bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic disturbances alter the trophic niche structure and ecological relationships of understory bat communities in the Ecuadorian Andean Chocó
Authors: Rodríguez‐Segovia Marco Antonio , Gavilánez‐Endara María Mercedes
Published: October 2024

Human disturbances have reduced the three basic niche dimensions for the survival of some mammalian species (space, time, and resources). Anthropic activities cause the extinction of ecological functionalities faster than species extinctions. In this study, we identified four types of habitats in the Ecuadorian Andean Chocó: primary forest (PF), secondary forest in natural regeneration (SF1), secondary forest in assisted regeneration (SF2), and pastures for cattle (P). The main objective was to determine the responses in the trophic niche and the ecological relationships of understory phyllostomid bat communities. We captured bats with mist nets and obtained fecal samples from 21 species. These were analyzed to quantify seeds, pollen, insects, and vertebrates consumed by each individual, with counts organized by species and habitat type. We conducted an ecological relationship analysis to understand the structure of bat–fruit networks and their dietary preferences. We calculated niche breadth and niche overlap to understand the trophic niche composition of each species. We applied null models to evaluate if there is evidence of trophic niche partitioning among these species. Despite a relatively small sample size, the results obtained are nevertheless interesting. While niche breadth was not useful for detecting the effects of human disturbances, niche overlap was significantly higher in disturbed habitats (SF1, SF2 and P), where ecological relationships were weaker. Most of the species were related to the consumption of seeds from the genus Piper. These results indicate that bat communities and their ecosystem services may be highly endangered due to anthropogenic disturbances. Network interactions in bats are highly variable in geographic space and time, and little is known about the community structure of bat–seed interactions. Studying mutualistic networks in bats and seeds is crucial because of their role in ecosystem support, supply, and regulation services that depend on them.
Nanoscale Radiotheranostics for Cancer Treatment: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Jiao Xiaodan , Hong Hao , Cai Weibo
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the application of radionuclides‐containing nanomaterials in cancer treatment has garnered widespread attention. The diversity of nanomaterials allows researchers to selectively combine them with appropriate radionuclides for biomedical purposes, addressing challenges faced by peptides, small molecules, or antibodies used for radionuclide labeling. However, with advantages come challenges, and nanoradionuclides still encounter significant issues during clinical translation. This review summarized the recent progress of nanosized radionuclides for cancer treatment or diagnosis. The discussion began with representative radionuclides and the methods of incorporating them into nanomaterial structures. Subsequently, new combinations of nanomaterials and radionuclides, along with their applications, were introduced to demonstrate their future trends. The benefits of nanoradionuclides included optimized pharmacokinetic properties, enhanced disease‐targeting efficacy, and synergistic application with other treatment techniques. Besides, the basic rule of this section was to summarize how these nanoradionuclides can truly impact the diagnosis and therapy of various cancer types. In the last part, the focus was devoted to the nanoradionuclides currently applicable in clinics and how to address the existing issues and problems based on our knowledge.
The Complexation in Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O/2,2′‐bipyridine/Y(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O/MeOH System: Still More to Uncover
Authors: Gavrikov Andrey , Buzoverov Mikhail , Babeshkin Konstantin , Ilyukhin Andrey
Published: October 2024

The formation of novel uncommon heterodinuclear complex was detected in Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O/2,2′‐bipyridine/Y(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O/MeOH system. The peculiarities of composition and structure of this new compound were found to alter its vibrational and thermal properties compared to those of reported major product formed in the same system.
Measuring Systemic Risk: A Review of the Main Approaches
Authors: Pampurini Francesca , Quaranta Anna Grazia
Published: October 2024

Scholars, Regulatory and Supervisory Authorities have always been engaged in the search for efficient approaches to measuring systemic risk. Such procedures are extremely useful, first and foremost, in understanding and managing the stability and resilience of a financial-economic system as a whole, in forecasting possible crisis situations, and in implementing effective macro-prudential policies in response to the turbulence that can be generated by systemic risk in the financial system. Actually, over time, different approaches to measuring systemic risk have been defined. Undoubtedly, these methods are difficult to compare and often result in assessment parameters that are difficult to cointegrate. This chapter describes and analyses the main approaches for measuring systemic risk currently used in the literature. In more detail, it analyses the Probability Distribution Measures, the Network Analysis Measures, the Illiquidity Measures, the Contingent Claims and Default Measures and, last but not least, the Macro-economic Measures.
How Does NPLs Securitization Affect EU Banks’ Systemic Risk?
Authors: Dell’Atti Stefano , Di Tommaso Caterina , Onorato Grazia , Pacelli Vincenzo
Published: October 2024

This chapter contributes to the growing debate on the NPLs issue by addressing the challenges leading to financial stability and promoting the NPLs resolution plans for EU banks. Our main hypothesis is a U-shaped relationship between the NPLs securitizations and the systemic risk. We find that the maximum amount of NPLs securitization performed by EU banks to minimize the contribution to systemic risk shifts about Global systemic important banks (G-SIB) designation and country risk. The bank’s contribution to systemic risk lies in the involvement of the bank in this instrument and not in its features. Our results contribute to the ongoing debate on the important issue of designing suitable systemic risk indicators that act as Early Warning Systems (EWS) for predicting incoming financial crises. Evaluating the bank's contribution to systemic risk is important to take into account the bank’s exposure to NPL securitization.
Precarity in Freelance Work and Self-Employment
Authors: Hancock Philip , Tyler Melissa
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses the literature on precarious work as a phenomenon that has intensified across the industrial Global North over the past five decades or so. It goes on to consider the contours of precarious work today, focusing on its consequences for the UK’s freelance and self-employed workforce. Finally, the chapter considers relevant sociological literature that points towards the need to understand more about the subjective impact and experience of precarious work, including its effects on an individual’s sense of identity and what might be termed their desire for recognition as situated within contemporary social relations.
Precarity and Work in the UK Cultural and Creative Sector
Authors: Hancock Philip , Tyler Melissa
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines the meaning, nature, and experience of precarious work for freelance and self-employed workers in the UK’s cultural and creative sector in general and for those who work as live performers in particular. In doing so, the parameters of the research are refined, providing an introduction and backdrop to the empirical research that underpins and informs this book. The chapter opens with a consideration of relevant literature on the prevalence and impact of precarious working practices in the UK’s cultural and creative sector. The focus is then narrowed to consider the predominantly socioeconomic consequences of such precarity on the work of freelance and self-employed performers. Finally, the chapter explores the more subjective dynamics associated with precarious work in the live performance industries and the challenges they present for performers’ identities and the circumstances shaping how their desire for recognition is experienced and understood.
Live Entertainers and Extended Forms of Precarity
Authors: Hancock Philip , Tyler Melissa
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, a novel tripartite typology that distinguishes between different forms of precarity that afflict the kinds of work in the live entertainment industries discussed here is developed and explained. The first, socioeconomic precarity, is characterised by irregularity and uncertainty surrounding income and the availability of work, as well as unstable occupational and often personal circumstances. The second is affective precarity. This highlights how attempting to adhere to the aesthetic and atmospheric ideals that permeate performance work in the live entertainment industries produces its own sense or experience of insecurity. The final form, recognitive precarity, is a product of personal and interpersonal doubts and insecurities surrounding identity and esteem that many of the performers we studied spoke of. Finally, the chapter examines how these three forms of precarity are interrelated, considering how they can help to make sense of lived experiences of freelance and self-employed work in the cultural and creative sector and in precarious work and labour markets more widely.
Complex dark photon dark matter EFT
Authors: Bertuzzo Enrico , Sassi Tommaso , Tesi Andrea
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We construct an effective field theory for complex Stueckelberg dark photon dark matter. Such an effective construction can be realized by writing down a complete set of operators up to dimension six built with the complex dark photon and Standard Model fields. Classifying the effective operators, we find that in order to properly take into account the non-renormalizable nature of an interacting massive vector, the size of the Wilson coefficients should be naturally smaller than naively expected. This can be consistently taken into account by a proper power counting, that we suggest. First we apply this to collider bounds on light dark matter, then to direct detection searches by extending the list of non-relativistic operators to include the case of complex vectors. In the former we correctly find scaling limits for small masses, while in the latter we mostly focus on electric dipole interactions, that are the signatures of this type of dark matter. Simple UV completions that effectively realize the above scenarios are also outlined.
Holographic scattering and non-minimal RT surfaces
Authors: Caminiti Jacqueline , Friedman-Shaw Batia , May Alex , Myers Robert C. , Papadoulaki Olga
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the AdS/CFT correspondence, the causal structure of the bulk AdS spacetime is tied to entanglement in the dual CFT. This relationship is captured by the connected wedge theorem [1], which states that a bulk scattering process implies the existence of O(1/GN) entanglement between associated boundary subregions. In this paper, we study the connected wedge theorem in two asymptotically AdS2+1 spacetimes: the conical defect and BTZ black hole geometries. In these settings, we find that bulk scattering processes require not just large entanglement, but also additional restrictions related to candidate RT surfaces which are non-minimal. We argue these extra relationships imply a certain CFT entanglement structure involving internal degrees of freedom. Because bulk scattering relies on sub-AdS scale physics, this supports the idea that sub-AdS scale locality emerges from internal degrees of freedom. While the new restriction that we identify on non-minimal surfaces is stronger than the initial statement of the connected wedge theorem, we find that it is necessary but still not sufficient to imply bulk scattering in mixed states.
Myrmecophily among mesostigmatid mites
Authors: Klompen H. , Campbell K. U.
Published: October 2024

Ant nests are biodiversity hot spots, concentrating resources from a wide area that can be exploited by other organisms, known as myrmecophiles. The mite order Mesostigmata includes a wide range of lineages that have become myrmecophiles with many species reliant on ant nests for at least part of their development. The nature of the associations is quite variable, including predators of smaller arthropods in the nest (close to the ancestral lifestyle of these mites), scavengers, kleptoparasites, parasites, and parasitoids. A few mite species show extreme modifications of morphological and/or developmental patterns, others show almost none. Some host specificity is common but one-on-one host specialization is rare or poorly tested. Phoresy on the ants is common, but the target ant caste varies with the goal of phoresy. In general, the diversity of mesostigmatid mites in the nest of a given ant species is affected by habitat conditions along with a range of life history characteristics of the ants, including factors such as body size, colony size, colony founding mode, social parasitism, and nest density. Unfortunately, the life history of the majority of mites associated with ants is still unknown.
Disproportional hoher Verlust an Sprachverstehen
Authors: Hoppe Ulrich , Hast Anne , Hocke Thomas
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Der Einfluss einer Hörschädigung auf das Alltagshören kann durch die Sprachaudiometrie abgeschätzt werden. Es besteht eine große Variabilität in der Abhängigkeit des Sprachverstehens vom Hörverlust.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine große klinische Datenbank mit 28.261 Datensätzen mit vollständiger Ton- und Sprachaudiometrie analysiert. Das maximale Einsilberverstehen wurde in Abhängigkeit vom Tonhörverlust dargestellt und hinsichtlich seiner Verteilung ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

In einer Ranganalyse wurde die Verteilung der Perzentile in Abhängigkeit vom Tonhörverlust bis zu 80 dBHL bestimmt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die hier abgeleiteten Perzentile der Verteilung des maximalen Einsilberverstehen für einen vorgegebenen Reintonhörverlust können als Referenzwerte für einen disproportional hohen Verlust an Sprachverstehen herangezogen werden.
Greenland summer blocking characteristics: an evaluation of a high-resolution multi-model ensemble
Authors: Luu Linh N. , Hanna Edward , de Alwis Pitts Dilkushi , Maddison Jacob , Screen James A. , Catto Jennifer L. , Fettweis Xavier
Published: October 2024

Atmospheric blocking is a phenomenon that can lead to extreme weather events over a large region, yet its causes are not fully understood. Global climate models show limitations in representing Northern Hemisphere blocking, especially its frequency, and decadal variability in Greenland blocking in summer in the recent decades. In this study we evaluate the ability of high-resolution (HighResMIP) Earth System Models (ESMs) to simulate summer blocking over the Greenland area, using different but complementary methods to describe the characteristics of blocking. We find that the HighResMIP ensemble can reproduce the spatial pattern of Greenland blocking events, albeit with systematic biases, and capture the relative frequencies of the main blocking patterns: namely the wave breaking structure, North Atlantic ridge, and omega-type blocking. However, the HighResMIP ensemble fails to simulate the observed temporal variations of Greenland blocking index (GB2) and the extremely high values of daily GB2 observed in recent decades. In addition, we do not find clearly superior representation of blocking features from higher-resolution in HighResMIP models compared with lower-resolution models. We also find large sea surface temperature (SST) biases over the North Atlantic and seas surrounding Greenland, and biases in moisture transport over the North Atlantic toward Greenland, especially over the western flank of blocking areas, which might together contribute to model biases in the representation of blocking magnitude.
The added value of using convective-permitting regional climate model simulations to represent cloud band events over South America
Authors: Zilli Marcia T. , Lemes Murilo Ruv , Hart Neil C. G. , Halladay Kate , Kahana Ron , Fisch Gilberto , Prein Andreas , Ikeda Kyoko , Liu Changhai
Published: October 2024

Climate science has long explored whether higher resolution regional climate models (RCMs) provide improved simulation of regional climates over global climate models (GCMs). The advent of convective-permitting RCMs (CPRCMs), where sufficiently fine-scale grids allow explicitly resolving rather than parametrising convection, has created a clear distinction between RCM and GCM formulations. This study investigates the simulation of tropical-extratropical (TE) cloud bands in a suite of pan-South America convective-permitting Met Office Unified Model (UM) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) climate simulations. All simulations produce annual cycles in TE cloud band frequency within 10–30% of observed climatology. However, too few cloud band days are simulated during the early summer (Nov–Dec) and too many during the core summer (Jan–Feb). Compared with their parent forcing, CPRCMs simulate more dry days but systematically higher daily rainfall rates, keeping the total rain biases low. During cloud band systems, the CPRCMs correctly reproduced the observed changes in tropical rain rates and their importance to climatology. Circulation analysis suggests that simulated lower subtropical rain rates during cloud bands systems, in contrast to the higher rates in the tropics, are associated with weaker northwesterly moisture flux from the Amazon towards southeast South America, more evident in the CPRCMs. Taken together, the results suggest that CPRCMs tend to be more effective at producing heavy daily rainfall rates than parametrised simulations for a given level of near-surface moist energy. The extent to which this improves or degrades biases present in the parent simulations is strongly region-dependent.
Clinical-applied anatomy of the carpal tunnel regarding mini-invasive carpal tunnel release
Authors: Kaiser Peter , Schmidle Gernot , Bode Simone , Seeher Ulrike , Honis Hanne-Rose , Moriggl Bernhard , Pechriggl Elisabeth , Stofferin Hannes , Konschake Marko
Published: October 2024

Background

Carpal tunnel release is a widely performed procedure. Despite a high success rate, iatrogenic neurovascular injuries can occur which lead to a painful and unsatisfying outcome. This study conducted a detailed examination of the anatomy of the carpal tunnel and the proximity of neurovascular structures that are particularly susceptible to injury, especially in the context of minimally invasive carpal tunnel release procedures.

Patients and methods

The anatomy of the carpal tunnel of 104 wrists of 52 body donors was examined. The precise anatomical location and the presence of variations were recorded for the median nerve, ulnar nerve, ulnar artery and Berrettini branch. The distance between the median nerve, the ulnar artery, the ulnar nerve, and the Berrettini branch was measured in a proximo-distal and radio-ulnar direction in relation to the distal ulnar end of the carpal tunnel.

Results

The authors identified four main dangerous anatomical situations. (1) A proximal separation of the Long-Finger/Ring-Finger branch of the median nerve together with a narrow safe-zone; (2) an ulnar take-off of the recurrent muscle branch of the median nerve with a close radio-ulnar distance to the distal ulnar end of carpal tunnel; (3) an ulnar arterial arch lying close to the transverse carpal ligament; and (4) a proximal Berrettini branch also lying close to the latter. All situations are illustrated by photographs. Additionally, the authors present a sonographic carpal tunnel assessment protocol in order to reduce the risk of injury of any neurovascular structure in the proximity of the carpal tunnel.

Conclusion

Certain patients may inherently face an increased risk of neurovascular injuries during minimally invasive carpal tunnel releases due to their anatomical variations. Four potentially risky scenarios were clearly illustrated. Consequently, one may consider conducting a preoperative ultrasound assessment of neurovascular structures at risk, when endoscopic or ultrasound-guided tunnel release are planned. In high-risk patients, open surgery should be preferred.

Level of evidence

II.
Postoperative outcomes in minimally invasive total versus supracervical hysterectomy for endometriosis: a NSQIP study
Authors: Meyer Raanan , McDonnell Jill , Hamilton Kacey M. , Schneyer Rebecca J. , Levin Gabriel , Wright Kelly N. , Siedhoff Matthew T.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To study the rate and odds of 30 day postoperative complications among patients undergoing minimally invasive total (TLH) compared to supracervical (LSCH) hysterectomy for endometriosis.

Study design

A cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of endometriosis undergoing hysterectomy. We used prospectively collected data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2020. We compared short-term (30 day) complications, following minimally invasive TLH and LSCH for endometriosis. The primary outcome was the risk of any postoperative complications according to the surgical approach.

Results

A total of 5,278 patients were included, 4,952 (93.8%) underwent TLH and 326 (6.2%) underwent LSCH. The incidence of any complication was significantly lower in the LSCH group compared to the TLH group (3.7% vs. 8.5%, p = .001). Both major complications (1.5% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.043) and minor complications (2.8% vs. 5.4%, p = .039) were less frequent in the LSCH group compared to the TLH group.

In multivariable regression analysis, patients undergoing LSCH had significantly lower odds of any complication [aOR 95%CI 0.40 (0.22–0.72)], and of minor complications [aOR 95%CI 0.47 (0.24–0.92)] compared to TLH.

Conclusions

LSCH is associated with a lower odd of short-term postoperative complications compared to TLH for patients with endometriosis.
A network analysis of voice hearing, emotional distress and subjective recovery before and after cognitive behavioural interventions
Authors: Loizou Sofia , Schlier Björn , Fowler David , Hayward Mark
Published: October 2024

Background: There is a need to identify and to better understand key processes involved in voice hearing, which can inform the targeting and development of psychological interventions for distressing voices. The current study aimed to examine interrelations between the negative impact of voices, voice characteristics, emotional distress and recovery before and after cognitive behavioural interventions for voices (Coping Strategy Enhancement, guided self-help Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Relating Therapy and Person-Based Cognitive Therapy). Methods: The sample consisted of 172 participants from the Sussex Voices Clinic who completed pre- and post-treatment assessments. The negative impact of voices, voice characteristics, emotional distress and recovery were used to estimate two networks, before and after cognitive behavioural interventions, using the graphical lasso method with the extended Bayesian information criterion. Centrality indices were also computed, and the two networks were compared on connectivity, structure and individual edge weights. Results: Depression, anxiety and the negative impact of voices were identified as key central symptoms and acted as bridge symptoms in pre- and post-treatment networks. There were no significant differences in network structure (M = 0.155, p = .57), global strength (S = 0.188, p = .07) and centralities (C = -0.318, p = -.06) between the two networks. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that anxiety and depression are promising treatment targets, that can lead to reductions in voice-related distress, whereas the characteristics of voices and subjective recovery play little role in the network structure. Limitations include the lack of a control group and the lack of diversity within the sample.
BeGrading: large language models for enhanced feedback in programming education
Authors: Yousef Mina , Mohamed Kareem , Medhat Walaa , Mohamed Ensaf Hussein , Khoriba Ghada , Arafa Tamer
Published: October 2024

In recent years, large language models (LLMs) have gained significant traction across various domains, including education. This paper explores the application of LLMs in grading programming assignments. By leveraging data collected from existing programming assignments and their corresponding grades, we aim to develop a robust LLM-based grading system. We also incorporate augmented data representing various grading scenarios to enhance the model’s performance and ensure comprehensive coverage across all grading levels. Our approach involves training the LLM on this combined dataset to enable accurate and consistent evaluation of programming assignments. The proposed model, BeGrading, aims to reduce the grading burden on educators and provide timely and objective feedback to students. Compared to the Codestral model, our proposed model demonstrates an absolute difference rate of 19%, equivalent to

$$\pm 0.95$$

±
0.95

out of 5. This is acceptable for using a small, fine-tuned model with optimized data. Additionally, the Codestral model compared to the dataset optimized score shows a difference of 15% equivalent to a margin of

$$\pm 0.75$$

±
0.75

out of 5. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential of LLMs to perform grading tasks with a high degree of reliability, opening avenues for further research and practical applications in automated education systems.
First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels
Authors: Wagner En-Young N. , Pichler Eva Maria , Müller Mario , Eisenhut Andrea , Buadze Ana , Xu Yanhua , Seifritz Erich , Strippoli Marie-Pierre F. , Castelao Enrique , Ranjbar Setareh , Glaus Jennifer , Vandeleur Caroline , Preisig Martin , von Känel Roland , Ajdacic-Gross Vladeta
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A previous diagnosis of depression is a strong predictor for perinatal depression, apart from other mental disorders, stress, and atopies. It is less clear which factors interfere if perinatal depression occurs as a first depression episode (fePND).

Methods

We examined the associations with atopies and related blood parameters using data of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus.

Results

Newly occurring depression during the perinatal period but not recurrent depression was associated with a lifetime diagnosis of allergies and asthma together with persistently increased levels of basophils and eosinophils.

Conclusion

The results imply that immune function may play a relevant role in the risk of a fePND. If confirmed and detailed, these findings could serve as the basis for designing preliminary prevention strategies by observing eosinophil and basophil levels as well as symptoms of atopic diseases before/during pregnancy.
Finding middle grounds for incoherent horn expressions: the moral machine case
Authors: Ozaki Ana , Rehman Anum , Slavkovik Marija
Published: October 2024

Smart devices that operate in a shared environment with people need to be aligned with their values and requirements. We study the problem of multiple stakeholders informing the same device on what the right thing to do is. Specifically, we focus on how to reach a middle ground among the stakeholders inevitably incoherent judgments on what the rules of conduct for the device should be. We formally define a notion of middle ground and discuss the main properties of this notion. Then, we identify three sufficient conditions on the class of Horn expressions for which middle grounds are guaranteed to exist. We provide a polynomial time algorithm that computes middle grounds, under these conditions. We also show that if any of the three conditions is removed then middle grounds for the resulting (larger) class may not exist. Finally, we implement our algorithm and perform experiments using data from the Moral Machine Experiment. We present conflicting rules for different countries and how the algorithm finds the middle ground in this case.
Hydro-informer: a deep learning model for accurate water level and flood predictions
Authors: Almikaeel Wael , Šoltész Andrej , Čubanová Lea , Baroková Dana
Published: October 2024

This study aims to develop an advanced deep learning model, Hydro-Informer, for accurate water level and flood predictions, emphasizing extreme event forecasting. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute SHMI (2008–2020), which includes precipitation, water level, and discharge data, the model was trained using a ladder technique with a custom loss function to enhance focus on extreme values. The architecture integrates Recurrent and Convolutional Neural Networks (RNN, CNN), and Multi-Head Attention layers. Hydro-Informer achieved significant performance, with a Coefficient of Determination (R2) of 0.88, effectively predicting extreme water levels 12 h in advance in a river environment free from human regulation and structures. The model’s strong performance in identifying extreme events highlights its potential for enhancing flood management and disaster preparedness. By integrating with diverse data sources, the model can be used to develop a well-functioning warning system to mitigate flood impacts. This work proposes a novel architecture suitable for locations without water regulation structures.
Nonlinear analysis of hydrodynamics of a shallow-draft floating wind turbine
Authors: Terrero-Gonzalez Alicia , Dai Saishuai , Papadopoulos Jim , Neilson Richard. D. , Kapitaniak Marcin
Published: October 2024

This study investigates numerically the dynamic responses of the T-Omega Wind novel concept of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine. The turbine is light-weight, has a shallow-draft and a relatively high centre of gravity that allows it to glide over harsh marine environments. The turbine responses are studied under regular wave excitation, considering most probable ranges of discrete sea wave heights and periods representative of real ocean conditions. A multibody virtual model is developed, simplified to a rigid 6 DOF system and experimentally validated in the state-of-art Marine Simulator to define the types of dynamical responses for both “Low” and “High” Sea States. The dynamics of coupled heave and pitch DOFs are evaluated with time histories, phase-plane portraits, Poincaré sections and FFT analyses to conclude that period-1 stable solutions exist for all studied cases of “Low Sea States”, whereas period-2, period-3 and period-4 periodic responses are identified for short wave periods of excitation under “High Sea States” conditions. Simulation results show that regions where period-1 responses exist are highly sensitive to wave height and can widen as the wave amplitude reduces. Finally, the turbines’ nonlinearities generated by the floats’ geometry are observed in this dynamical system, which are identified to be related to variation in float waterplane area and particularly observable for “High Sea States”.
When Co-Generative Learning Met Co-Production and Co-Creation - On How Three Different Concepts Shaped “Samskaping”
Authors: Klev Roger
Published: October 2024

The Norwegian/Danish word «samskaping” is today one of the most frequently used terms or concepts in the public discourse of development and change. Scholars familiar with the work of Morten Levin and Max Elden will recognize “samskaping” as a short translation of their model of “cogenerative learning”, originating from the discussion in the 80’s and 90’ on participative action research processes. However, there is no simple line of transfer of ideas from “cogenerative learning” in action research to “samskaping” in public sector today. Rather, three concepts from different disciplines all ended up being translated into or strongly associated with the newly constructed and popular Norwegian word “samskaping”, and Morten Levin’s “cogenerative learning” is one of the three. The two others are co-production and co-creation, which originates from fields of innovation research in private and public sector. Seen from the position of action research and the heritage from Morten Levin, this means that although his (and Max Eldens) concept (in the Norwegian translation) appears to have gained a strong impact Norway the last decade, the meaning and importance of the concept is partially lost to many of its later users. This article will track the main roots of “samskaping” as it has found its way in the everyday language of change and development in Norway, and will in particular try to reclaim for the term or concept, some of the main themes that shaped the discussion and the design of the co-generative learning model in PAR, in particular participation, power and social change.
Solving higher dimensional expensive black box global optimization problems using sparse directional search on surrogates
Authors: Liu Limeng , Yang Muming , Shoemaker Christine A. , Xie Tingting
Published: October 2024

We present a new algorithm Directional Optimization Search with Surrogate (DOSS), for optimizing problems with box constraints and a computationally expensive black-box objective function. DOSS is a radial basis function (RBF) based method that mainly focuses on higher dimensional and computationally expensive objective functions that can be multimodal. DOSS introduces three new techniques not previously used in earlier RBF algorithms, including using a combination of the coordinates knowledge level, fewer initial sampling points, and the surrogate’s gradient information. Numerical results on a test set including 14 test problems with 36, 48, and 60 dimensions show that DOSS outperforms two recently published algorithms RBFOpt and TuRBO, and earlier RBF algorithms such as DYCORS. TuRBO is a Gaussian process based optimization algorithm, which outperformed earlier state-of-the-art methods. DOSS algorithm also has a good performance on real-world optimization problems, including robot pushing and rover trajectory planning problems. Almost sure convergence for the DOSS algorithm is also proven in this paper. An implementation of DOSS is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13731558.
Analysis and experiment of structural geometry for improved strain sensitivity of FBG sensors
Authors: Yadav Gaurav , Kumar Jitendra , Mahakud Ramakanta , Kumar Sudhir , Prakash Om
Published: October 2024

This paper presents analysis and experimental studies to significantly enhance the strain sensitivity of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors by suitably modifying the host structure used for mounting the FBG. The proposed host structure is a novel, compact flexure beam-based design, specially engineered to amplify and convert horizontal strain into vertical strain more effectively. Its unique geometry includes circular sections for hinge connections, resulting in improved displacement amplification and reduced stress across the structure. Using ANSYS calculations and finite element analysis, simulations were conducted to evaluate the vertical deformation, stress, and longevity of the sensor's mechanical structure. Results from these simulations indicate an enhanced strain sensitivity of approximately 15.633 pm/με, a significant improvement over the 1.191 pm/με sensitivity observed with bare FBGs. Experimental tests were carried out on fabricated sensor structures to validate the enhancement in strain sensitivity. FBGs utilized in the experiments were inscribed using a 255 nm UV beam generated from a second harmonic copper vapour laser. The strain sensitivity of FBGs mounted on the optimized structure was found to increase up to 9.95 pm/με. The difference between simulation and experimental results are attributed to the partial absorption of strain by the adhesive used to affix FBGs.
Unwrapping the Influence of Proactive Personality on Job Satisfaction During Organizational Socialization: Examining the Intervening Effects of Newcomers’ Perceptions of Person–Environment Fit
Authors: Soares Sofia , Rodrigues Nuno , Rebelo Teresa
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the mediating role of person–environment fit on the relationship between proactive personality and job satisfaction, during the organizational socialization stage. Specifically, it tests the role of person–organization fit and person–job fit, operationalized through its specific subdimensions of demands–abilities fit and needs–supplies (N–S) fit in this relationship. Relying upon a predictive design, a sample of 151 trainees completing their final master’s internship in different organizations was used and data were collected in 2 independent phases, at the beginning and after 5 months of their internships. Results showed a positive, significant link between proactive personality and job satisfaction, supporting the validity of this disposition for predicting this key outcome during organizational onboarding. Further mediation analyses revealed that this relationship is mediated by N–S fit. The main implications of these findings are discussed.
Development trends and knowledge framework of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in oncology by years: a bibliometric analysis from 1992 to 2022
Authors: Koçak Murat , Akçalı Zafer
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Oncology is the primary field in medicine with a high rate of artificial intelligence (AI) use. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the trends of AI in oncology, evaluating the bibliographic characteristics of articles. We evaluated the related research on the knowledge framework of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in Oncology through bibliometrics analysis and explored the research hotspots and current status from 1992 to 2022.

Methods

The research employed a scientometric methodology and leveraged scientific visualization tools such as Bibliometrix R Package Software, VOSviewer, and Litmaps for comprehensive data analysis. Scientific AI-related publications in oncology were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) and InCites from 1992 to 2022.

Results

A total of 7,815 articles authored by 35,098 authors and published in 1,492 journals were included in the final analysis. The most prolific authors were Esteva A (citaition = 5,821) and Gillies RJ (citaition = 4288). The most active institutions were the Chinese Academy of Science and Harward University. The leading journals were Frontiers ın Oncology and Scientific Reports. The most Frequent Author Keywords are "machine learning", "deep learning," "radiomics", "breast cancer", “melanoma” and "artificial intelligence," which are the research hotspots in this field. A total of 10,866 Authors' keywords were investigated. The average number of citations per document is 23. After 2015, the number of publications proliferated.

Conclusion

The investigation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the field of Oncology is still in its early phases especially for genomics, proteomics, and clinicomics, with extensive studies focused on biology, diagnosis, treatment, and cancer risk assessment. This bibliometric analysis offered valuable perspectives into AI's role in Oncology research, shedding light on emerging research paths. Notably, a significant portion of these publications originated from developed nations. These findings could prove beneficial for both researchers and policymakers seeking to navigate this field.
In Defense of ‘Surveillance Capitalism’
Authors: Königs Peter
Published: October 2024

Critics of Big Tech often describe ‘surveillance capitalism’ in grim terms, blaming it for all kinds of political and social ills. This article counters this pessimistic narrative, offering a more favorable take on companies like Google, YouTube, and Twitter/X. It argues that the downsides of surveillance capitalism are overstated, while the benefits are largely overlooked. Specifically, the article examines six critical areas: i) targeted advertising, ii) the influence of surveillance capitalism on politics, iii) its impact on mental health, iv) its connection with government surveillance, v) its effects on the rule of law and social trust, and vi) privacy concerns. For each area, it will be argued that concerns about surveillance capitalism are unfounded or exaggerated. The article also explores some benefits of the services provided by these technology companies and concludes with a discussion of the practical implications. Throughout, the article draws on empirical evidence relating to the societal and political impact of digital technologies.
The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 contributes to aberrant STAT3 signaling in pancreatic cancer and is regulated by a metalloprotease-disintegrin ADAM8/miR-181a-5p axis
Authors: Gao Yutong , Zandieh Kimia , Zhao Kai , Khizanishvili Natalia , Fazio Pietro Di , Yu Xiangdi , Schulte Leon , Aillaud Michelle , Chung Ho-Ryun , Ball Zachary , Meixner Marion , Bauer Uta-Maria , Bartsch Detlef Klaus , Buchholz Malte , Lauth Matthias , Nimsky Christopher , Cook Lena , Bartsch Jörg W.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers and several studies demonstrate that STAT3 has critical roles throughout the course of PDAC pathogenesis.

Methods

TCGA, microarray, and immunohistochemistry data from a PDAC cohort were used for clinical analyses. Panc89 cells with ADAM8 knockout, re-expression of ADAM8 mutants, and Panc1 cells overexpressing ADAM8 were generated. Gene expression analyses of ADAM8, STAT3, long non-coding (lnc) RNA NEAT1, miR-181a-5p and ICAM1 were performed by quantitative PCR. Subcellular fractionation quantified NEAT1 expression in cytoplasm and nucleus of PDAC cell lines. Cell proliferation, scratch, and invasion assays were performed to detect growth rate, migration and invasion capabilities of cells. Gain and loss of function experiments were carried out to investigate the biological effects of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-181a-5p on PDAC cells and downstream genes. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay determined interaction and binding sites of miR-181a-5p in lncRNA NEAT1. Pull down assays, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and ubiquitination assays explored the molecular interaction between lncRNA NEAT1 and STAT3.

Results

High ADAM8 expression causes aberrant STAT3 signaling in PDAC cells and is positively correlated with NEAT1 expression. NEAT1 binding to STAT3 was confirmed and prevents STAT3 degradation in the proteasome as increased degradation of STAT3 was observed in ADAM8 knockout cells and cells treated with bortezomib. Furthermore, miRNA-181a-5p regulates NEAT1 expression by direct binding to the NEAT1 promoter.

Conclusion

ADAM8 regulates intracellular STAT3 levels via miR-181a-5p and NEAT1 in pancreatic cancer.
Doing welfare in German secondary schools—How students’ welfare receipt becomes visible in teacher-student interactions and how teachers perceive these students
Authors: Yendell Oscar , Claus Carolina , Budde Jürgen , Karst Karina
Published: October 2024

Welfare recipients (e.g., “Bürgergeld”) generally are subject to negative stereotyping, but it is unclear whether students’ welfare receipt plays a role in teacher-student interactions, and if so, what. We conducted eight focus groups with 27 teachers and analyzed them using grounded theory to investigate how teachers characterize welfare-related teacher-student interactions. In addition, we examined how teachers perceive these students and the role of stereotypes in these perceptions. Welfare receipt becomes apparent mostly in bureaucratic care interactions in which teachers support corresponding students in financing school participation possibilities. The familial financial situation meets the school’s participation requirements in these teacher-student interactions. Teachers’ feeling of responsibility for this support varies. Most teachers perceive poverty-related shame among students in these interactions, while others do not. Accordingly, the need for a sensitive approach in these interactions is assessed differently. Teachers mentioned hardly any perspectives on the students themselves but on parents receiving welfare (e.g., low educational responsibility) and assumed parents pass on this behavior to their children. In some cases, this leads to negative educational expectations toward corresponding students, which could implicitly influence teaching-related teacher-student interactions. The results provide initial indications for subsequent negative self-perceptions of students on welfare about their social situation at school.
Association of handgrip strength and risk of cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Luo Bingru , Bai Yan , Zhang Ying , Huang Liuyan , Lu Wei
Published: October 2024

Background

Handgrip strength (HGS) is a simple and non-invasive measure of muscle strength, which has been proposed as a potential predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the association between HGS and CVD risk in the Chinese population remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between handgrip strength and the risk of cardiovascular disease using data from the 2015–2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

Methods

We included 9369 participants aged 45 years and older from the CHARLS dataset. HGS was measured using a dynamometer, and the average of three measurements for each hand was recorded. Participants were categorized into quartile based on their HGS levels. The primary outcome was the incidence of CVD, including heart diseases, and stroke, obtained through self-reports and verified by medical records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the association between HGS and CVD risk, and using restricted cubic spline to construct a linear relationship, adjusting for potential covariates including demographic factors, lifestyle factors, body composition, and health status. The robustness of the results was determined by stratified analysis.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 3 years, 1198 CVD events were reported, including 851 heart diseases and 427 strokes. After multivariate adjustment, the HR and 95% CI corresponding to CVD risk for participants in the HGS 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles compared with those in the lowest quartile were 0.824 (95% CI: 0.692–0.981), 0.756 (95% CI: 0.614–0.929), 0.625 (95% CI: 0.484–0.807) (Pfor trend: <0.001), respectively. All subgroups analyzed found similar results. For CVD components, HGS was similarly linearly associated with heart disease, and had an inverted U-shape relationship with the risk of stroke, with a potential threshold of 23.16 kg.

Conclusions

Higher HGS was significantly associated with decreased risk of CVD, including heart disease and stroke, in middle-aged and older adults, suggesting that HGS may be a promising measurable predictor of CVD in this population.