers, 14 of whom participated in this study. Specifically, we performed a quantitative ranking exercise (Q-methodology) and an online survey. Results show that the most important attributes to knowledge brokering were interpersonal social competencies of a unifying nature. As such, Being good at seeing opportunities for collaboration, Being able to tailor communication to different audiences, and Being able to ask questions were the most highly ranked attributes. In the dimension of evaluation, survey results show that NESP knowledge brokers are mainly evaluated through metrics relating to immediate delivery and engagement (mostly quantitative measures) and medium-term impact on end-users (qualitative measures). However, participants envisioned better options to capture the impact/value of knowledge brokering by evaluating long-term impacts and efforts throughout the full brokering process to better capture value addition in line with their goals, strategies, and required attributes. The new knowledge generated through our findings offers an applied contribution to the practice of knowledge brokering, suggesting that knowledge brokering is a distinct and complex career whereby different knowledge brokers with complementary skill sets appear relevant to perform all tasks along a knowledge brokering timeline. As such, our results also emphasize the need for bespoke approaches to evaluation that are tailored towards the diverse goals, strategies, and personal contributions of knowledge brokers to support their career progression and maximise outcomes.
The Rapidly Evolving Landscape of DCD Heart Transplantation
Authors: Joshi Yashutosh , Wang Katherine , MacLean Campbell , Villanueva Jeanette , Gao Ling , Watson Alasdair , Iyer Arjun , Connellan Mark , Granger Emily , Jansz Paul , Macdonald Peter
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

To summarise current international clinical outcomes from donation after circulatory death heart transplantation (DCD-HT); discuss procurement strategies, their impact on outcomes and overall organ procurement; and identify novel approaches and future areas for research in DCD-HT.

Recent Findings

Globally, DCD-HT survival outcomes (regardless of procurement strategy) are comparable to heart transplantation from brain dead donors (BDD). Experience with normothermic machine perfusion sees improvement in rates of primary graft dysfunction. Techniques have evolved to reduce cold ischaemic exposure to directly procured DCD hearts, though controlled periods of cold ischaemia can likely be tolerated. There is interest in hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) for directly procured DCD hearts, with promising early results.

Survival outcomes are firmly established to be equivalent between BDD and DCD-HT. Procurement strategy (direct procurement vs. regional perfusion) remains a source of debate. Methods to improve allograft warm ischaemic tolerance are of interest and will be key to the uptake of HMP for directly procured DCD hearts.
Are Personality Traits Predictors of Police Misconduct?
Authors: Lynch Sierra N.
Published: October 2024

Several forms of police misconduct exist, including the inappropriate use of a weapon, sexual misconduct, and racially offensive behaviors, and deserve more attention in the literature. More recent literature suggests that there may be personality predictors of misconduct. Specifically, aggression, having unstable relationships, a lack of empathy, thrill-seeking behavior, and poor impulse control, may contribute to officer misconduct. The current study examined a group of 642 first-year police officers through a series of mostly logistic regression analyses to determine if antisocial or borderline personality traits predict inappropriate use of a weapon, sexual misconduct, and racially offensive behavior using scales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Second Edition (MMPI-2; the antisocial practices and the psychopathic deviance scales) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI; the borderline and antisocial scales). Most of the hypotheses were not supported by the findings. Participants who had more antisocial traits, as assessed by MMPI-2, were less likely to be accused of racially offensive behavior. Officers who had more borderline characteristics, as assessed by the MMPI-2, were less likely to be accused of engagement in any misconduct, specifically sexual misconduct. However, participants who had more borderline traits, as assessed by the PAI, were more likely to engage in sexual misconduct, but less likely to engage in any misconduct overall. Demographic covariates also were found to be related to all three forms of misconduct.
Reconstructing AI Ethics Principles: Rawlsian Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Westerstrand Salla
Published: October 2024

The popularisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has sparked discussion about their ethical implications. This development has forced governmental organisations, NGOs, and private companies to react and draft ethics guidelines for future development of ethical AI systems. Whereas many ethics guidelines address values familiar to ethicists, they seem to lack in ethical justifications. Furthermore, most tend to neglect the impact of AI on democracy, governance, and public deliberation. Existing research suggest, however, that AI can threaten key elements of western democracies that are ethically relevant. In this paper, Rawls’s theory of justice is applied to draft a set of guidelines for organisations and policy-makers to guide AI development towards a more ethical direction. The goal is to contribute to the broadening of the discussion on AI ethics by exploring the possibility of constructing AI ethics guidelines that are philosophically justified and take a broader perspective of societal justice. The paper discusses how Rawls’s theory of justice as fairness and its key concepts relate to the ongoing developments in AI ethics and gives a proposition of how principles that offer a foundation for operationalising AI ethics in practice could look like if aligned with Rawls’s theory of justice as fairness.
Effect of Electrode Distance and Size on Electrocorticographic Recordings in Human Sensorimotor Cortex
Authors: Geukes Simon H. , Branco Mariana P. , Aarnoutse Erik J. , Bekius Annike , Berezutskaya Julia , Ramsey Nick F.
Published: October 2024

Subdural electrocorticography (ECoG) is a valuable technique for neuroscientific research and for emerging neurotechnological clinical applications. As ECoG grids accommodate increasing numbers of electrodes and higher densities with new manufacturing methods, the question arises at what point the benefit of higher density ECoG is outweighed by spatial oversampling. To clarify the optimal spacing between ECoG electrodes, in the current study we evaluate how ECoG grid density relates to the amount of non-shared neurophysiological information between electrode pairs, focusing on the sensorimotor cortex. We simultaneously recorded high-density (HD, 3 mm pitch) and ultra-high-density (UHD, 0.9 mm pitch) ECoG, obtained intraoperatively from six participants. We developed a new metric, the normalized differential root mean square (ndRMS), to quantify the information that is not shared between electrode pairs. The ndRMS increases with inter-electrode center-to-center distance up to 15 mm, after which it plateaus. We observed differences in ndRMS between frequency bands, which we interpret in terms of oscillations in frequencies below 32 Hz with phase differences between pairs, versus (un)correlated signal fluctuations in the frequency range above 64 Hz. The finding that UHD recordings yield significantly higher ndRMS than HD recordings is attributed to the amount of tissue sampled by each electrode. These results suggest that ECoG densities with submillimeter electrode distances are likely justified.
Moral reasoning in a digital age: blaming artificial intelligence for incorrect high-risk decisions
Authors: Leichtmann Benedikt , Hinterreiter Andreas , Humer Christina , Ventura Alfio , Streit Marc , Mara Martina
Published: October 2024

The increasing involvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in moral decision situations raises the possibility of users attributing blame to AI-based systems for negative outcomes. In two experimental studies with a total of $$N = 911$$ participants, we explored the attribution of blame and underlying moral reasoning. Participants had to classify mushrooms in pictures as edible or poisonous with support of an AI-based app. Afterwards, participants read a fictitious scenario in which a misclassification due to an erroneous AI recommendation led to the poisoning of a person. In the first study, increased system transparency through explainable AI techniques reduced blaming of AI. A follow-up study showed that attribution of blame to each actor in the scenario depends on their perceived obligation and capacity to prevent such an event. Thus, blaming AI is indirectly associated with mind attribution and blaming oneself is associated with the capability to recognize a wrong classification. We discuss implications for future research on moral cognition in the context of human–AI interaction.
Severe heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty in male patients under 70 years of age: effectiveness of prophylactic protocol
Authors: Aprato Alessandro , Cambursano Simone , Artiaco Stefano , Fusini Federico , Bevilacqua Simone , Catalani Paolo , Massè Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Background

This study aims to evaluate the incidence of clinically significant heterotopic ossification (HO) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), comparing outcomes with and without the adoption of an HO prophylactic protocol in male patients under 70 years of age.

Methods

The prophylactic protocol involved the administration of 50 mg of Indomethacin twice daily for 3 weeks. HO presence was classified according to the Brooker classification system, considering “severe” clinically significant HO (Brooker grade 3 and 4).

Results

Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were included in our study, and an overall HO rate of 68.2% versus a rate of 61.5% was found respectively in patients not subjected and subjected to prophylactic protocol, without significant difference (PR 0.062). However, patients not subjected to the HO prophylactic protocol exhibited a severe HO rate of 22.4% compared to 7.7% in the prophylactic group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that prophylactic protocol adoption is significantly associated with lower rate of severe HO in male patients under 70 years of age. Currently, there are no orthopedic guidelines for the prevention and management of HO after THA, but in the absence of contraindications, the adoption of a prophylactic protocol for HO should always be considered in high-risk patients.
Host plant suitability for the biological performance of Tetranychus urticae Koch and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud Monir , Ali Fatma Samir , Afifi Abd-Allah Mohammed , Gazoly Aya Hodory
Published: October 2024

The life table parameters provide the most extensive information on the biological features of pests and natural enemies, facilitating the potential employment of biological agents in pest management programs. This study investigated how cucumber, strawberry, eggplant, and tomato plants influence the reproduction and life-table parameters of Tetranychus urticae Koch and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot under laboratory conditions. It also explored the relationship between these parameters and leaf trichome density and the levels of polyphenol compounds. The mites’ biological properties varied based on the morphological and chemical differences in host plant leaves. Both T. urticae and P. persimilis exhibited higher development and reproduction rates on strawberry and cucumber leaves compared to eggplant and tomato plants. Eggplant leaves had the highest polyphenol content (3826.99 mg/kg), followed by tomato leaves (2406.86 mg/kg). The lowest total amount of polyphenol compounds was (704.34 mg/kg) and (273.743 mg/kg) in strawberry and cucumber leaves, respectively. The life table parameters of P. persimilis significantly differed when it fed on T. urticae that had been reared on strawberry, cucumber, eggplant, and tomato leaves. Overall, the results showed that the net (R0) and gross (GRR) reproductive rates were reduced when the predator preyed T. urticae that had been reared on eggplant and tomato leaves. Consequently, the intrinsic (rm) and finite (λ) rates of increase were affected. As a result, the performance of P. persimilis was negatively affected on these plants. The availability of information on the biological performance of P. persimilis is necessary for promoting biological control implementation.
Testing coverage based NHPP software reliability growth modeling with testing effort and change-point
Authors: Aggarwal Anu , Kumar Sudeep , Gupta Ritu
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates a software reliability growth model based on non-homogeneous Poisson process that includes coverage testing and change-points. The model integrate effort spent into a model to evaluate software reliability based on testing coverage. The amount of testing effort spent follows the Weibull distribution, while the amount of coverage is modeled by logistic, delayed S-shaped and exponential functions. Additionally, we look into the cost requirement-based software release time for exponential functions with a reliability constraint. We introduce the genetic algorithm, which is a powerful tool for dealing with search and optimization issues. For the purpose of testing the model's goodness of fit, two real failure datasets are used, and the model’s performance is analyzed based on goodness-of-fit metrics. By comparing the proposed model to perfect debugging models that have been described in the literature, it is demonstrated that the proposed model demonstrates notable advancements in this regard. The results of our analysis indicate that a software reliability estimation model should include change-points in a testing process if they exist.
Texture analysis can predict response to etoposide-doxorubicin-cisplatin in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Crimì Filippo , Turatto Francesca , D’Alessandro Carlo , Sussan Giovanni , Iacobone Maurizio , Torresan Francesca , Tizianel Irene , Campi Cristina , Quaia Emilio , Caccese Mario , Ceccato Filippo
Published: October 2024

Background

The adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy originating from the adrenal cortex. These patients usually undergo chemotherapy with etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin and mitotane (EDP-M) in case of locally advanced or metastatic ACC. Computed tomography (CT) radiomics showed to be useful in adrenal pathologies. The study aimed to analyze the association between response to EDP-M treatment and CT textural features at diagnosis in patients with locally advanced or metastatic ACCs.

Methods

We enrolled 17 patients with advanced or metastatic ACC who underwent CT before and after EDP-M therapy. The response to treatment was evaluated according to RECIST 1.1, Choi, and volumetric criteria. Based on the aforementioned criteria, the patients were classified as responders and not responders. Textural features were extracted from the biggest lesion in contrast-enhanced CT images with LifeX software. ROC curves were drawn for the variables that were significantly different (p < 0.05) between the two groups.

Results

Long-run high grey level emphasis (LRHGLE_GLRLM) and histogram kurtosis were significantly different between responder and not responder groups (p = 0.04) and the multivariate ROC curve combining the two features showed a very good AUC (0.900; 95%IC: 0.724-1.000) in discriminating responders from not responders. More heterogeneous tissue texture of initial staging CT in locally advanced or metastatic ACC could predict the positive response to EDP-M treatment.

Conclusions

Adrenal texture is able to predict the response to EDP-M therapy in patients with advanced ACC.
Fatigue properties of a Ti–5Al–5Mo-5 V–3Cr alloy manufactured by electron beam powder bed fusion
Authors: Hendl J. , Zeuner A. T. , Schettler S. , Marquardt A. , Leyens C. , Zimmermann M.
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a modern way of manufacturing structures, which tends to have fewer design limitations than those manufactured by conventional processes such as casting or forging. A combination of high-strength materials and small and complex structures opens up a wide range of potential applications, especially in the fields of medicine and aerospace. Titanium and its alloys show a very beneficial combination of density and mechanical properties. One of these alloys is the metastable β titanium alloy Ti– 5Al–5Mo–5 V–3Cr (Ti-5553), which is currently used mainly for large forged structures like landing gears of airplanes. In this study, for the first time the fatigue behavior of electron beam powder bed fused (PBF-EB) Ti-5553 was investigated with a focus on the defects created by the layer wise manufacturing. To understand the defect structure and its respective influence on the fatigue behavior, all specimens were scanned prior to fatigue testing using a state-of-the-art µ-focus CT. The specimens were subjected to two heat treatment procedures commonly used in technical applications, which were aiming for high strength (solution treated and aged—STA) as well as high ductility (beta annealed, slow cooled and aged—BASCA). Results indicate that the fatigue strength of PBF-EB manufactured Ti-5553 is significantly reduced compared to conventionally manufactured Ti-5553. The main reason for this are defects, which have varying critical effects depending on the heat treatment of the specimen and the defect size, shape, location and type.
Periodic morphing of a NACA6409 aerofoil in ground effect, its wake mechanisms and thrust generation
Authors: Clements D. , Djidjeli K.
Published: October 2024

The camber morphing of an aerofoil in ground effect was investigated using the FishBAC method and Detached Eddy Simulations with the k-omega SST turbulence model at a Reynolds number of 320,000. The aerofoil was periodically morphed at a start location of 25% chord from the leading edge with a trailing edge deflection range of 0.1% to 3% and morphing frequencies between a Strouhal number of 0.45 to 4 at a constant ground clearance of 10%. Periodically morphing the aerofoil using a sinusoidal function showed that lift and drag increased on the downstroke and decreased on the upstroke in the cycle, resulting in periodic values of lift and drag throughout the cycle. The amplitude of lift and drag increased as the morphing frequency and/or trailing edge deflection increased. It was found that the wake characteristics varied as a function of trailing edge deflection and morphing frequency. For small trailing edge deflections below 0.4% and frequencies below a 2.2 Strouhal number, Kelvin Helmholtz shedding was observed, and above this the wake became chaotic. Large trailing edge deflections showed Von-Karman shedding, where the interaction between the lower counter-clockwise vortex and the ground plane resulted in a jet-like flow that caused forward thrust. For the maximum deflection and morphing frequency tested in this study, reversed Von-Karman shedding was observed, which caused forward thrust from the interaction of the two-shedding counter-rotating vortices. Von-Karman or reversed Von-Karman shedding shows positive thrust generation, however, chaotic shedding should be avoided due to large drag gains. Varying the Reynolds number caused the Strouhal number to change as they depend on the same variables. It was found that the Strouhal number variation had a large effect on the wake, however, the Reynolds number had a minimal effect.
Closing the employment gap: Estimations of Indigenous employment in Indigenous- and non-Indigenous-owned businesses in Australia
Authors: Eva Christian , Hunter Boyd Hamilton , Bodle Kerry , Foley Dennis , Harris Jessica
Published: October 2024

Indigenous-owned businesses in Australia are strong employers of Indigenous people, maintaining rates of Indigenous employment that are not seen across the breadth of the Australian economy. Despite an increasing focus from governments and private organisations to improve rates of Indigenous employment, there is limited evidence to suggest that substantial improvements are being made. Despite acknowledgement from government of the crucial role played by Indigenous employers in creating Indigenous employment, there has been little focus on what may be learned from the Indigenous business sector in informing public and private Indigenous workplace and recruitment policies. Given the significantly strong levels of Indigenous employment in Indigenous-owned businesses, it is important to interrogate the extent to which this employment differs from that in non-Indigenous businesses and the potential explanations for such divergence. Using data from Supply Nation (2,291 Indigenous-owned businesses) and a survey of 680 non-Indigenous businesses, this paper finds that Indigenous businesses employ Indigenous people at a rate 12 times higher than non-Indigenous businesses. Regression analyses and Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions reveal that these divergent employment outcomes cannot be explained by the broad characteristics of the two sectors (such as industry, location, or profit status). These findings help confirm that the unique workplace practices of Indigenous businesses may explain their strong Indigenous employment and, therefore, provide the template for all Australian businesses to be better employers of Indigenous people.
Tracing the origins of mode coupling for beam quality optimization in high-power fiber laser delivery systems
Authors: Chen Xiao , Huang Shanmin , Huang Liangjin , Du Lei , Yan Zhiping , Pan Zhiyong , Zhou Pu , Jiang Zongfu
Published: October 2024

Suppressing mode degradation is the key issue for high-power laser delivery; however, diagnosing mode degradation in its entirety, ranging from the contents and origins to locations, has always been a major obstacle. Here, a versatile approach for tracing the origins of mode coupling is demonstrated through addressing the differential intermodal dispersions of fiber modes. Full recognition for modal contents and the origins of mode degradation are experimentally completed in a two-mode fiber laser delivery system, which assists a significant improvement of beam quality M2 from 1.35 to 1.15 at the highest power of over 300 W. This method yields a quantitative characterization for manipulating the individual mode of dual-mode coupling origins or their combinations. This work points toward a promising strategy for the online tracing of mode coupling in cascade fiber links, thus enabling further pursuit of seeking extreme beam quality in high-power fiber laser systems.
Learning novel words for motion by speakers of structurally different languages
Authors: Tütüncü Irmak Su , Emerson Samantha N. , Paul Jing , Şengül Murat , Özçalışkan Şeyda
Published: October 2024

Speakers of different languages follow a three-way split in how they express motion events in speech—with a greater emphasis on manner in satellite-framed languages (English), path in verb-framed languages (Turkish), and comparable expression of manner and path in equipollently-framed languages (Chinese). According to the thinking-for-speaking account, these language-specific patterns can affect speakers’ representation of motion events but only when verbalizing the event. In this study, we asked whether language might influence learning novel words, particularly when the words were accompanied with gestures. We examined effects of language type (equipollent-framed: Chinese, satellite-framed: English, verb-framed: Turkish) and modality (speech-only, gesture+speech) on learning pseudowords for motion (manner, path). Our results showed that speakers of all three languages learned pseudowords for manner and path but with lower accuracy scores and slower rates of learning by Chinese speakers. Regardless of the language they spoke, participants learned manner words more accurately than path words, but with no added benefits of instruction with gesture+speech over speech-only. Taken together, our study extends the lack of language effect on nonverbal representation of events when not speaking to the domain of novel word learning across structurally different languages.
Oral histories of Italians in the North-East of England: the sinking of the Arandora Star
Authors: Palladino Simona
Published: October 2024

Within British-Italian history of the Second World War, there are several questions surrounding the sinking of the SS Arandora Star, on 2 July 1940, which still remain problematic. Nevertheless, this tragedy continues to play a prominent role in the heritage and memories of the Anglo-Italian communities in the UK. This article focuses on the experiences and memories of the Arandora Star from the perspective of members of the Italian community in the North-East of England. Oral histories of Italian civilian internees who were embarked onto the ocean liner were collected via qualitative interviews with descendants of victims and survivors. This article contributes to raising awareness of Arandora scholarship by articulating how memories were interpreted retrospectively and transmitted down generations. Informing the debate on the purpose of misremembering in oral history, this article sheds light on the events and their imaginary reconstruction.
Hunters and hunted: the sinking of SS Arandora Star within the wider context of the Battle of the Atlantic 1939–1940
Authors: Rumble Robert
Published: October 2024

On 2 July 1940, the ocean liner SS Arandora Star was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-47, with the loss of around 805 lives; over half of these were British-Italian civilian internees. This article approaches the event from the arena of Second World War military history, contextualising the sinking within the early Battle of the Atlantic. In so doing, it shifts the customary focus away from government internment policy and discussions of cultural legacy towards examining British and German naval strategies and realities. Tactical and logistical considerations of the conflict are investigated, the explication of which allows more detailed discussion of the sinking controversies and enables delivery of ‘answers’ to the persistent ‘questions’ of why Arandora Star was sailing unescorted and without Red Cross insignia. The broad perspective offered engages with transgression and culpability, and overall the article seeks to advance Arandora Star scholarship with its distinctive maritime focus.
WiFeS observations of nearby southern Type Ia supernova host galaxies
Authors: Carr Anthony , Davis Tamara M. , Camilleri Ryan , Lidman Chris , Freeman Kenneth C. , Scolnic Daniel
Published: October 2024

We present high-resolution observations of nearby (

$z\lesssim0.1$

) galaxies that have hosted Type Ia supernovae to measure systemic spectroscopic redshifts using the wide field spectrograph (WiFeS) instrument on the Australian National University 2.3 m telescope at Siding Spring Observatory. While most of the galaxies targeted have previous spectroscopic redshifts, we provide demonstrably more accurate and precise redshifts with competitive uncertainties, motivated by potential systematic errors that could bias estimates of the Hubble constant (

$H_0$

). The WiFeS instrument is remarkably stable; after calibration, the wavelength solution varies by

$\lesssim$

0.5 Å in red and blue with no evidence of a trend over the course of several years. By virtue of the

$25\times 38$

arcsec field of view, we are always able to measure the redshift of the galactic core, or the entire galaxy in the cases where its angular extent is smaller than the field of view, reducing any errors due to galaxy rotation. We observed 185 southern SN Ia host galaxies and measured the redshift of each via at least one spatial region of (a) the core and (b) the average over the full-field/entire galaxy. Overall, we find stochastic differences between historical redshifts and our measured redshifts on the order of

$\lesssim10^{-3}$

with a mean offset of 4.3

${\times 10^{-5}}$

and normalised median absolute deviation of 1.2

${\times 10^{-4}}$

. We show that a systematic redshift offset at this level is not enough to bias cosmology, as

$H_0$

shifts by

$+0.1$

km s

$^{-1}$

Mpc

$^{-1}$

when we replace Pantheon+ redshifts with our own, but the occasional large differences are interesting to note.
Third Front as Method: Mao, Market and the Present in CCTV Documentaries
Authors: Kendall Paul
Published: October 2024

This article examines two major recent CCTV documentaries on the Third Front and its afterlives. The Big Third Front (2017) and Vicissitudes of the Third Front (2016) construct strong narratives about the Third Front during the Mao era, depicting it as a heroic struggle against nature which was forced upon China by foreign enemies. However, both documentaries encounter difficulties in adhering to the usual presentation of the Deng era as a resoundingly successful transformation. Vicissitudes ambivalently characterizes the Deng era as one of relative decline in contrast to the glorious early years of the Third Front and the flourishing present. The Big Third Front, meanwhile, conflates historical footage of the 1950s–1990s in a way that undermines the usual official division of PRC history into Mao and reform eras. This paper concludes by suggesting that academic focus on the Third Front can serve as a methodological tool for complicating the periodization of PRC history.
Spatio-temporal usage of water sources by Black-cheeked LovebirdsAgapornis nigrigenis: implications for conservation planning
Authors: Phiri Chaona G. , Collar Nigel J. , Devenish Christian , Marsden Stuart J.
Published: October 2024

The Black-cheeked LovebirdAgapornis nigrigenishas a highly restricted range in dry south-western Zambia, where its distribution is clumped and localised in association with mopaneColophospermum mopanewoodland and permanent water pools. Fieldwork and monitoring over 30 months between December 2018 and October 2021 established that the lovebirds’ usage of pools for drinking was higher towards the centre of the bird’s distribution and influenced by the pools’ proximity to mopane woodlands, surrounding tree cover, and level of human activity. Of the four pool types available for use by lovebirds (i.e. mopane, grassland, river, and artificial), mopane and grassland pools were disproportionally susceptible to drying out in the dry season, hence showed greater variation in numbers of visiting birds compared with the other two types. Lovebirds showed a preference for pools with a perimeter of <50 m and tended to avoid those with a perimeter >100 m, consistent with a positive association between pool size and human activity. Convergence between humans and lovebirds in dependence on water resources and mopane woodland points to the need to find ways to overcome potential conflicts. Such ways include creating small, shallow-sided, undisturbed pools in or near mopane woodland, extending water retention in existing mopane pools, and enhancing the capacity of artificial pools to meet the needs of the lovebirds.