bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Aromaticity of Puckered Ions C4H42+ and B4H42−: Deciphering the Origin of Nonplanarity
Authors: Paul Bijan K.
Published: October 2023

Density functional theory and Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory techniques have been employed to delve into the nonplanarity and aromaticity of C4H42+and B4H42−. C4H42+ is a well‐known two‐electron aromatic system with puckered four‐membered ring, while analogues of B4H42− (two‐electron aromatic system with puckered four‐membered ring) have been recently synthesized and their aromatic behavior has been argued. The present work aims at presenting a computational insight into the origin of nonplanarity of C4H42+ and B4H42−, as well as characterizing their aromatic behavior given that aromaticity in a nonplanar structure is not so common. Our results suggest an important role of the second‐order Jahn‐Teller effect (SOJTE) underlying the nonplanarity of C4H42+ and B4H42−. The aromatic behavior of the studied systems has been characterized by various parameters including the nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) scan, σ‐π energy separation analysis, energy decomposition analysis, study of magnetic susceptibility, and bond‐order analysis.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Novel Spiro‐(1,8)‐Naphthyridine Derivatives in PEG‐400
Authors: Asilpour Fatemeh , Saberi Dariush , Hasaninejad Alireza
Published: October 2023

A one‐pot multi‐component pathway is reported to synthesize novel spiro‐(1,8)‐naphthyridine derivatives in good to excellent yields via the condensation reaction of isatin derivatives, malononitrile dimer and enamine derivatives. In polyethylene glycol‐400 at 80 °C, more than 30 novel products of spiro‐(1,8)‐naphthyridines were synthesized up to 95 % yields with only water as a by‐product. Separation of the products was performed efficiently and no additional operation was needed for purification of the products, except that, in some cases, recrystallization was done. Moreover, some new spiro‐dihydropyrimidines were efficiently synthesized when malononitrile (or methyl/ethyl‐2‐cyanomalonate) was employed instead of enamines.
Discrete Femtolitre Pipetting with 3D Printed Axisymmetrical Phaseguides
Authors: Blankespoor Maarten , Manzaneque Tomás , Ghatkesar Murali Krishna
Published: October 2023

The capacity to precisely pipette femtoliter volumes of liquid enables many applications, for example, to functionalize a nanoscale surface and manipulate fluids inside a single‐cell. A pressure‐controlled pipetting method is the most preferred, since it enables the widest range of working liquids. However, precisely controlling femtoliter volumes by pressure is challenging. In this work, a new concept is proposed that makes use of axisymmetrical phaseguides inside a microfluidic channel to pipette liquid in discrete steps of known volume. An analytical model for the design of the femtopipettes is developed and verified experimentally. Femtopipettes are fabricated using a multi‐scale 3D printing strategy integrating a digital light processing printed part and a two‐photon‐polymerization printed part. Three different variants are designed and fabricated with pipetting resolutions of 10 picoliters, 180 femtoliters and 50 femtoliters. As a demonstration, controlled amounts of a water‐glycerol mixture were first aspirated and then dispensed into a mineral oil droplet.
Adverse effects of mining pollutants on terrestrial and aquatic environment and its remediation
Authors: Talukder Pratik , Ray Rajarshi , Sarkar Mainak , Das Anirban , Chakraborty Srishti
Published: October 2023

One of the biggest threats faced in the present world is environmental degradation and pollution which is caused by an increase in the concentration of toxic substances which leads to the destruction of the ecosystem which gets exposed to those particles, it also leads to the loss of ecosystems because when these toxic particles seep into soil or water bodies, the life forms or the habitat which depend on it gets affected by the effluents hence leading to adverse effects, biomagnification and even death which dismantles the entire ecosystem. In this article, we will be discussing the effects on the environment caused by mining activities which are highly detrimental to the area in which it is done. Mining involves breaking down the soil layer into depths to extract various minerals and geological substances which in turn destroys the environment which gets exposed to it. As machinery is used they destroy the soil layer completely hence resulting in erosion of the area completely rendering it useless for any vegetation to grow. Apart from these by‐products and effluents which are released from the mining sites when seeps into nearby soil and water bodies can be very much detrimental to the respective ecosystem there. Moreover, the loosening of soil destroys its rigidity hence landslides can occur which is deadly. Thus to control all that, preventive measures need to be taken to improvise the mining activity in such a way that dangers of environmental degradation can be minimized as much as possible. Therefore this paper deals with the environmental impacts of mining activities along with remedial measures to control the toxic concentration from the sites (Chaney, 1991).
Concluding Remarks
Authors: Eliasson Eva , Osman Ali , Teräs Marianne
Published: October 2023

The title of this anthology, Migration, Education, and Employment – Pathways to Successful Integration indicates that there is a connection between education, employment, and integration, and that this connection can facilitate successful pathways for migrants into their new societies. Despite that the meaning of integration has been articulated differently over time, the dominant way of understanding integration in policy documents is that integration is synonymous with getting a job. Without neglecting other aspects of successful integration, gaining employment is important. Those who have developed a vocational identity are often vulnerable in the new country when their skills and competencies are not recognised. Recognition of prior learning is described as a complex and challenging process. One important factor for successful integration is meetings that facilitate migrants’ pathways to employment and strengthen their social identity and resilience. Bridging programmes and multicultural perspectives in education are other measures that facilitate successful integration. However, from the migrants’ perspective, integration can also mean possibilities for personal growth and development in a context in which they have options and opportunities. To conclude, it is not just about getting a job, it is about getting a good job.
Integration as a Conceptual Resource When Studying Skilled Migrants in the Workplace
Authors: Teräs Marianne
Published: October 2023

This chapter focuses on the concept of integration, which is used in everyday political and academic discussions and has its opponents and defenders. The aim is to explore how it is defined, described and used in studies focusing on skilled immigrants’ integration into the workplace. The chapter is inspired by conceptual analysis and uses conceptual approaches such as everyday, scientific, formal and functional concepts to reflect on the results of the analysis. The results show that integration is not clearly defined in the studies, but assumed that readers know what is meant by it. The process nature of integration is highlighted in the studies, and its many uses such as integration to work community, vocational practices and society. It is concluded that researchers need to be more conscious of their use of the concept of integration and be transparent what do they mean by it.
Integration and the Art of Making a Society: The Case of Swedish Society
Authors: Gougoulakis Petros
Published: October 2023

During the last refugee wave in the mid-2010s, Sweden received a high proportion of refugees compared to other countries. In connection with this, the debate about the country’s ability to manage the integration of immigrants intensified. The dominant discourse, which also had political repercussions, was that integration has failed. This chapter reflects on immigrants and ‘Swedishness’ in relation to integration, ethnicity and equality. Swedish Popular Adult education, ‘folkbildning’, will be used as an example of a democratic educational environment for collective learning, and as an instrument for successful democratization of the society promoting social cohesion and reducing inequality. The chapter examines the role of education for integration and inclusion, and the questions of who is a Swede, how one becomes a Swede.
Wegweisung zur Gesundheit: Gesundheit als Gemeingut
Authors: Wacker Elisabeth , Beck Iris , Brandt Martina , Köbsell Swantje , Lippke Sonia , Niehaus Mathilde
Published: October 2023

Für Gesundheit gibt es keine allgemeinverbindliche Definition, aber es ist Konsens, dass Gesundheit mehr bedeutet als die Abwesenheit von Krankheit. Sie ist ein vielschichtiges Geschehen, das in Zusammenhang mit Lebensqualität, förderlichen Lebenssituationen und selbstbestimmter Lebensführung steht. Gesundheit als

Gemeingut

und das Schaffen gesundheitsfördernder Verhältnisse werden deswegen unter der Überschrift „

Health in All Policies

“ zunehmend als Querschnittsaufgabe gesehen. Dies gilt nicht nur für Deutschland, sondern weltweit. Dabei spielen insbesondere bei der WHO Fragen nach dem subjektiven Wohlbefinden (subjective well-being) eine zunehmend wichtigere Rolle, wobei Chancengleichheit und Gerechtigkeit
für alle
zu berücksichtigen sind. Es gilt also, Strategien der

Gesundheitsförderung

zu entwickeln, die ausdrücklich auch Menschen jeden Alters und Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen berücksichtigen.
Dabei sollen die Faktoren, die Gesundheit beschränken, reduziert, und diejenigen, die sie ermöglichen,
gefördert werden. Dies verfolgen auch die Vereinten Nationen mittels der 17 Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung
(SDGs), die bis 2030 weltweit umgesetzt sein sollen. Aufgabe der WHO ist dabei, die Gesundheitslage weltweit
zu beobachten und zu bewerten, gerade auch im Hinblick auf die von der UN-BRK vorgegebene Menschenrechtsorientierung
für Menschen mit Beeinträchtigungen. Dies wird im Verlauf des Kapitels vertieft und aufgezeigt, welche
Auswirkungen die Zuschreibung von Behinderung für die Gesundheit der Betroffenen hat.
On the functional equation $$\hbox {f}(\hbox {x}+\hbox {y})=\hbox {g}(\hbox {xy})$$
Authors: Erdei Péter , Glavosits Tamás , Házy Attila
Published: October 2023

The functional equation $$f(x+y)=g(xy)$$

f
(
x
+
y
)
=
g
(
x
y
)

is investigated with unknown functions $$f:A+A\rightarrow Y$$

f
:
A
+
A
→
Y

, $$g:A\cdot A\rightarrow Y$$

g
:
A
·
A
→
Y

in the following cases: $$A:=\left]\alpha ,\beta \right[\subseteq \mathbb {F}_{+}$$

A
:
=

α
,
β

⊆

F
+

where $$\mathbb {F}$$
F
is an Archimedean ordered field; A is the set of all positive integers; A is the set of all positive dyadic rational numbers. The set Y is an arbitrarily fixed (infinite) set. The main result of the paper shows that there exists a set $$A\subseteq \mathbb {R}_{+}$$

A
⊆

R
+

that is closed under addition and multiplication and there exist functions f, $$g:A\rightarrow Y$$

g
:
A
→
Y

which satisfy the equation $$f(x+y)=g(xy)$$

f
(
x
+
y
)
=
g
(
x
y
)

for all $$x,y\in A$$

x
,
y
∈
A

such that the range of the function f is infinite. Finally, some application of the above results is also given.
„Platelet-rich plasma“ (PRP)
Authors: Platzer Hadrian , Kubon Kristina Dorothea , Diederichs Solvig , Bork Alena , Gantz Simone , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Renkawitz Tobias , Bangert Yannic
Published: October 2023

Die Variabilität von PRP trägt maßgeblich dazu bei, dass bisher noch keine ausreichende Evidenz für einen therapeutischen Einsatz von PRP für muskuloskelettale Erkrankungen besteht. In einer großen Studie untersuchen wir mögliche Einflussfaktoren der PRP-Zusammensetzung. Die hier ausgegliederten Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Konzentrationen von IL‑6, nicht aber die von IGF‑1 oder der zellulären Bestandteile, im PRP von Veganern gegenüber Omnivoren signifikant und gegenüber Vegetariern tendenziell verringert waren. Dies legt nahe, dass die Ernährung einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf therapeutisch aktive PRP-Bestandteile haben kann. Hingegen schienen die hier untersuchten Komponenten nicht wesentlich durch den Blutentnahmezeitpunkt beeinflusst zu sein. Die Identifikation wesentlicher Einflussgrößen auf die PRP-Zusammensetzung wird essenziell sein, um eine ausreichende medizinische Evidenz für den therapeutischen Effekt von PRP bei orthopädischen Erkrankungsbildern zu generieren.
Brain perfusion estimation by Tikhonov model-free deconvolution in a long axial field of view PET/CT scanner exploring five different PET tracers
Authors: Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Law Ian , Andersen Thomas L. , Andersen Flemming L. , Fischer Barbara M. , Vestergaard Mark B. , Larsson Tanne S. W. , Lindberg Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Purpose

New total-body PET scanners with a long axial field of view (LAFOV) allow for higher temporal resolution due to higher sensitivity, which facilitates perfusion estimation by model-free deconvolution. Fundamental tracer kinetic theory predicts that perfusion can be estimated for all tracers despite their different fates given sufficiently high temporal resolution of 1 s or better, bypassing the need for compartment modelling. The aim of this study was to investigate whether brain perfusion could be estimated using model-free Tikhonov generalized deconvolution for five different PET tracers, [15O]H2O, [11C]PIB, [18F]FE-PE2I, [18F]FDG and [18F]FET. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a general model-free approach to estimate cerebral blood flow (CBF) from PET data.

Methods

Twenty-five patients underwent dynamic LAFOV PET scanning (Siemens, Quadra). PET images were reconstructed with an isotropic voxel resolution of 1.65 mm3. Time framing was 40 × 1 s during bolus passage followed by increasing framing up to 60 min. AIF was obtained from the descending aorta. Both voxel- and region-based calculations of perfusion in the thalamus were performed using the Tikhonov method. The residue impulse response function was used to estimate the extraction fraction of tracer leakage across the blood–brain barrier.

Results

CBF ranged from 37 to 69 mL blood min−1 100 mL of tissue−1 in the thalamus. Voxelwise calculation of CBF resulted in CBF maps in the physiologically normal range. The extraction fractions of [15O]H2O, [18F]FE-PE2I, [11C]PIB, [18F]FDG and [18F]FET in the thalamus were 0.95, 0.78, 0.62, 0.19 and 0.03, respectively.

Conclusion

The high temporal resolution and sensitivity associated with LAFOV PET scanners allow for noninvasive perfusion estimation of multiple tracers. The method provides an estimation of the residue impulse response function, from which the fate of the tracer can be studied, including the extraction fraction, influx constant, volume of distribution and transit time distribution, providing detailed physiological insight into normal and pathologic tissue.
Non-existence of Mean-Field Models for Particle Orientations in Suspensions
Authors: Höfer Richard M. , Mecherbet Amina , Schubert Richard
Published: October 2023

We consider a suspension of spherical inertialess particles in a Stokes flow on the torus$$\mathbb {T}^3$$T3. The particles perturb a linear extensional flow due to their rigidity constraint. Due to the singular nature of this perturbation, no mean-field limit for the behavior of the particle orientation can be valid. This contrasts with widely used models in the literature such as the FENE and Doi models and similar models for active suspensions. The proof of this result is based on the study of the mobility problem of a single particle in a non-cubic torus, which we prove to exhibit a nontrivial coupling between the angular velocity and a prescribed strain.
Implementing routine use of self-removed ureteric stents on extraction strings: prospective patient-reported outcome measures and complications
Authors: Liu Jianliang , Cundy Thomas P. , Parker Natalie , Lloyd Mark , Cho Jonathan , Catterwell Rick L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Ureteric stents placed after ureteroscopy typically require cystoscopy for removal. Stent extraction strings allow the option of patient self-removal. This facilitates shorter stent dwell time, and cost-savings. Concerns regarding safety and limited evidence regarding patient acceptability are speculated reasons for infrequent clinical use of extraction strings. This study investigates our recent experience using routine self-removal of stents on extraction strings to provide evidence to address these concerns.

Methods

In February 2020, our hospital adopted a policy for self-removal of stents on extraction strings to be routine following ureteroscopy. This was influenced by motivation to improve service capacity for diagnostic flexible cystoscopy, hospital avoidance during the pandemic, perceived improvement for the patient experience, and cost-saving. Prospective clinical and patient-reported outcome data were collected and evaluated.

Results

There were 168 patients who had stents on extraction strings. Mean stent dwell time was 5.2 ± 1.8 days. Primary ureteroscopy was performed in 40.5%, and 59.5% had procedures using an access sheath. Self-removal at home was successful for 79% of patients. Stent dislodgement rate was 3.0% (5/168) and retained stents due to string detachment occurred in 1.8% (3/168). Almost all indicated they “would remove the stent on string again” (90%, 128/142) and the majority reported stent removal as “very easy” (61%, 87/142). Cost modelling estimates a total saving of AUD $148,869 per annum for routine use of extraction strings at our hospital.

Conclusion

Our experience reflects that stent extraction strings may be used routinely with acceptable low complication rates, favourable patient experiences and associated cost savings.
Effect of respiratory training on swallowing function in swallowing disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Yinuo , Cai Jianzheng , Wang Haifang , Zhang Yingying , Niu Chunyan , Wang Yalan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To determine the clinical efficacy of different respiratory training interventions on swallowing function in patients with swallowing disorders through the systematic review.

Methods

We reviewed the literature regarding the application of respiratory training therapy in patients with swallowing disorders, followed by a PRISMA search of published literature in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and EMBASE) in December 2022. Two reviewers performed study selection, quality evaluation, and risk of bias, followed by data extraction and detailed analysis.

Results

A total of six randomized controlled studies with a total sample size of 193 cases were included. Respiratory training improved swallowing safety (PAS (n = 151, SMD = 0.69, 95% CI − 1.11 to − 0.26, I2 = 36, p < 0.001)) and swallowing efficiency [residual (n = 63, SMD = 1.67, 95% CI − 2.26 to − 1.09, I2 = 23%, p < 0.001)] compared to control groups. The results of the qualitative analysis conducted in this study revealed that respiratory training enhanced hyoid bone movement but had no effect on swallowing quality of life.

Conclusions

Respiratory training interventions may improve swallowing safety and efficiency in patients with dysphagia. However, the level of evidence is low, and there is a limited amount of research on the effectiveness and physiology of this intervention to improve swallowing function. In the future, there is a need to expand clinical studies, standardize measurement tools, and improve study protocols.
Functional implications of paralog genes in polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Felício Daniela , du Mérac Tanguy Rubat , Amorim António , Martins Sandra
Published: October 2023

Polyglutamine (polyQ) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) comprise a group of autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders caused by (CAG/CAA)nexpansions. The elongated stretches of adjacent glutamines alter the conformation of the native proteins inducing neurotoxicity, and subsequent motor and neurological symptoms. Although the etiology and neuropathology of most polyQ SCAs have been extensively studied, only a limited selection of therapies is available. Previous studies on SCA1 demonstrated thatATXN1L, a human duplicated gene of the disease-associatedATXN1, alleviated neuropathology in mice models. Other SCA-associated genes have paralogs (i.e., copies at different chromosomal locations derived from duplication of the parental gene), but their functional relevance and potential role in disease pathogenesis remain unexplored. Here, we review the protein homology, expression pattern, and molecular functions of paralogs in seven polyQ dominant ataxias—SCA1, SCA2, MJD/SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA17, and DRPLA. BesidesATXN1L, we highlightATXN2L,ATXN3L,CACNA1B,ATXN7L1,ATXN7L2,TBPL2, andREREas promising functional candidates to play a role in the neuropathology of the respective SCA, along with the parental gene. Although most of these duplicates lack the (CAG/CAA)nregion, if functionally redundant, they may compensate for a partial loss-of-function or dysfunction of the wild-type genes in SCAs. We aim to draw attention to the hypothesis that paralogs of disease-associated genes may underlie the complex neuropathology of dominant ataxias and potentiate new therapeutic strategies.
A systematic evaluation of an RTK-GPS device for wearable augmented reality
Authors: De Pace Francesco , Kaufmann Hannes
Published: October 2023

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems sample points on the Earth’s surface with meter accuracy. Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) devices improve GPS performances by providing real-time correction data from ground stations, achieving centimeter accuracy. Reliable tracking approaches are essential for Augmented Reality (AR) applications, especially for outdoor scenarios, which still present unsolved challenges. AR handheld tracking capabilities have been greatly improved by integrating visual tracking approaches with RTK devices, whereas little is known about combining wearable AR interfaces with RTK systems. Although wearable AR devices are intrinsically designed for AR applications, their performance dramatically reduces in large outdoor areas, comprising the user experience. Hence, this paper provides a rigorous evaluation of a small-size RTK device that does not need any additional software integration to collect positional data. The main goal of the assessment is to verify whether its integration with a wearable AR device is advantageous or not. The evaluation has been performed considering both static and dynamic scenarios in open-sky and urban areas. The results show that the RTK device can achieve 1 cm accuracy when used in open-sky areas. In contrast, its accuracy dramatically reduces in the proximity of buildings and obstacles, showing average errors ranging from 76 to 2561%. Since wearable AR devices have an average accuracy of 2 cm, the outcomes indicate that RTK devices should be combined with wearable AR devices only when the RTK device is far from obstacles. On the contrary, the positional data should be completely avoided when barriers surround the RTK device.
Periodic $\mathrm{L}_{p}$ Estimates by ℛ-Boundedness: Applications to the Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Eiter Thomas , Kyed Mads , Shibata Yoshihiro
Published: October 2023

General evolution equations in Banach spaces are investigated. Based on an operator-valued version of de Leeuw’s transference principle, time-periodic $\mathrm {L}_{p}$

L
p

estimates of maximal regularity type are carried over from ℛ-bounds of the family of solution operators (ℛ-solvers) to the corresponding resolvent problems. With this method, existence of time-periodic solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations is shown for two configurations: in a periodically moving bounded domain and in an exterior domain, subject to prescribed time-periodic forcing and boundary data.
Assessment of ecotone changes over the last six decades in two cultural landscapes: The case of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene UNESCO site and of the Olive Groves of the Slopes between Assisi and Spoleto GIAHS site
Authors: Piras Francesco , Bazzurro Alessandra , Fiore Beatrice , Romano Federica , Santoro Antonio
Published: October 2023

Cultural landscapes are often characterized by a complex landscape structure providing different habitats, nesting place, food reservoirs and ecological networks, for different fauna and flora species. Edges between different land uses can be assimilated to ecotones, and land uses changes over the years also affect ecotones characteristics and associated biodiversity. This study intends to contribute to the understanding of the relation between land use changes and ecotone characteristics and changes in two Italian cultural landscapes inscribed in the UNESCO WHL and in the FAO GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) Programme, applying a GIS-based methodology. In the last six decades, in both study sites, agricultural areas decreased with consequent increase of forests and shrublands. This trend affected ecotones presence and density, but in different ways depending on the characteristics of the study areas. In the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene UNESCO site the analyses recorded an overall reduction of ecotones total length (− 6.4%), in particular of the first level ecotones (the ones between forests and agricultural areas) due to the loss of high altitude pastures that have been recolonized by forests, and of the second level ecotones (the ones between different types of cultivated areas) due to the agricultural mosaic simplification caused by the reduction of mixed cultivations and the spread of monocultures. In the Olive Groves of the Slopes between Assisi and Spoleto GIAHS site, similar land use trends caused an increase of the total length of first (+ 53.7%) and second level ecotones (+ 13.5%). This different behavior highlighted for the two sites, demonstrates that the relation between land use changes and ecotones changes is site-specific. The average density of first level ecotones decreased in both the study sites (− 20.2% in the UNESCO site and − 30.3% in the GIAHS site), while the maximum density remains high (424 m/ha in the UNESCO site and 794 m/ha in the GIAHS site). The applied methodology and the classification of ecotones according to a hierarchical system demonstrated to be effective in their identification and assessment. The study demonstrated that cultural landscapes are characterized by important ecotones networks and that preserving landscapes of recognized cultural value also means protecting ecotones, and associated habitats and biodiversity. Instead of only focusing on increasing protected areas number and surface, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 should consider traditional cultural landscapes as a pillar for biodiversity conservation.
Fast, accurate and explainable time series classification through randomization
Authors: Cabello Nestor , Naghizade Elham , Qi Jianzhong , Kulik Lars
Published: October 2023

Time series classification(TSC) aims to predict the class label of a given time series, which is critical to a rich set of application areas such as economics and medicine. State-of-the-art TSC methods have mostly focused on classification accuracy, without considering classification speed. However, efficiency is important for big data analysis. Datasets with a large training size or long series challenge the use of the current highly accurate methods, because they are usually computationally expensive. Similarly, classification explainability, which is an important property required by modern big data applications such asappliance modelingand legislation such as theEuropean General Data Protection Regulation, has received little attention. To address these gaps, we propose a novel TSC method – theRandomized-Supervised Time Series Forest(r-STSF). r-STSF is extremely fast and achieves state-of-the-art classification accuracy. It is an efficient interval-based approach that classifies time series according to aggregate values of the discriminatory sub-series (intervals). To achieve state-of-the-art accuracy, r-STSF builds an ensemble of randomized trees using the discriminatory sub-series. It uses four time series representations, nine aggregation functions and a supervised binary-inspired search combined with a feature ranking metric to identify highly discriminatory sub-series. The discriminatory sub-series enable explainable classifications. Experiments on extensive datasets show that r-STSF achieves state-of-the-art accuracy while being orders of magnitude faster than most existing TSC methods and enabling for explanations on the classifier decision.
Reasoning in Character: Virtue, Legal Argumentation, and Judicial Ethics
Authors: Amaya Amalia
Published: October 2023

This paper develops a virtue-account of legal reasoning which significantly differs from standard, principle-based, theories. A virtue approach to legal reasoning highlights the relevance of the particulars to sound legal decision-making, brings to light the perceptual and affective dimensions of legal judgment, and vindicates the relevance of description and specification to good legal reasoning. After examining the central features of the theory, the paper proposes a taxonomy of the main character traits that legal decision-makers need to possess to successfully engage in legal reasoning. The paper concludes by discussing an array of strategies in legal education, institutional design, and legal culture that can be put in place to work virtue in legal decision-making.
A Convergence Rate for Extended-Source Internal DLA in the Plane
Authors: Darrow David
Published: October 2023

Internal DLA (IDLA) is an internal aggregation model in which particles perform random walks from the origin, in turn, and stop upon reaching an unoccupied site. Levine and Peres showed that, when particles start instead from fixed multiple-point distributions, the modified IDLA processes have deterministic scaling limits related to a certain obstacle problem. In this paper, we investigate the convergence rate of this “extended source” IDLA in the plane to its scaling limit. We show that, if $$\delta $$
δ
is the lattice size, fluctuations of the IDLA occupied set are at most of order $$\delta ^{3/5}$$

δ

3
/
5

from its scaling limit, with probability at least $$1-e^{-1/\delta ^{2/5}}$$

1
-

e

-
1
/

δ

2
/
5

.
No news is bad news: local news intensity and firms’ information environments
Authors: Allee Kristian D. , Cating Ryan , Rawson Caleb
Published: October 2023

We examine the effects of local newspapers on firms’ information environments. With newspaper employment dropping precipitously in the last few decades, we posit that these changes will harm local firms’ information environments. Consistent with local news improving information environments, we find that volatility, spreads, and illiquidity increase as local newspaper intensity declines and that this is associated with firms’ importance in their local economy. We further find that for firms that are more important in their community, or have busy analysts, less local newspaper intensity is associated with significantly lower analyst accuracy and higher forecast dispersion. This is consistent with local newspapers improving information environments, even for sophisticated and likely remote information intermediaries. We also investigate how stakeholders respond to declines in local news and find that managers increase the amount of forward-looking disclosures while analysts increase coverage. These results provide insights into the methods by which stakeholders attempt to improve firms’ information environments when local news coverage fades.
National indication document and aortic valve replacement landscape in the Netherlands
Authors: Eerdekens Rob , van Steenbergen Gijs , El Farissi Mohamed , Demandt Jesse , van ’t Veer Marcel , Daeter Edgar , Timmers Leo , de Weger Arend , Medendorp Niki , Tonino Pim ,   the Transcatheter Heart Valve Intervention Registry Committee, van den Branden B. , Vis M.M. , Tonino W. A. L. , van Mieghem N. M. D. A. , Schotborgh C. E. , Hermanides R. , van der Kley F. , Kats S. , Porta F. , Stoel M. G. , Amoroso G. , van Wely M. , Timmers L. , Voskuil M. , van der Werf H. W. ,   Cardiothoracic Surgery Registry Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registry, Bramer S. , van Boven W. J. P. , Vonk A. B. A. , Koene B. M. J. A. , Bekkers J. A. , Hoohenkerk G. J. F. , Markou A. L. P. , de Weger A. , Segers P. , Porta F. , Speekenbrink R. G. H. , Stooker W. , Li W. W. L. , Daeter E. J. , van der Kaaij N. P. , Douglas Y.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Based on European guidelines, transcatheter aortic valve implementation (TAVI) could be the therapy of choice in patients with severe aortic stenosis aged ≥ 75 years. In the Netherlands, there has been a debate between healthcare providers and the National Health Care Institute regarding reimbursement for TAVI, which resulted in an indication document that defines TAVI patients who are eligible for reimbursement. This document has been effective since 1 January 2021.

Methods

We extracted data from the Netherlands Heart Registry for patients who underwent biological surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or TAVI in the Netherlands from 2018 through 2021. We compared baseline characteristics and variables from the indication document for the subsequent years and age groups. We also analysed the annual SAVR/TAVI ratio.

Results

The total number of patients treated with SAVR or TAVI was constant in 2018–2021. Baseline characteristics of patients treated with TAVI did not differ throughout the years. The SAVR/TAVI ratio shifted towards a higher percentage of TAVI from 2018 to 2019. From 2019 to 2020, the TAVI percentage was constant. Since the implementation of the indication document (in 2021), a change in the SAVR/TAVI ratio was not found either.

Conclusion

Since the implementation of the national indication document for AVR in 2021, no major effect was seen for the SAVR versus TAVI landscape in the Netherlands.
A Resampling Approach for Causal Inference on Novel Two-Point Time-Series with Application to Identify Risk Factors for Type-2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Dai Xiaowu , Mouti Saad , Vale Marjorie Lima do , Ray Sumantra , Bohn Jeffrey , Goldberg Lisa
Published: October 2023

Two-point time-series data, characterized by baseline and follow-up observations, are frequently encountered in health research. We study a novel two-point time-series structure without a control group, which is driven by an observational routine clinical dataset collected to monitor key risk markers of type-2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We propose a resampling approach called “I-Rand” for independently sampling one of the two-time points for each individual and making inferences on the estimated causal effects based on matching methods. The proposed method is illustrated with data from a service-based dietary intervention to promote a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD), designed to impact risk of T2D and CVD. Baseline data contain a pre-intervention health record of study participants, and health data after LCD intervention are recorded at the follow-up visit, providing a two-point time-series pattern without a parallel control group. Using this approach we find that obesity is a significant risk factor of T2D and CVD, and an LCD approach can significantly mitigate the risks of T2D and CVD. We provide code that implements our method.
Assessment of solar photovoltaic potential of selected site locations in cities across sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ebhota Williams S. , Tabakov Pavel Y.
Published: October 2023

Despite the successes recorded over the years, photovoltaic (PV) cells’ power conversion efficiency (PCE) of commercially available crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV panels still hovers between 10 and 21%. For optimal performance at 17–21% PCE, certain factors need to be understood and addressed. This study estimates the solar PV potential of selected cities across Africa, using computational modelling. The selected sites’ cities are Abuja, Addis Ababa, Kinshasa, Pretoria, and Tripoli. Sites’ coordinate systems will be exploited to generate data from meteorological databases of the selected locations needed for the PV potential assessment. This information coupled with PV system configuration will be used as inputs for PV design and simulation. The PV potential of the selected location will be extracted from the resulting simulation reports in terms of irradiance, possible power output generation, performance ratio (PR) and capacity factor (CF). The study results and analysis as extracted from the reports of the modelled hypothetical 10-kWhp c-Si rooftop PV systems at the selected sited locations, show that—Pretoria possesses the highest GTI (2234.4 kWh/m2) and the lowest GTI (1766.7 kWh/m2) was observed in Kinshasa; Pretoria has the highest PV power output (PVOUT) (17.292 MWh/), and the least (13.678 MWh) in Kinshasa; the highest PR (77.4%) was observed in Kinshasa and Pretoria and the lowest PR (76.4%) in Tripoli; Pretoria and Kinshasa recorded the highest CF (19.7%) and lowest CF (15.6%), respectively. The results indicate that the examined locations are technically viable for the PV system schemes, and therefore, massive deployment of this technology in these areas is advised.
Enhanced oral delivery of hesperidin-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles for augmenting its hypoglycemic activity: in vitro-in vivo assessment study
Authors: Elmoghayer Mona Ebrahim , Saleh Noha Mohamed , Abu Hashim Irhan Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Hesperidin (Hsd), a bioactive phytomedicine, experienced an antidiabetic activity versus both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. However, its intrinsic poor solubility and bioavailability is a key challenging obstacle reflecting its oral delivery. From such perspective, the purpose of the current study was to prepare and evaluate Hsd-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles (Hsd/CD/CS NPs) for improving the hypoglycemic activity of the orally administered Hsd. Hsd was first complexed with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and the complex (CX) was found to be formed with percent complexation efficiency and percent process efficiency of 50.53 ± 1.46 and 84.52 ± 3.16%, respectively. Also, solid state characterization of the complex ensured the inclusion of Hsd inside the cavity of SBE-β-CD. Then, Hsd/CD/CS NPs were prepared using the ionic gelation technique. The prepared NPs were fully characterized to select the most promising one (F1) with a homogenous particle size of 455.7 ± 9.04 nm, a positive zeta potential of + 32.28 ± 1.12 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 77.46 ± 0.39%. The optimal formula (F1) was subjected to further investigation of in vitro release, ex vivo intestinal permeation, stability, cytotoxicity, and in vivo hypoglycemic activity. The results of the release and permeation studies of F1 manifested a modulated pattern between Hsd and CX. The preferential stability of F1 was observed at 4 ± 1 °C. Also, the biocompatibility of F1 with oral epithelial cell line (OEC) was retained up to a concentration of 100 µg/mL. After oral administration of F1, a noteworthy synergistic hypoglycemic effect was recorded with decreased blood glucose level until the end of the experiment. In conclusion, Hsd/CD/CS NPs could be regarded as a hopeful oral delivery system of Hsd with enhanced antidiabetic activity.

Graphical Abstract
Balancing Caution and the Need for Change: The General Contextual Integrity Approach
Authors: O’Neill Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

In this reply to van de Poel’s (Philosophy & Technology, 35(3), 82, 2022) commentary on O’Neill (Philosophy & Technology, 35(79), 2022), I discuss two worries about the general contextual integrity approach to evaluating technological change. First, I address van de Poel’s concern that the general contextual integrity approach will not supply the right guidance in cases where morally problematic technological change poses no threat to contextual integrity. Second, I elaborate on how the approach supplies mechanisms for balancing caution with the need for change.
Synthesis and Applications of Crown Ether-Linked Metal–Organic Framework Composite-Based Sensors for Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Lead
Authors: El-Attar Rehab O. , Abdelhameed Reda M. , Khaled Elmorsy
Published: October 2023

The present work demonstrates the construction and electrochemical characterization of novel disposable screen-printed carbon sensors integrated with functionalized MIL-53-NH2 metal–organic framework cross-linked with crown ethers and calixarene macrocyclic compounds for sensitive differential pulse voltammetric determination of lead ions in tap, surface water and biological fluid samples. The electroanalytical parameters were optimized regarding the nature of the electrode modifier, supporting electrolyte, the working pH value, scan rate, deposition potential, deposition time, reproducibility of measurement and the operational lifetime. Working electrodes dropcasted with MIL-53-NH2-dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether nanocomposite (MOFCE24) showed the proper performance within the lead concentration ranging from 13.75 to 217.83 ppb with LOD and LOQ values of 3.18 and 9.62 ppb, respectively. The synergistic effect of the metal–organic frameworks as transducer and dibenzo 24-crown-8-ether as sensing elements accelerates the electron transfer process at the electrode surface and improves the sensor selectivity through complexation of the lead ions with the crown ether moiety. The fabricated sensors showed high measuring reproducibility with long operational life time (60 days), which can be attributed to the formation of cross-linked ionophore/metal–organic framework with limited leaching of the sensing element in the measuring solution. The introduced sensors were utilized for the onsite voltammetric determination of lead in environmental and biological samples with acceptable average recoveries comparable with the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric method.
Endophytic fungi–assisted biomass synthesis of gold, and zinc oxide nanoparticles for increasing antibacterial, and anticancer activities
Authors: Hammad Sameh E. , El-Rouby Mahmoud N. , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Elshikh Hussein H.
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic microorganisms and cancer continue to be the most difficult problem in public health care and the incidence of diseases caused by such resistant strains and cancer cells are growing. Recent advances in nanotechnology open up new possibilities for creating novel, exciting nanoparticles that are safe for human cells and may be used as smart antibacterial and anticancer medicines. The novelty of the present study is the extracellular green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and gold (Au) NPs using the cell filtrate of the endophytic fungus Fusarium chlamydosporum MW341592.1 isolated from healthy leaves of Eucalyptus sideroxylon plant. Eco-friendly synthesized ZnO NPs and Au NPs were screening for their activity against select carcinomic cell lines and some multidrug-resistant bacteria. The synthesized ZnO NPs and Au NPs were characterized by UV-Vis. spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transition electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV-Vis. absorption spectra of the produced ZnO NPs showed bands in the UV area at 320 nm, whereas the Au NPs showed bands in the UV region at 530 nm. TEM revealed average sizes for ZnO NPs, and Au NPs as 19.3 nm and 22.1 nm, respectively, while shape revealed both ZnO NPs and Au NPs with spherical-like shape. Biological assay showed that raising in the synthesized NP concentration lowers the number of HCT-116 human colon cancer cells and CACO2 human intestinal cancer cells, as well as associated pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Multi-view dual-channel graph convolutional networks with multi-task learning
Authors: Ling Yuting , Li Yuan , Liu Xiyu , Qu Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Network embedding has been extensively used in several practical applications and achieved great success. However, existing studies mainly focus on single task or single view and cannot obtain deeper relevant information for accomplishing tasks. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to address the problem of insufficient information consideration in network embedding, which is termed multi-task-oriented adaptive dual-channel graph convolutional network (TAD-GCN). We firstly use kNN graph construction method to generate three views for each network dataset. Then, the proposed TAD-GCN contains dual-channel GCN which can extract the specific and shared embeddings from multiple views simultaneously, and attention mechanism is adopted to fuse them adaptively. In addition, we design similarity constraint and difference constraint to further enhance their semantic similarity and ensure that they capture the different information. Lastly, a multi-task learning module is introduced to solve multiple tasks simultaneously and optimize the model with its losses. The experimental results demonstrate that our model TAD-GCN not only completes multiple downstream tasks at the same time, but also achieves excellent performance compared with eight state-of-the-art methods.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of an External Pose-Tracking System for Underwater Cameras
Authors: Winkel Birger , Nakath David , Woelk Felix , Köser Kevin
Published: October 2023

To advance underwater computer vision and robotics from lab environments and clear water scenarios to the deep dark ocean or murky coastal waters, representative benchmarks and realistic datasets with ground truth information are required. In particular, determining the camera pose is essential for many underwater robotic or photogrammetric applications and known ground truth is mandatory to evaluate the performance of, e.g., simultaneous localization and mapping approaches in such extreme environments. This paper presents the conception, calibration, and implementation of an external reference system for determining the underwater camera pose in real time. The approach, based on an HTC Vive tracking system in air, calculates the underwater camera pose by fusing the poses of two controllers tracked above the water surface of a tank. It is shown that the mean deviation of this approach to an optical marker-based reference in air is less than 3 mm and 0.3$$^{\circ }$$

∘

. Finally, the usability of the system for underwater applications is demonstrated.
A comprehensive data analysis of e-bike mobility and greenhouse gas emissions in a higher education community: IPBike study of case
Authors: Azevedo Beatriz Flamia , Metzger Kelson , Pereira Ana I.
Published: October 2023

Sustainable mobility is a goal for several countries. This kind of mobility depends not only on personal motivation but also on government actions. Encouraging people, particularly children and younger, to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of using sustainable transport, like bicycles, is crucial to developing a sustainable society. This work presents the IPBike project, a Portuguese project applied at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. This project aims to promote the use of sustainable transport in the academic community through a rental bike program. This paper presents the results of the over three years of the IPBike project, as well as the user’s impressions and suggestions to improve the project. Moreover, a greenhouse gas emission reduction is estimated, comparing the displacement using bikes or only by cars. In general, the results achieved are promising to promote sustainable cities and plan the future since the bikes of the project are constantly rented and the user’s positive feedback, which makes the IPBikes a popular community asset. Moreover, the results demonstrate a bike-sharing program’s capacity to impact people’s lives, improve their health, reduce travel expenses, and impact society and the environment. Besides, according to the estimates, the IPBikes provided a reduction of 7% per year in the greenhouse gases emitted by the users, which means a significant reduction all over the project implantation.