bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Intergranular Fluoride Attack by High-Temperature Corrosion on Alloy 625 by LiF in Air at 600 °C
Authors: Nikbakht Aida , Bahramian Behnam , Geers Christine
Published: July 2024

In most chemical and high-temperature processes, metals are exposed to temperature gradients which, in turn, affect the extent of corrosion phenomena. In this study, a long, continuous strip of alloy 625 was exposed to lithium fluoride in a temperature range of 50–600 °C, air environment. The hottest section of this strip was analyzed as a coupon and compared with two other coupons which were exposed isothermally. One of the isothermal exposures was carried out in a tube furnace, and the other one was in a vertical furnace. Oxygen had three different kinds of access to these three coupons, which, in turn, affected the corrosion process. In order to limit the access of oxygen, a long column of lithium fluoride was used in a vertical furnace. The results of the isothermal exposure showed that more access of oxygen in a horizontal tube furnace facilitated the fluoride ingress to a great extent. However, a long sample exposed to a temperature gradient suffered more corrosion attack than the isothermal coupon, under the same LiF load in the vertical furnace. This was associated with the reduction of oxygen at a larger cathode area reaching into colder regions in Inconel 625 strip. Increased oxygen reduction also increases the efficiency of an inner anode at the hottest section, causing the observed rapid intergranular fluoride uptake. The study proposes a mechanism explaining these observations.
Oxidation of Ni–30Cr Alloy at Low Temperature and Low Oxygen Partial Pressure: Experimental Methods to Improve Kinetics Constants Determination
Authors: Bosonnet S. , Huang X. , Bataillou L. , Martinelli L. , Fossati Paul C. M. , Latu-Romain Laurence , Wouters Yves , Desgranges C. , Monceau D.
Published: July 2024

Ni–30Cr model alloy was used to study chromia-scale formation behaviour. During its formation the mass variation signal is weak and it is important to take specific care to measure oxidation kinetics by thermogravimetric analysis. Symmetrical design allows the determination of very small mass changes in compensating buoyancy effects and limiting measurement drift. The mass variation measurement comprises noise coming from different sources that affects the electronic signal. It must be minimised to improve accuracy. This involves keeping the room-temperature constant, strictly balancing the beam and minimising buoyancy effects. By this way it was possible to acquire kinetics and to measured rate constants, kp, in a range from 3.10–5 to 3.10–10 mg2.cm−4.s−1 equivalent to 10–12 down to 10–17 cm2.s−1. Oxygen partial pressure ($${P}_{{O}_{2}}$$

P

O
2

) was monitor and revealed an abnormal consumption of oxygen at the beginning of the thermal exposure. Experiments with an inert material showed parasitic reactions identified by mass spectrometry as combustion of impurities. As oxygen consumption is not only due to oxidation of the sample, corrosion kinetics can’t be deduced from it. Hence, to determine whether the oxygen supply from the gas is a limiting parameter, a model, which quantifies oxygen consumption by sample oxidation within the thermobalance, is proposed.
Authoritarianism, Political Attitudes, and Vote Choice: A Longitudinal Analysis of the British Electorate
Authors: Vasilopoulos Pavlos , Robinson Justin
Published: July 2024

The nature, measurement, and correlates of the psychological trait of authoritarianism have spurred an intense and long-lasting debate in political psychology, dating back to the 1950s. This article aims at advancing extant knowledge on authoritarianism—measured here by child-rearing items—in two ways. First, by investigating the impact of authoritarianism on political attitudes and voting, net of individual heterogeneity, thus improving causal estimation. Second, by investigating the extent to which there exists reverse causality between authoritarianism and political attitudes. To do so, we employ a longitudinal analysis that covers a timespan of two years using the 2021 British Election Study Panel. The results suggest that authoritarianism in Britain is positively associated with anti-immigration attitudes, anti-EU preferences, and opposition to economic redistribution. However, when accounting for potential confounding through the inclusion of individual fixed effects, we find that authoritarianism retains its significant association with anti-immigration preferences alone. Further, lagged relations between authoritarianism and immigration preferences indicate that within-person changes in immigration attitudes precede changes in authoritarianism—not the other way around. Finally, the findings indicate that authoritarianism’s correlation with vote choice is a product of omitted variable bias rather than representing a causal relationship.
Heterocyclic-based Schiff base material designed as optochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of chlorinated solvent vapours
Authors: Halay Erkan , Capan Inci , Capan Rifat , Ay Emriye , Acikbas Yaser
Published: July 2024

Herein, a newly synthesized intermediate, piperazine-based Schiff base (PBSB) gas sensor was fabricated by the Schiff base condensation of amino functionalized methylpiperazine with aromatic aldehyde containing nitro substituent. This organic sensor material was structurally identified with spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, HRMS, 1H- and 13C-NMR. The designed sensor candidate was explored for its optical response to chlorinated volatile organic compounds, namely trichloroethylene, dichloromethane and chloroform in the light of structure–property relationship investigation by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. The results showed that Schiff bases could be candidates for chlorinated vapour sensing materials with their good response and reversibility. Concordantly, compound PBSB exhibited good response against chlorinated solvent vapours aided by the electron-withdrawing group on benzene ring that promoted better intermolecular interactions and opened up a new strategy to create a novel set of responsive materials for gas sensing applications. In addition, the adsorption kinetics of SPR data obtained from PBSB spun film on exposure to these chlorinated vapours at different concentrations was also evaluated using the Elovich Model. The values of the initial adsorption rate, a and Elovich constant, b were analysed depending on the concentration values and the highest values were obtained for dichloromethane between 372.92 and 4377.53 ppm/mm2.

Graphical abstract
Breach of academic values and misconduct: the case of Sci-Hub
Authors: Rossello Giulia , Martinelli Arianna
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the growing evidence of research-related misconduct by developing and testing a theoretical framework. We study the deep causes of misconduct by asking whether the perception of an erosion of the core academic values, formally an ideology-based psychological contract breach, is associated with research-related misconduct. We test our framework by examining the use of Sci-Hub and providing empirical evidence that the loss of faith in scientific research sparkles research-related misconduct against publishers. Based on a stratified sample of 2849 academics working in 30 institutions in 6 European countries, we find that ideology-based psychological contract breach explains Sci-Hub usage, also when controlling for other possible motivations. The magnitude of the effect depends on contextual and demographic characteristics. Females, foreign, and tenured scholars are less likely to download papers illegally when experiencing a contract breach of academic values. Our results suggest that policies restoring academic values might also address research-related misconduct.
Discretion and Obligation Across Volunteering and Caring: Shining Light on Non-Voluntary Carers in the Retiring Encore Segment
Authors: Rodwell John , Johnson Dianne , Thynne Lara
Published: July 2024

This paper seeks to understand pathways into volunteering in the encore life stage and contribute to policy interventions. There is a need for more clarity regarding the delineation of formal volunteering from informal volunteering and from adult kin-caring. A sample of 4,464 respondents from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey was analysed using a set of logistic regressions, to explore three frames of volunteering —substitution (of former work time), complementary focus (gradual adjustment to less paid work or other change in personal circumstance), and obligation (compulsion to provide care or unpaid labour). Results indicate that formal volunteering was largely discretionary and a result of substitution, that informal volunteering, particularly caring for children, was complementary and partly obligatory, and the area of greatest potential policy intervention, adult kin caring was found to be largely obligatory.
High-resolution plasma metabolomics and thiamine status in critically Ill adult patients
Authors: Gundogan Kursat , Nellis Mary M. , Ozer Nurhayat T. , Ergul Serap S. , Sahin Gulsah G. , Temel Sahin , Yuksel Recep C. , Teeny Sami , Alvarez Jessica A. , Sungur Murat , Jones Dean P. , Ziegler Thomas R.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is an essential micronutrient and is classically considered a co-factor in energy metabolism. The association between thiamine status and whole-body metabolism in critical illness has not been studied.

Objectives

To determine association between whole blood thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) concentrations and plasma metabolites and connected metabolic pathways using high resolution metabolomics (HRM) in critically ill patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional study performed at Erciyes University Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. Participants were critically ill adults with an expected length of intensive care unit stay longer than 48 h and receiving chronic furosemide therapy. A total of 76 participants were included. Mean age was 69 years (range 33–92 years); 65% were female. Blood for TPP and metabolomics was obtained on the day of ICU admission. Whole blood TPP was measured by HPLC and plasma HRM was performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data was analyzed using regression analysis of TPP levels against all plasma metabolomic features in metabolome-wide association studies (MWAS). MWAS using the highest and lowest TPP concentration tertiles was performed as a secondary analysis.

Results

Specific metabolic pathways associated with whole blood TPP levels in regression and tertile analysis included pentose phosphate, fructose and mannose, branched chain amino acid, arginine and proline, linoleate, and butanoate pathways.

Conclusions

Plasma HRM revealed that thiamine status, determined by whole blood TPP concentrations, was significantly associated with metabolites and metabolic pathways related to metabolism of energy, carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and the gut microbiome in adult critically ill patients.
Impact of a short-term Mediterranean diet intervention on plasma metabolites: a pilot study
Authors: Smith E. , Ottosson F. , Ericson U. , Hellstrand S. , Rizzo M. , Sukruang K. , Pizza V. , Orho-Melander M. , Nilsson P. M. , Kennbäck C. , Fernandez C. , Antonini P. , Di Somma S. , Melander O.
Published: July 2024

Background

Dietary habits significantly influence the risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Through metabolomics, we’ve previously measured plasma metabolites to gauge dietary quality, introducing a healthy dietary metabolic signature (HDMS) linked to a decreased risk of future type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Objectives

To assess the impact of a 6-day dietary intervention on plasma metabolites and the HDMS.

Methods

Fifty-nine Swedish participants (71% women, mean age 69 years) underwent a 6-day Mediterranean diet (MD) intervention in Italy’s Cilento region. All meals, crafted from local recipes and ingredients, were provided. Metabolite profiling pre- and post-intervention was conducted with a UHPLC-QTOF. Alterations in metabolite levels and the HDMS were examined using paired T-test.

Results

The MD intervention notably enhanced the HDMS across participants (mean increase: 1.3 standard deviations (SD), 95% CI 1.1–1.4, p = 6E-25). Out of 109 metabolites, 66 exhibited significant alterations (fdr adjusted p < 0.05). Among the 10 most significant changes, increases were observed in several diet related metabolites such as pipecolate, hippurate, caffeine, homostachydrine, acylcarnitine C11:0, acetylornithine, beta-carotene and 7-methylguanine. The most significant decreases manifested in piperine and 3-methylhistidine.

Conclusions

The HDMS, which is linked to a healthy diet and inversely associated with cardiometabolic disease, was significantly improved by the 6-day Mediterranean diet intervention. Notably, metabolite markers previously shown to be indicative of the intake of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes increased, while markers previously associated with red meat consumption decreased. These findings highlight the potential of short-term dietary interventions to induce significant changes in plasma metabolite profiles.
Evaluation of hazardous element accumulation in urban soils of Cracow, Lublin and Torun (Poland): pollution and ecological risk indices
Authors: Plak Andrzej , Telecka Małgorzata , Charzyński Przemysław , Hanaka Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study assesses how urban soil transformation affects pollution levels and ecological risks in Cracow, Lublin, and Torun using specific geochemical indices.

Methods

The surveyed cities, namely Cracow, Lublin and Torun, are among the oldest in Poland, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Moreover, they did not experience significant destruction during World War II. A total of 135 sampling points were selected from three cities, and topsoil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from various areas, including industrial, residential, recreational areas, wastelands, traffic routes, allotments, cultivated fields, forests and cemeteries (45 topsoil samples in each city). The concentration of 8 elements (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn) was measured to determine pollution and ecological risk indicators, such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), cancer risk (CR), and ecological risk assessment (ERi).

Results

Findings reveal significant differences among the cities, with Cracow showing the highest pollution and ecological risk levels, influenced primarily by industrial activities. Igeo above 3 was found for Sb (4% of the sample population), Cr (33%), Ni (31%), Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn (11%). In the other two cities, high Igeo values occurred sporadically with most values ranging from 0 to 2. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Sb, Cr and Ni were found to be highest in industrial areas, transportation areas and urban wastelands, and the lowest in the study plots located in forests. In Cracow, almost 58% of the surveyed areas are polluted. Almost the entire area of Torun (87%) shows high values of summed ecological risk assessment (PERk). Lublin is characterized by the lowest ecological risk, almost 32% of the surveyed areas are polluted (PERk—high and very high).

Conclusions

The application of pollution and ecological risk indicators allowed for the identification of elevated heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in the studied soils and evaluation of disease risk in people. The data were strongly correlated with the level of anthropogenic pressure, which varied depending on the different land use.
Development of Acceptable Quality Dose (AQD) and image quality-related diagnostic reference levels for common computed tomography investigations in a tertiary care public sector hospital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Nishtar Tahira , Kharita Mohammad Hassan , Khan Banaras , AlKhazzam Shady , Ali Amir , Khan Laila , Aman Nasreen , Burki Shamsullah , Noor Nosheen , Nabiullah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To describe the first experience of patient dose optimization in developing AQD, SSDE and image quality-related DRLs for common CT examinations in the adult age group using the concept of AQD.

Materials and methods

The recent published IQSC from 0 to 4 were used by radiologists for the assessment of image quality. The entire data were collected for five types (brain CT, chest CT, chest HRCT, abdomen KUB CT and abdomen + pelvic CT) CT investigations based on anatomic region (head, chest and abdomen + pelvic). The entire datasets of 264 patients were categorized into three groups based on their weights: group-1 (41–60 kg), group-2 (61–80 kg) and group-3 (81–100 kg). Only score-3 images were considered to assess median and 75th percentile values of CTDIvol and DLP to obtain AQDs and DRLs, respectively.

Results

Following the practical training of four radiologists on image quality scoring criteria for CT images, 264 (92%) out of 288 patient images were clinically acceptable as per IQSC for the study. The AQD (median) values in terms of CTDIvol for the mentioned weight groups were 25.8, 2.7, and 30.6 mGy, while the median DLP values for these groups were 496, 510 and 557 mGycm, respectively, for brain CT. The 75th percentile values in terms of CTDIvol were 30.2, 35.3 and 36.2 mGy, while in terms of DLP, they were 583, 619 and 781 mGycm for brain CT, respectively. Similar results are presented for the above-mentioned procedures, as well as in terms of SSDE.

Conclusion

The first ever experience in obtaining AQD, SSDE and DRLs values for specific CT procedures couples image quality with dose indices, showing comparable values with other relevant studies. Hence, it will provide a baseline for comparison within the facility for future studies and facilitate dose optimization for other facilities aiming for improvement.
Pearlite Growth Kinetics in Fe-C-Mn Eutectoid Steels: Quantitative Evaluation of Energy Dissipation at Pearlite Growth Front Via Experimental Approaches
Authors: Zhang Y.-J. , Umeda T. , Morooka S. , Harjo S. , Miyamoto G. , Furuhara T.
Published: July 2024

Essential understanding of the pearlite growth kinetics is of great significance to predict the lamellar spacing and the resultant mechanical properties of pearlitic steels. In this study, a series of eutectoid steels with Mn addition up to 2 mass pct were isothermally transformed at various temperatures from 873 K to 973 K to clarify the pearlite growth kinetics and the underlying thermodynamics at its growth front. The microscopic observation indicates the acceleration in pearlite growth rate and refinement in lamellar spacing by decreasing the transformation temperature or the amount of Mn addition. After analyzing the solute distribution at pearlite growth front via three-dimensional atom probe, no macroscopic Mn partitioning across pearlite/austenite interface is detected, whereas Mn segregation is only observed at ferrite/austenite interface. Furthermore, in-situ neutron diffraction measurements performed at elevated temperatures reveal that the magnitude of elastic strain generated during pearlite transformation is very small. Based on the thermodynamic model, these experimental results are used to estimate the contribution of various factors to the total energy dissipation. Compared with the Mn-free alloy, the retardation effect of Mn addition on pearlite growth kinetics, which is partly due to the reduced driving force for pearlite growth, can be well explained by further considering the solute drag effect of Mn.
Review of Chalcogenide-Based Materials for Low-, Mid-, and High-Temperature Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Puthran Suchitra , Hegde Ganesh Shridhar , Prabhu Ashwatha Narayana
Published: July 2024

Thermoelectric materials possess the capability to convert electricity into heat and vice versa. The utilization of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons as thermal carrier agents in traditional cooling and air conditioning systems has sparked a surge in exploration toward pioneering refrigeration and spatial conditioning technologies. Chalcogenides, known for their capacity to amplify the thermoelectric efficiency of materials and their adaptability across a broad spectrum of temperatures, stand out as pivotal components in thermoelectric materials. Despite their existing suboptimal performance, these materials hold substantial promise as power generators and as solid-state Peltier coolers, attracting significant attention and positioning them as subjects ripe for further investigation. Categorized into alkali or alkaline earth, transition metal, and main-group chalcogenides, these materials and their respective subclasses are meticulously scrutinized to pinpoint the most suitable thermoelectric materials for specific applications with an optimal operational temperature span. In the quest for energy-efficient technologies characterized by simple designs, absence of moving components, and superior stability, thermoelectric materials play a crucial role. This review highlights the advancements in theoretical parameters as well as the figure of merit (ZT) of chalcogenide materials, emphasizing their device applications. These insights are intended to provide viable future approaches to mainstream thermoelectric materials. This review reveals that Cu2Se achieves a maximum ZT value of 2.66 at 1039 K, marking it as the top performer among transition metal chalcogenides. Conversely, SnSe, a main-group metal monochalcogenide, exhibits a ZT value of 2.8 at 773 K, whereas nanowires of the main group of bismuth chalcogenides exhibit a ZT value of 2.5 at 350 K.
Effect of Precipitation on Residual Stresses in Alloy 693
Authors: Khan S. , Singh J. B. , Kaushik S. D. , Murty T. N. , Verma A. , Singh P. K. , Chattopadhyay J. , Singh R. N.
Published: July 2024

Alloy 693 is a precipitation hardenable nickel base superalloy containing about 30% Cr, 4% Fe, 4% Al, 1.5% Nb and 0.3% Ti (in wt.%). At elevated temperatures, alloy precipitates out particles of an ordered γ′ phase (L12 crystal structure) with Ni3(Al,Ti,Nb) stoichiometry. These particles remain coherent and maintain a cube-to-cube orientation relationship with the face-centered cubic matrix. The alloy also has a tendency to form chromium-rich α phase (body-centered cubic crystal structure) particles at temperatures above 800 °C. The α phase particles maintain a Kurdjumov–Sachs orientation relationship with the matrix. This paper reports the effect of the precipitation of γ′ and α phases on the residual stresses developed in the alloy, and correlates them with the misfit strains due to the precipitation of the two phases. Residual stresses have been measured using the blind hole drilling method, while the misfit strains have been calculated based on the lattice parameters of matrix, γ′ and α phases determined using neutron diffraction. The precipitation of the γ′ phase introduces tensile nature of stresses in the matrix, while that of the α phase introduces compressive stresses. The overall nature of the residual stresses in the alloy is governed by the volume fraction of the two precipitates.
Evaluation of the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for accurate suturing in small cavities
Authors: Kameoka Yasuyuki , Okata Yuichi , Yoshimura Shohei , Inuzuka Shino , Iwabuchi Serena , Miyauchi Harunori , Nakatani Taichi , Tomioka Yuichiro , Takanarita Yuki , Bitoh Yuko
Published: July 2024

The hinotori™ Surgical Robot System (hinotori™, Medicaroid, Kobe, Japan) is increasingly being utilized primarily in urology and adult surgery; however, data on its application in pediatric surgery are lacking. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the limitations of this system for accurate suturing in small cavities designed for pediatric and neonatal applications. Two trained operators performed simple ligature sutures (easy task [ET]) and hepaticojejunostomy sutures (difficult task [DT]) within five differently sized boxes, ranging from 5123 to 125 mL. The suture time, number of internal and external instrument/instrument collisions, instrument/box collisions, and suture accuracy were evaluated. The suture accuracy was assessed using the A-Lap Mini endoscopic surgery skill assessment system. As a result, an increase in the number of collisions and extended suturing times were observed in boxes with volumes smaller than 215 mL. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences between the boxes, and all tasks were precisely performed in all boxes (p = 0.10 for the ET and p = 1.00 for the DT). These findings demonstrate the capability of the hinotori™ system to perform precise suturing techniques within tightly confined simulated neonatal cavities as small as 125 mL. To advance the integration of pediatric robotic surgery utilizing the hinotori™ system, additional trials comparing it with conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic techniques using pediatric and animal models are necessary to assess its clinical safety and applicability.
Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Yue Shiwei , Zhang Yunpu , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2024

Opinion Statement

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies that arise from the epithelium of the biliary tract. Most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable BTC, the survival advantage provided by systemic chemotherapy was limited. Over the last decade, immunotherapy has significantly improved the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. There is an increasing number of studies evaluating the application of immunotherapy in BTC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapy. The limited response to ICIs monotherapy in unselected patients prompted investigators to explore different combination therapy strategies. Early clinical trials of therapeutic cancer vaccination and adoptive cell therapy have shown encouraging clinical results. However, there still has been a long way to go via validation of therapeutic efficacy and exploration of strategies to increase the efficacy. Identifying biomarkers that predict the response to immunotherapy will allow a more accurate selection of candidates. This review will provide an up-to-date overview of the current clinical data on the role of immunotherapy, summarize the promising biomarkers predictive of the response to ICIs and discuss the perspective for future research direction of immunotherapy in advanced BTC.
GIS-based Visualization of Elemental Distribution in Neoboletus Luridiformis Fruiting Body
Authors: Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Demková Lenka , Jančo Ivona , Jakabová Silvia , Mleczek Mirosław
Published: July 2024

The fruiting body of Neoboletus luridiformis (Scarletina bolete) mushroom was used to determine the level of bioconcentration and subsequent distribution of seventeen elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn). A two-centimeter-thick vertical section of the entire fruit body was divided into 101 partial sub-samples where the contents of the studied elements were determined using ICP OES. The actual distribution of the elements in the fruiting body profile was visualized using a GIS interpolation method resulting in distribution maps. The study provides valuable insights into the distribution patterns of 17 elements within the fruiting body of N. luridiformis. Based on the visualization of the elemental content, the determined elements can be divided into three categories. Elements accumulated primarily (i) in the cap (Al, Ag, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, and Zn), (ii) in the stipe (Ba, Mn, Na, Pb, and Se), and (iii) elements with non-specific distribution (Cr and Sr). Since such detailed information supported by graphical visualization has not been published to date, the information in this study will help to better understand the accumulation and distribution of elements within the fruiting bodies of wild as well as cultivated mushroom species.
The importance of soil seed banks for biodiversity restoration in degraded grasslands
Authors: Fabšičová Martina , Vymyslický Tomáš , Frei Ivana , Zdražílková Magda , Smetanová Sabina , Winkler Jan , Jiroušek Martin
Published: July 2024

To effectively restore species and habitat diversity in poorly managed degraded grasslands, it is important to understand the relationship between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation. Our study aimed to describe changes in soil seed bank composition compared to aboveground vegetation under two ploughing regimes (annual and single ploughing) of narrow strips on the edges of artificially grassed old fields in Podyjí National Park, the Czech Republic. We used the seed germination method, multivariate analyses and Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare differences in the proportion of species and individual numbers in the soil seed bank based on the origin of species (native species, archaeophytes, neophytes) and their habitat preferences (segetal, ruderal, grassland, endangered species) in two types of grasslands with varying soil moisture content. The highest numbers of individuals were present in annually ploughed dry grasslands whereas single ploughing in mesic grasslands resulted in greater species diversity. Ploughing increased the numbers of seedlings of all groups and promoted archaeophytes, grassland specialists, native species and ruderals in dry grasslands whereas mesic grasslands hosted segetal specialists and neophytes. Threatened plants and invasive species rarely emerged from the soil seed bank. The study also revealed the highest similarity between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation in annually ploughed plots. It gradually decreased during vegetation succession in the single ploughed variants. Whereas annual ploughing supported segetal specialists, single ploughing promoted grassland species in dry habitats. Neither type of ploughing can be recommended in mesic grasslands because of the risk of inducing the spread of expansive ruderals or invasive neophytes.
Oculomotor and Vestibular Deficits in Friedreich Ataxia - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Measurements
Authors: Sohns E. , Szmulewicz D. J. , Tarnutzer A. A.
Published: July 2024

Disease-specific oculomotor assessments play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of hereditary cerebellar ataxias. Whereas several studies have reported on quantitative oculomotor and vestibular measurements in Friedreich’s Ataxia (FRDA), the value of specific oculomotor paradigms remains unclear. We aimed to address this knowledge gap through a systematic literature review and providing disease-specific recommendations for a tailored set of eye-movement recordings in FRDA. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies reporting on quantitative oculomotor and/or vestibular measurements in FRDA-patients. Data on oculomotor and vestibular parameters were extracted and correlations with a range of clinical parameters were sought. Included studies (n = 17) reported on 185 patients. Abnormalities observed included the presence of saccadic intrusions (143/161) such as square-wave jerks (SWJ, 90/109) and ocular flutter (21/43), impaired eccentric gaze-holding (40/104), abnormal pursuit (81/93) and angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) deficits (39/48). For visually-guided saccades (VGS), we frequently observed increases in saccade latency (27/38) and dysmetric saccades (71/93), whereas saccade velocity was more often preserved (37/43). Augmented anti-saccade (AS) latency, downbeat nystagmus and frequent macro-SWJ correlated with disease duration. Increased AS-latency and VGS-latency, frequent macro-SWJ, reduced aVOR-gain and augmented aVOR peak-latency correlated with disease severity. A broad range of oculomotor and vestibular deficits are documented in the literature. Impairments in pursuit, saccades and aVOR-responses are most commonly reported, and as such, should be prioritized as disease markers. Quantitative oculomotor testing in FRDA may facilitate early diagnosis and prove valuable in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.
It is not crystal clear: “nuances” in the selection of raw materials for Iron Age translucent glass revealed by chemical analyses of beads from central Italy
Authors: Yatsuk Oleh , Koch Leonie , Giannossa Lorena Carla , Mangone Annarosa , Fiocco Giacomo , Malagodi Marco , Gorghinian Astrik , Ferretti Marco , Davit Patrizia , Re Alessandro , Lo Giudice Alessandro , Iaia Cristiano , Gulmini Monica
Published: July 2024

The Iron Age was a period of change, with many innovations in the glass-making technology. The chemical composition of the set of objects considered in the present study demonstrates the diversity of the raw materials used and the depth of knowledge about the manipulation of glass appearance in the eighth-sixth centuries BCE. The study was carried out using fibre optics reflection spectroscopy and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry at the museums’ premises to examine a large number of glass beads and preliminarily group them on the basis of their composition and spectral characteristics. In addition, a smaller set of selected samples was analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to provide a comprehensive chemical characterisation of the material. The compositional data indicated that the samples belonged to the high magnesium and low magnesium glass compositional types. Only one sample was recognised as low magnesium medium potassium glass. Glasses within each group were made from different sands, suggesting different provenances. Some of the samples were suggested to be of local origin, while the others were interpreted as imported glass. Evidence of glass colouring, decolouring and recycling are also discussed.
Further investigation into the impact of manuring on stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values in pulses: a four-year experiment examining Celtic bean (Vicia faba)
Authors: Treasure Edward R. , Gröcke Darren R. , Lester Jonathan J. , Bishop Rosie R. , Jackson Samuel E. , Church Mike J.
Published: July 2024

Plant stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values can be used to directly investigate crop husbandry practices such as manuring; a key variable in understanding the scale and intensity of past farming practices. We present new results from a four-year experiment examining the impact of manuring on the δ13C and δ15N values of a heritage cultivar of the broad or faba bean (Vicia faba), the ‘Celtic black broad bean’. This paper builds upon our previous pilot study (Treasure ER, Church MJ, Gröcke DR (2016) The influence of manuring on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in Celtic bean (Vicia faba L.): archaeobotanical and palaeodietary implications. Archaeol Anthropol 8:555–562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6). Our results indicate that manuring increased δ15N values in beans, with a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.4‰ in control samples compared to a mean value of 2.1 ± 1.3‰ in the most intensively manured plots. It was not always possible to distinguish between an unmanured and manured crop on the basis of δ15N values, although manured crops consistently exhibited larger variation in δ15N. Bean δ13C values show no clear relationship with manuring, although large variability (> 3‰) was found within crops cultivated under the same conditions. Manuring also increased plant biomass production, seed-size and the bean per plant ratio. Overall, we suggest that high δ15N values (> 1.5‰) in archaeobotanical remains of pulses can be attributed to small-scale, intensive cultivation that is typical of gardens where manuring rates are very intensive.
Development of a Product Recommendation Method for the Real-Time Cart Context in Supermarkets by Integrating Cooking Recipes and Purchase Co-occurrences
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Goto Yusuke
Published: July 2024

The effectiveness of product recommendation systems is critical to enhancing customer experiences and boosting sales in the rapidly evolving retail domain, especially in supermarkets. Thus, in this study, we design an innovative recommendation approach for physical supermarkets, and our approach integrates insights from previous purchasing patterns with current shopping cart compositions augmented with recipe-based information. As this approach deviates from traditional strategies, which primarily rely on historical data, it dynamically addresses shoppers’ immediate preferences and recommends products that suit their intended purchases. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of this technique using data from smart shopping carts in a brick-and-mortar supermarket, revealing significant improvements in key performance indicators, such as Recall, Precision, and the F1 score, than with the existing methods. These results highlight the benefits of integrating real-time cart data with historical purchasing patterns, offering a path to more personalized and efficient recommendations in retail environments. This study illustrates the potential of such integrated approaches toward significantly improving in-store shopping experiences.
Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as an Innovation Process: A Holistic Study of its Determinants
Authors: Romero Isidoro , Mammadov Huseyn
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses the factors that determine the process of digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, digital transformation is conceptually approached as an innovation process in a company that affects its products and processes. The proposed theoretical framework integrates, from a holistic perspective, three dimensions in the digital transformation process in SMEs: (1) the technological dimension; (2) the human capital dimension; and (3) the organizational/relational dimension. Furthermore, these dimensions manifest themselves at three levels of analysis: (a) the entrepreneur/manager; (b) the firm; and (c) the environment external to the firm. The empirical research presented in this paper is based on a representative survey of SMEs in Spain. The results highlight that both internal skills and external sources of knowledge regarding information and communication technology (ICT) through consultants, suppliers, universities and technological centers constitute critical and complementary drivers for digital innovation in SMEs. The analysis also reveals the importance of an explicit digital transformation strategy in the company and the distribution of responsibilities regarding digitalization beyond the leadership of the entrepreneur/manager. Likewise, the complex use of the Internet by entrepreneurs/managers is observed to favor digital product innovation, whereas their growth ambition stimulates digital process innovation. The results also indicate that the relevance of the aforementioned determinants varies somewhat for microenterprises compared to other SMEs.
Philosophy without natural kinds: a reply to Reydon & Ereshefsky
Authors: Ludwig David
Published: July 2024

The tradition of natural kinds has shaped philosophical debates about scientific classification but has come under growing criticism. Responding to this criticism, Reydon and Ereshefsky present their grounded functionality account as a strategy for updating and defending the tradition of natural kinds. This article argues that grounded functionality does indeed provide a fruitful philosophical approach to scientific classification but does not convince as a general theory of natural kinds. Instead, the strengths and limitations of Reydon and Ereshefsky’s account illustrate why it is time to move beyond general definitions of “natural kind” and experiment with new philosophical frameworks.
HorizonUAM: operational challenges and necessary frameworks to ensure safe and efficient vertidrome operations
Authors: Schweiger Karolin , König Andreas , Metz Isabel C. , Naser Fares , Swaid Majed , Abdellaoui Rabeb , Schuchardt Bianca I.
Published: July 2024

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) has emerged as a potential game changer for urban transportation, promising faster, more efficient and affordable services. However, beyond the visionary concepts, it is crucial to explore and discuss the opportunities and challenges of UAM and vertidrome operations also from a research perspective. The DLR research project HorizonUAM aimed at a holistic research approach in which vertidromes and vertidrome networks play a significant role. This vertidrome centered project report covers various aspects and methodological approaches addressing design and operation, UAM airspace management, network optimization and the integration of air taxi operations into airport environment. Moreover, the conceptual and temporary development of a modular 1:4 scale model city lays the foundation for future UAM flight trials. Based on three years of dedicated research within HorizonUAM, we focus here on operational challenges, proposed solutions and required frameworks to ensure safe and efficient vertidrome operations
Measurements of Flow Characterization Revealing Transition to Turbulence Associated with the Partial Flexibility-Based Flow Control at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Koca Kemal , Keskin Sinem , Şahin Rumeysa , Veerasamy Dhamotharan , Genç Mustafa Serdar
Published: July 2024

In order to comprehend the flow characteristics of both controlled and uncontrolled SD7062 wind turbine airfoils with local flexible membrane material throughout a variety of angles of attack at a Reynolds number of 1.05 × 105, an experimental investigation was conducted. The time-dependent force measurement, the hot-wire experiment with a boundary layer and glue-on probes, and the oil-flow visualization technique were all utilized in the present study to measure the flow over the airfoil and examine the laminar-turbulent transition, laminar separation bubble, and the impact of a special flow control method that uses flexibility. A comprehensive intermittency analysis by utilizing hot-wire results was employed to obtain the flow physics effects of the local flexibility the first in the literature. The key results of the experiment demonstrated that the stall was delayed from α = 10° to 12° by the local flexibility. The hot-wire results are dedicated to laminar, transitional and turbulent regions and the transition phenomena at different locations over the suction surface of the airfoil in the analysis graphs. As demonstrated by the results of the oil-flow visualization experiment, in the uncontrolled case, the laminar separation bubble formed over the airfoil at α = 8° between x/c = 0.16 and x/c = 0.42. The use of flexible membrane material over the airfoil provided that the oscillation of this material triggered the transition to turbulence and a bypass transition, which resulted in the reattached flow.
Erenumab escalation in migraine - double dose without additional benefit - a retrospective experience
Authors: Heintz Simon , Storch Peter , Burow Philipp , Maier Patricia , Obermann Mark , Stoessel Grit , Kraya Torsten , Naegel Steffen
Published: July 2024

Background

Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody specifically targeting the CGRP-receptor. Several studies showed efficacy and safety in patients with migraine. Less is known regarding dosage increase, especially in a difficult to treat patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the increased dosage under real world conditions with particular focus on 70 mg non-responders.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, patients treated in tertiary headache centers (Halle or Jena, Germany) receiving 70 mg erenumab for at least 3 months with a dosage increase to 140 mg were analyzed. Data were evaluated regarding headache days, intake of acute medication, previous prophylaxis, and medication overuse. Baseline and all treatment intervals were determined as three-month periods.

Results

Datasets of 52 migraine patients (90.4% women) aged between 22 and 78 years (mean 50.4 years, SD 12.1 years) were analyzed. At baseline (mean headache-days 15.67 ± 6.37) 51.9% met criteria for chronic migraine and 56% were currently overusing acute medication. While therapy with 70 mg showed significant improvement in headache days and 50% response, further improvement was not achieved for therapy escalation to 140 mg. The same applies to the secondary endpoints and covers the entire study population as well as the subgroups of chronic and episodic migraine. The 50% response of the 70 mg non-responders for escalation was only 5.14%.

Conclusions

In this difficult-to-treat patient cohort we reconfirmed the effectiveness of erenumab, but could not detect any additional benefit for a dosage escalation from 70 mg to 140 mg erenumab.
Predictive analysis of Metaverse usage intention in the Spanish University
Authors: Castro-Lopez Adrian , Cervero Antonio , Alvarez-Blanco Lucia
Published: July 2024

In technologically advanced societies, the Metaverse has become a three-dimensional digital space that merges the real and virtual worlds, creating new scenarios and possibilities for social interaction. Considering the early stage of its development, the goal of this research is to provide knowledge on the will and intention of university students to use the “Metaverse” for educational purposes, identifying the relevant influential factors on the matter. This would contribute to the assessment and possible action of higher education institutions regarding the integration of this technology in the design of teaching–learning activities. For this purpose, an ex post facto research methodology with a prospective design has been used, relying on a survey conducted with a specially designed questionnaire based on the extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, covering a sample of 480 university students. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS and SmartPLS. The influence intention to use the Metaverse were reduced to three dimensions: performance behavior, social influence, and perceived value. The obtained results consolidate, on a theoretical level, the robustness of the Technology Acceptance Model (UTAUT-2). From a practical point of view, they serve to inform tool developers about the aspects to be prioritized and strengthened for implementation of such technological instruments in a teaching–learning context. Therefore, the study provides relevant information about the integration of the Metaverse in educational institutions, especially at the university level, focusing attention on universities as necessary active protagonists of such process.
PPSO and Bayesian game for intrusion detection in WSN from a macro perspective
Authors: Liu Ning , Liu Shangkun , Zheng Wei-Min
Published: July 2024

The security of wireless sensor networks is a hot topic in current research. Game theory can provide the optimal selection strategy for attackers and defenders in the attack-defense confrontation. Aiming at the problem of poor generality of previous game models, we propose a generalized Bayesian game model to analyze the intrusion detection of nodes in wireless sensor networks. Because it is difficult to solve the Nash equilibrium of the Bayesian game by the traditional method, a parallel particle swarm optimization is proposed to solve the Nash equilibrium of the Bayesian game and analyze the optimal action of the defender. The simulation results show the superiority of the parallel particle swarm optimization compared with other heuristic algorithms. This algorithm is proved to be effective in finding optimal defense strategy. The influence of the detection rate and false alarm rate of nodes on the profit of defender is analyzed by simulation experiments. Simulation experiments show that the profit of defender decreases as false alarm rate increases and decreases as detection rate decreases. Using heuristic algorithm to solve Nash equilibrium of Bayesian game provides a new method for the research of attack-defense confrontation. Predicting the actions of attacker and defender through the game model can provide ideas for the defender to take active defense.