bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The new regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation in the European Union: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
Authors: Gascón Inchausti Fernando
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the new EU Regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice in civil, commercial, and criminal matters, adopted in December 2023. The main objective is to promote the use of digital channels for communication between the authorities involved in the different instruments of judicial cooperation within the EU, extending the use of e-Codex. But the Regulation also determines the creation of the European electronic access point as a tool for communication with litigants and provides a minimum framework for participation by videoconference in certain judicial proceedings by those located in other Member States. Finally, the use of electronic seals, signatures and documents is generalised, as well as the electronic payment of court fees.
Machine Learning and image analysis towards improved energy management in Industry 4.0: a practical case study on quality control
Authors: Casini Mattia , De Angelis Paolo , Porrati Marco , Vigo Paolo , Fasano Matteo , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Bergamasco Luca
Published: May 2024

With the advent of Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a favorable environment for the digitalization of manufacturing and processing, helping industries to automate and optimize operations. In this work, we focus on a practical case study of a brake caliper quality control operation, which is usually accomplished by human inspection and requires a dedicated handling system, with a slow production rate and thus inefficient energy usage. We report on a developed Machine Learning (ML) methodology, based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (D-CNNs), to automatically extract information from images, to automate the process. A complete workflow has been developed on the target industrial test case. In order to find the best compromise between accuracy and computational demand of the model, several D-CNNs architectures have been tested. The results show that, a judicious choice of the ML model with a proper training, allows a fast and accurate quality control; thus, the proposed workflow could be implemented for an ML-powered version of the considered problem. This would eventually enable a better management of the available resources, in terms of time consumption and energy usage.
Autism and the Case Against Job Interviews
Authors: de Vries Bouke
Published: May 2024

Unemployment rates among autistic people are high even among those with low-support needs. While a variety of measures is needed to address this problem, this article defends one that has not been defended in detail and that has profound implications for contemporary hiring practices. Building on empirical research showing that job interviews are a major contributor to autistic unemployment, it argues that such interviews should be abolished in many cases for autistic and non-autistic people alike.
Effects of Selective Laser Melting Process Parameters on Structural, Mechanical, Tribological and Corrosion Properties of CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Bulut Caner , Yıldız Fatih , Varol Temel , Kaya Gürkan , Ergüder Tevfik Oğuzhan
Published: May 2024

The structural, tribological, mechanical, corrosion, and other properties of materials produced by laser-based powder bed fusion additive manufacturing methods are significantly affected by production parameters and strategies. Therefore, understanding and controlling the effects of the parameters used in the manufacturing process on the material properties is extremely important for determining optimum production conditions and for saving time and materials. This study aimed to determine the optimal laser parameter values for CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy powders using the selective laser melting (SLM) method. The layer thickness was kept constant during experimentation. 5 different laser powers and 10 varying laser scanning speeds were tested, with hatch spacing from 30 to 90%. After determining the optimal laser parameters for SLM, prismatic samples were fabricated in different build orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°), and subsequently, their structural, mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties were compared. Melt pool morphology could not be obtained at 20—40 and 60W laser powers and at all laser scanning speeds used at these laser powers. At 100 W laser power, 600 mm/s laser scanning speed, and 70% hatch spacing parameters, an ultimate tensile stress of 550 MPa and elongation of 48% were obtained. Among the samples produced in different build orientations, the sample produced with a 0° build orientation exhibited the highest relative density (99.94%), the highest microhardness (201.2 HV0.1), the lowest friction coefficient (0.7025), and the lowest wear and corrosion rates (0.7875 mpy). Additionally, SLM parameters were evaluated to have a significant impact on the performance of all properties of the samples.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical research progress of callisperes® of drug-loaded microsphere arterial chemoembolisation in the treatment of solid tumors
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhu Lujian , Sheng Qiyue
Published: May 2024

The incidence and mortality of cancer is ever-increasing, which poses a significant challengesto human health and a substantial economic burden to patients. At present, chemotherapy is still a primary treatment for various cancers. However, chemotherapy kills tumors but also induces the related side effects, whichadversely impacting patient quality of life and exacerbating suffering. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new and effective treatments that can control tumor growth while reducing the side effects for patients. Arterial chemoembolization has been attracted much attentionwhich attributed to the advantage of ability to embolize tumor vessels to block blood and nutrition supplies. Thus, to achieve local tumor control, it has become an effective means of local tumor control and has been widely used in clinical practice. Despite its efficacy, conventional arterial chemoembolization techniques, limited by embolization materials, have been associated with incomplete embolization and suboptimal drug delivery outcomes. Gradually, researchers have shifted their attention to a new type of embolic material called CalliSperes® drug-eluting embolic bead (DEB). DEB can not only load high doses of drugs, but also has strong sustained drug release ability and good biocompatibility. The integration of DEBs with traditional arterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) promises targeted vascular embolization, mitigated tumor ischemia and hypoxia, and direct intravascular chemotherapy delivery. It can prevent cancer cell differentiation and accelerate their death, meanwhile, directly injecting chemotherapy drugs into the target blood vessels reduced the blood concentration of the whole body, thus reduced the toxic and side effects of chemotherapy. Furthermore, DEB-TACE's sustained drug release capability elevates local drug concentrations at the tumor site, amplifying its antitumor efficacy. Therefore, DEB-TACE has become a hot spot in clinical research worldwide. This review introduces the pathogenesis of solid tumors, the background of research and biological characteristics of DEB, and the action mechanism of DEB-TACE, as well as its clinical research in various solid tumors and future prospects. This review aims to provide new ideas for the treatment of DEB-TACE in various solid tumors.
RSM versus ANN for modeling and optimization of magnetic adsorbent based on montmorillonite and CoFe2O4
Authors: Desalegn Yiene Molla , Bekele Endrias Adane , Dagnaw Getamesay Haile , Marye Sisay Asmare , Reta Yared Daniel
Published: May 2024

A highly resourceful, environmentally benign, and recyclable magnetic montmorillonite composite (MMT/CF) was obtained through a simple one-step hydrothermal method and exhibited excellent Pb (II) removal. The as-synthesized adsorbent was then characterized by XRD, SEM–EDX, FTIR, BET, and TGA-DTA. The operating parameters including adsorbent dosage, initial Pb (II) concentration, solution pH, and time were studied. Also, a comparative approach was formed between response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to optimize and model the removal efficiency of Pb (II) by MMT/CF. The results indicated that the ANN model was more precise and quite trusted optimization tool than RSM in consideration of its higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.998) and lower prediction errors (RMSE = 0.851 and ADD = 0.505). Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit to the experimental data, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 101.01 mg/g. Additionally, the kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second-order model fitted well with the experimental data. The magnetic MMT/CF composite possesses high adsorption capacity and is suitable for reuse. Therefore, this study shows that MMT/CF composite can be a potential adsorbent in Pb (II) uptake from aqueous media.
Gafchromic EBT3 film provides equivalent dosimetric performance to EBT-XD film for stereotactic radiosurgery dosimetry
Authors: Smyth Lloyd , Alves Andrew , Collins Katherine , Beveridge Sabeena
Published: May 2024

The accurate assessment of film results is highly dependent on the methodology and techniques used to process film. This study aims to compare the performance of EBT3 and EBT-XD film for SRS dosimetry using two different film processing methods. Experiments were performed in a solid water slab and an anthropomorphic head phantom. For each experiment, the net optical density of the film was calculated using two different methods; taking the background (initial) optical density from 1) an unirradiated film from the same film lot as the irradiated film (stock to stock (S-S) method), and 2) a scan of the same piece of film taken prior to irradiation (film to film (F-F) method). EBT3 and EBT-XD performed similarly across the suite of experiments when using the green channel only or with triple channel RGB dosimetry. The dosimetric performance of EBT-XD was improved across all colour channels by using an F-F method, particularly for the blue channel. In contrast, EBT3 performed similarly well regardless of the net optical density method used. Across 21 SRS treatment plans, the average per-pixel agreement between EBT3 and EBT-XD films, normalised to the 20 Gy prescription dose, was within 2% and 4% for the non-target (2—10 Gy) and target (> 10 Gy) regions, respectively, when using the F-F method. At doses relevant to SRS, EBT3 provides comparable dosimetric performance to EBT-XD. In addition, an S-S dosimetry method is suitable for EBT3 while an F-F method should be adopted if using EBT-XD.
Pressure Drop and Cavitation Optimization of a Relief Valve Featuring Quick Coupling Used in Radar Systems
Authors: Mutlu Yaşar , Dönmez Aydın Hacı , Karadağ Muhammet Ali , Göklüberk Pınar
Published: May 2024

This extensive study is carried out to minimize the pressure drop of a relief valve featuring quick-releasing coupling used in radar systems. The 3D two-phase computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study is verified with the experiments, and Taguchi’s orthogonal method is implemented for pressure drop optimization. Realizable k–ε turbulence model with enhanced wall treatment and the Schnerr and Sauer cavitation model are enforced within the numerical study. Four angles—the collet angle, the inlet angle, the plug angle, and the outlet angle—are considered at five levels of variation for the orthogonal optimization process. According to the statistical analysis, two more designs are suggested, and one of them resulted in further improved pressure drop performance. Moreover, the cavitation behavior of the proposed design is compared with the base design through water vapor volume fractions. While the water vapor volume fraction of the base design is 0.0045, no vapor formation is observed in the optimized designs at 20 l/min. The results of the proposed design are also validated by the experiments. The outcomes of the study showed that the inlet angle has a significant effect on the pressure drop phenomenon.
Essential oils from fennel plants as valuable chemical products: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, FTIR, quantum mechanical investigation, and antifungal activity
Authors: Abd El-Kareem Mamoun S. M. , Rabbih Mohamed A. , Rashad A. M. , EL-Hefny Mervat
Published: May 2024

In the present study, the biomass produced by fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was converted to yield bioactive chemicals, and the hydrodistillation method was used to extract the essential oils (EOs) from both the leaves and the umbels. The antifungal activity of the EOs was tested using bioassay against the development of Fusarium oxysporum MW854649 and Alternaria solani MT279570. Molecular spectroscopic detection techniques were used to evaluate the EO products using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GC–MS equipped with single quadruple analyzers have been used to measure the electron ionization (EI) mass spectra of the primary constituents of fennel EOs at 70 eV. The main chemical compounds in the EO from leaves were anethole, estragole, D-limonene, trans-β-ocimene, and fenchone, with percentages of 37.94, 35.56, 17.46, 1.53, and 1.49%, respectively. The abundant compounds in the EO from umbels were estragole, anethole, D-limonene, fenchone, and γ-terpinene, with percentages of 51.18, 25.08, 12.22, 6.57, and 2.86%, respectively. EI mass spectral fragmentation of the major compounds D-limonene, estragole, anethole, and fenchone has been investigated. Umbels and leaf EOs at 5000 mg/L displayed the strongest suppression of fungal growth against A. solani, with values of 87.78% and 79.63%, respectively, compared to the positive control (94.44%). The EOs from umbels and leaves at 5000 mg/L showed the highest inhibition of fungal growth against F. oxysprium as compared to the positive control (94.44%), with values of 77.77% and 72.96%, respectively. All of the important ions—including a few distinctive fragment ions—have comprehensive fragmentation pathways defined. Based on EI, the main routes of fragmentation for the primary compounds have been identified. The existence of alkenes, aliphatic alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, ester compounds, alkanes, hydrogen-bonded alcohols, and phenols was demonstrated by the FTIR analysis of fennel EOs. On the other hand, the reactive behavior of the studied molecules has been investigated using two quantum mechanics method: the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO), a semi-empirical method, and the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP hybrid density functional method with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set in the ground state for gas phase. The optimum geometries have been obtained through the execution of computations and electrostatic potential. The obtained analytical and calculated results were then used to understand the activity of the studied EOs in further medical applications.
Promoting Older Adults’ Engagement in Disaster Recovery Through Supportive Relationships, Partnerships, and Collaboration: Perspectives of Social Work Practitioners and Human Service Professionals
Authors: Drolet Julie L. , Choudhury Mahed
Published: May 2024

Shifting demographics—that is, the growing number of older adults in Canada and internationally—and intersecting climatic risks create a complex landscape of aging in place in disaster contexts. Some older adults are vulnerable due to their underlying health conditions and limited physical mobility. Yet they also exhibit resilience in a distinct manner, owing to their wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and ability to navigate adversities. This article elucidates potential avenues for promoting the involvement of older adults in disaster recovery efforts. Our intention is to recognize and foster older adult resilience and mitigate vulnerability by drawing upon insights from the study titled “In the Aftermath of the 2016 Alberta Wildfires: The Role of Social Work Practitioners and Human Service Professionals in Long-Term Disaster Recovery.” Employing a qualitative research approach, that study recruited 51 participants for semistructured interviews and focus groups. A thematic analysis of the collected data unveiled the pivotal roles played by social workers and human service practitioners in facilitating recovery from the 2016 wildfires in the research. Notably, three overarching themes emerged concerning the promotion of older adults’ involvement in disaster recovery: fostering supportive relationships, building partnerships and enhancing collaboration, and addressing ongoing challenges. These findings offer valuable insights into how social work practitioners and human service professionals can effectively facilitate the engagement of older adults in disaster recovery initiatives. This article emphasizes the significance of actively promoting the participation of older adults in disaster mitigation efforts, thereby fostering greater resilience within communities.
“If Somebody Needed Help, I Went Over”: Social Capital and Therapeutic Communities of Older Adult Farmers in British Columbia Floods
Authors: Breen Kyle , Ru Siyu , Vandeweghe Luna , Chiu Jenna , Heyland Lindsay , Wu Haorui
Published: May 2024

Older adults in disaster contexts are often thought of as a passive, vulnerable population that lacks agency and capacities to cope in the aftermath. However, it can be argued that older adults may have underrecognized strengths that can be utilized pre-, peri-, and post-disaster. One of these strengths is older adults’ unique social capital that stems from long-standing connections with other members of their respective communities. Using data from in-depth, semistructured interviews with farmers in British Columbia 3–11 months after the 2021 floods, this research explored the experiences of older adult farmers’ recovery. The farmers discussed how they leveraged their social capital to aid in their recovery efforts from the flood event. By using their bonding social capital, older adult farmers transformed their existing, deep-rooted connections into post-disaster assistance. This, in turn, generated the idea of the therapeutic community, helping community members cope in the aftermath. This research indicated the need to further examine how older adults in disaster settings can be viewed as assets with community knowledge and skills as opposed to solely as a vulnerable population.
The Intrinsic Geometry of Simply and Rectifiably Connected Plane Sets
Authors: Herron David A.
Published: May 2024

We prove that the metric completion of the intrinsic length space associated with a simply and rectifiably connected plane set is a Hadamard space. We also characterize when such a space is Gromov hyperbolic.
On Pillai’s Problem involving Lucas sequences of the second kind
Authors: Heintze Sebastian , Ziegler Volker
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we consider the Diophantine equation $$ V_n - b^m = c $$

V
n

-

b
m

=
c

for given integers b, c with $$ b \ge 2 $$

b
≥
2

, whereas $$ V_n $$

V
n

varies among Lucas-Lehmer sequences of the second kind. We prove under some technical conditions that if the considered equation has at least three solutions (n, m) , then there is an upper bound on the size of the solutions as well as on the size of the coefficients in the characteristic polynomial of $$ V_n $$

V
n

.
MANGLEE: A Tool for Mapping and Monitoring MANgrove Ecosystem on Google Earth Engine—A Case Study in Ecuador
Authors: Caiza-Morales Lorena , Gómez Cristina , Torres Rodrigo , Nicolau Andrea Puzzi , Olano José Miguel
Published: May 2024

Mangroves, integral to ecological balance and socioeconomic well-being, are facing a concerning decline worldwide. Remote sensing is essential for monitoring their evolution, yet its effectiveness is hindered in developing countries by economic and technical constraints. In addressing this issue, this paper introduces MANGLEE (Mangrove Mapping and Monitoring Tool in Google Earth Engine), an accessible, adaptable, and multipurpose tool designed to address the challenges associated with sustainable mangrove management. Leveraging remote sensing data, machine learning techniques (Random Forest), and change detection methods, MANGLEE consists of three independent modules. The first module acquires, processes, and calculates indices of optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, enhancing tracking capabilities in the presence of atmospheric interferences. The second module employs Random Forest to classify mangrove and non-mangrove areas, providing accurate binary maps. The third module identifies changes between two-time mangrove maps, categorizing alterations as losses or gains. To validate MANGLEE’s effectiveness, we conducted a case study in the mangroves of Guayas, Ecuador, a region historically threatened by shrimp farming. Utilizing data from 2018 to 2022, our findings reveal a significant loss of over 2900 hectares, with 46% occurring in legally protected areas. This loss corresponds to the rapid expansion of Ecuador’s shrimp industry, confirming the tool’s efficacy in monitoring mangroves despite cloud cover challenges. MANGLEE demonstrates its potential as a valuable tool for mangrove monitoring, offering insights essential for conservation, management plans, and decision-making processes. Remarkably, it facilitates equal access and the optimal utilization of resources, contributing significantly to the preservation of coastal ecosystems.
Optimal orbit transfer of single-tether E-sail with inertially fixed spin axis
Authors: Quarta Alessandro A. , Bassetto Marco , Mengali Giovanni
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes the optimal transfer trajectory of a spacecraft propelled by a spin-stabilized electric solar wind sail (E-sail) with a single conducting tether and a spin axis with a fixed direction in an inertial (heliocentric) reference frame. The approach proposed in this study is useful for rapidly analyzing the optimal transfer trajectories of the current generation of small spacecraft designed to obtain in-situ evidence of the E-sail propulsion concept. In this context, starting with the recently proposed thrust model for a single-tether E-sail, this study discusses the optimal control law and performance in a typical two-dimensional interplanetary transfer by considering the (binary) state of the onboard electron emitter as the single control parameter. The resulting spacecraft heliocentric trajectory is a succession of Keplerian arcs alternated with propelled arcs, that is, the phases in which the electron emitter is switched on. In particular, numerical simulations demonstrated that a single-tether E-sail with an inertially fixed spin axis can perform a classical mission scenario as a circle-to-circle two-dimensional transfer by suitably varying a single control parameter.
Strategies for adaptation to high light in plants
Authors: Zhang Man , Ming Yu , Wang Hong-Bin , Jin Hong-Lei
Published: May 2024

Plants absorb light energy for photosynthesis via photosystem complexes in their chloroplasts. However, excess light can damage the photosystems and decrease photosynthetic output, thereby inhibiting plant growth and development. Plants have developed a series of light acclimation strategies that allow them to withstand high light. In the first line of defense against excess light, leaves and chloroplasts move away from the light and the plant accumulates compounds that filter and reflect the light. In the second line of defense, known as photoprotection, plants dissipate excess light energy through non-photochemical quenching, cyclic electron transport, photorespiration, and scavenging of excess reactive oxygen species. In the third line of defense, which occurs after photodamage, plants initiate a cycle of photosystem (mainly photosystem II) repair. In addition to being the site of photosynthesis, chloroplasts sense stress, especially light stress, and transduce the stress signal to the nucleus, where it modulates the expression of genes involved in the stress response. In this review, we discuss current progress in our understanding of the strategies and mechanisms employed by plants to withstand high light at the whole-plant, cellular, physiological, and molecular levels across the three lines of defense.
GIS-based spatial approaches to refining urban catchment delineation that integrate stormwater network infrastructure
Authors: Si Qianyao , Brito Higor C. , Alves Priscila B. R. , Pavao-Zuckerman Mitchell A. , Rufino Iana A. A. , Hendricks Marccus D.
Published: May 2024

Rapid urbanization and escalating climate change impacts have heightened stormwater-related concerns (e.g., pluvial flooding) in cities. Understanding catchment dynamics and characteristics, including precise catchment mapping, is essential to accurate surface water monitoring and management. Traditionally, topography is the primary data set used to model surface water flow dynamics in undisturbed natural landscapes. However, urban systems also contain stormwater drainage infrastructure, which can alter catchment boundaries and runoff behavior. Acknowledging both natural and built environmental influences, this study introduces three GIS-based approaches to enhance urban catchment mapping: (1) Modifying DEM elevations at inlet locations; (2) Adjusting DEM elevations along pipeline paths; (3) Applying the QGRASS plug-in to systematically incorporate infrastructure data. Our evaluation using the geographical Friedman test (p > 0.05) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC = 0.80) confirms the statistical and spatial consistency among the studying methods. Coupled with onsite flow direction validation, these results support the feasibility and reliability of integrating elements of nature and built infrastructure in urban catchment mapping. The refined mapping approaches explored in this study offer improved and more accurate and efficient urban drainage catchment zoning, beyond using elevation and topographic data alone. Likewise, these methods bolster predictive stormwater management at catchment scales, ultimately strengthening urban stormwater and flooding resilience.
Epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia in Ghana: a 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Gyaami Rexford Kwasi , Abowine John Baptist , Zaabaar Ebenezer , Nti Augustine , Asiedu Kofi , Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert , Owusu-Afriyie Bismark , Assiamah Frank , Armah Anthony
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore the epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia among a clinical sample.

Methods

In a hospital-based retrospective study, eligible subjects were grouped into either myopia or non-myopia. Demographic data, including age, sex, occupation, area of residence, region of residence, and ethnicity, were analysed. Other clinical information analysed included the degree of myopia and intervention provided for the myopia.

Results

Overall, the medical records of 15807 patients were retrieved between January 2015 and December 2019, with 50.9% being males. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 42.81 ± 18.99 years. A total of 44.4% of the patients were myopic. Age, type of ethnic group, occupation, and area of residence were associated with myopia. Demographic risk factors for myopia included occupations such as professionals (OR: 2.93; 95% CI 2.44–3.52), technicians and associated workers (OR: 6.71; 95% CI 5.15–8.74), service workers (OR: 11.74; 95% CI 9.62–14.33), skilled agriculture and fishery (OR: 1.88; 95% CI 1.41–2.50), craft workers (OR: 3.41; 95% CI 2.75–4.25), armed forces (OR: 10.26; 95% CI 7.54–13.97), students (OR: 3.49; 95% CI 2.76–4.42), the unemployed (OR: 6.64; 95% CI 5.44–8.11), as well as Ewe (OR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.17–1.82) and Ga-Adangbe (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.05–1.54) ethnicities.

Conclusion

Ewe and Ga-Adangbe ethnicities, and specific occupations are risk factors for myopia.
The critical role of HRM in AI-driven digital transformation: a paradigm shift to enable firms to move from AI implementation to human-centric adoption
Authors: Fenwick Ali , Molnar Gabor , Frangos Piper
Published: May 2024

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the business sector has led to a new era of digital transformation. AI is transforming processes, functions, and practices throughout organizations creating system and process efficiencies, performing advanced data analysis, and contributing to the value creation process of the organization. However, the implementation and adoption of AI systems in the organization is not without challenges, ranging from technical issues to human-related barriers, leading to failed AI transformation efforts or lower than expected gains. We argue that while engineers and data scientists excel in handling AI and data-related tasks, they often lack insights into the nuanced human aspects critical for organizational AI success. Thus, Human Resource Management (HRM) emerges as a crucial facilitator, ensuring AI implementation and adoption are aligned with human values and organizational goals. This paper explores the critical role of HRM in harmonizing AI's technological capabilities with human-centric needs within organizations while achieving business objectives. Our positioning paper delves into HRM's multifaceted potential to contribute toward AI organizational success, including enabling digital transformation, humanizing AI usage decisions, providing strategic foresight regarding AI, and facilitating AI adoption by addressing concerns related to fears, ethics, and employee well-being. It reviews key considerations and best practices for operationalizing human-centric AI through culture, leadership, knowledge, policies, and tools. By focusing on what HRM can realistically achieve today, we emphasize its role in reshaping roles, advancing skill sets, and curating workplace dynamics to accommodate human-centric AI implementation. This repositioning involves an active HRM role in ensuring that the aspirations, rights, and needs of individuals are integral to the economic, social, and environmental policies within the organization. This study not only fills a critical gap in existing research but also provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to improve AI implementation and adoption and humanizing their digital transformation journey.
Efficacy of Disinfection Procedure in Air-Tight ECMOLIFE HC Heater–Cooler Unit for ECMO
Authors: Condello Ignazio , Letizia Bellesia , Tassi Carlo Alberto , Fanelli Caterina , Sicignano Luca , Pedarzini Alessandra , Russo Raffaele , Buriani Giampaolo , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Water-borne opportunistic pathogens are responsible for a range of infections in immunocompromised and vulnerable patients, especially in healthcare facilities. Since 2013, over 100 cases of Mycobacterium chimaera prosthetic valve endocarditis and disseminated disease were notified in Europe and the USA, linked to contaminated heater–cooler units used during cardiac surgery. There is the potential for non-tuberculous mycobacteria bacteria to grow in the water tank in the heater–cooler unit. The purpose of this study is to clinically prove that ECMOLIFE HC heater–cooler ordinary disinfection procedure is effective in the prevention of Mycobacterium Chimaera contamination. ECMOLIFE HC heater–cooler was used on seven Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) procedures with mean duration of 154 ± 18 (hours). Seven water samples have been collected pre and post disinfection procedure. As disinfection procedure the ordinary was followed according to ECMOLIFE HC User Manual. Each sample was subjected to laboratory test for research by means of Real-Time PCR system of DNA M. Chimaera strain (extraction and quantification). During the clinical practice on seven ECMO procedures involving the use of ECMOLIFE HC, no Mycobacterium chimaera contamination was found in pre- and post-disinfection samples. The test can be considered pass as during normal clinical practice the ECMOLIFE HC resulted not contaminated by Mycobacterium Chimaera. Molecular analysis of all sampled solutions showed no detection of Mycobacterium Chimaera. According to ECMOLIFE HC User Manual, the disinfection method is proved to effectively disinfect ECMOLIFE HC.
A conjugated structure discloses interaction between two fault systems in eastern Taiwan during 2022 Guangfu earthquake
Authors: Lu Chih-Heng , Hsu Yi-Chun , Chang Chung-Pai , Chen Yue-Gau
Published: May 2024

The Longitudinal Valley (LV) in the eastern Taiwan is located at the convergent boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Within the LV, two significant fault systems, the Longitudinal Valley Fault (LVF) in the eastern part and the Central Range Fault (CeRF) in the western part, have been recognized. However, understanding the precise mechanisms and spatial relationships of the two fault systems in the middle segment of the LV has remained a challenge. In this study, we integrate various data sources, including geodetic measurements, seismic data, field investigations, and simulation results, all obtained during the 2022 Guangfu earthquake event. Our goal is to shed light on the complex structural interactions between the two fault systems. We introduce a coupled structural model consisting of a main fault plane and a coupled ramp plane. The deep-seated fault plane is constrained using seismic data, while the shallow ramp plane is determined through field investigations. Geodetic measurements are utilized to constrain the surface deformation resulting from dislocation model. The simulation outcomes reveal that the 2022 Guangfu earthquake was primarily triggered by the activity along the CeRF. The CeRF experienced an eastward reverse slip of approximately 58 cm along the fault plane. This fault not only intersects the LVF beneath the Coastal Range but also initiates the development of a ramp plane along pre-existing fault planes of the LVF. This intricate interplay results in approximately 20 cm of vertical surface deformation within the Coastal Range. The linear connection observed in the simulation residuals is associated with pre-existing faults within the LVF system. This alignment corresponds to the ground distribution of ramp plane, suggesting that older fault systems within this area exhibit characteristics of reactivation in response to earthquake-induced processes. Our study not only pinpoints the potential location of the CeRF intersecting with the LVF in the middle segment of the LV but also provides insight into one of the interaction mechanisms between the CeRF and the LVF. These findings hold significant implications for assessing seismogenic structural activity and enhancing the mitigation of regional earthquake hazards in the future.
Design and Development of Middle-Aged and Elderly Tourism Products Based on Fuzzy Decision Support System
Authors: Lu Xiaojing , Zhu Jiabin
Published: May 2024

Tourism product design and development is anxious with intricate decision-making processes that need to strike a balance between many criteria, goals, and limitations. In today's diversified and ever-changing tourist business, there are substantial sprints in developing and implementing products that appeal to middle-aged and older travellers. In this research, the utilization of fuzzy decision support system (FDSS) is investigated to personalize travel experiences for the elderly based on their unique interests and requirements. The main objective of this study is to reduce the complex tourism business patterns. This study presents a systematic framework for middle-aged and senior tourism products based on the literature on tourism trends, FDSS, and product creation in the tourism industry. This study proposes a middle-aged and elderly tourism product based on fuzzy decision support system (METP–FDSS) that employs fuzzy logic. This approach takes into account cultural sensitivities, accessibility concerns, travel preferences, and demographic data to create tourism experiences that are welcoming and immersive for older tourists. Through the application of fuzzy logic concepts, FDSS provides a flexible and robust decision-making platform that can aid in the development of personalized, inclusive, and immersive tourist experiences for the elderly. Customer happiness, accessibility, and the decision support system's ability to steer product development are all highlighted in the proposed METP–FDSS framework. Research on tourism among the middle-aged and the elderly also benefits from understanding user experience, cost effectiveness, competitive advantage, and social and environmental impact. While navigating the complexity of today's tourism sector, this study recommends using fuzzy logic as a decision support system to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for older and middle-aged tourists.
Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B Infection Among Detainees in a French Administrative Detention Centre
Authors: Mancy Sandrine , Fabbro-Peray Pascale , Alonso Sandrine , Berkaoui Hadi , Lambremon Laetitia , Vidal Hélène , Hilaire Christophe , Herrmann Dorine , Dapoigny Jennifer , Kinné Melanie
Published: May 2024

Background

In France, migrants constitute a significant proportion of people diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV). This study estimated the prevalence of these three viruses among detainees at a French administrative detention centre (CRA), through systematic Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) screening.

Methods

This prospective, single-centre, cross-sectional, pilot study included detainees at the Nîmes CRA from February to December 2022. The primary endpoint was HIV, HCV and HBV prevalence determined by RDT. Secondary outcomes were: co-infections; study acceptability, reasons for non-inclusion, causes of non-contributory samples; and concordance between serological tests and RDT.

Results

Among the 350 people agreeing to participate of 726 eligible, five refused the RDT, leaving 345 analysable participants for a participation rate of 47.5% (345/726). Participants were predominantly male (90%) with an average age of 31 years. The most common country of origin was Algeria (34%). Twenty (6%) had taken drugs intravenously and 240 (70%) had had unprotected sex within a median of 4.92 [1.08; 15] months. Virus prevalence was: 0% HIV; 4.64 [2.42; 6.86] % HCV; and 2.32 [1.01; 4.52] % HBV. Eleven (73%) of the RDT HCV positive cases were confirmed serologically. RDT detected one false-positive HCV case, as an anti-HCV Ac serological test was negative. Of the eight patients with positive HBV RDT, one declined the serology testing, thus 100% (7/7) of the tested RDT positive cases were confirmed by serology.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the need to screen detainees for HIV, HCV and HBV infection and suitability of RDTs.
Temporally resolved relative krypton neutral density during breathing mode of a hall effect thruster recorded by TALIF
Authors: Gottfried Jacob A. , Antozzi Seth , Stienike Jon , Thompson Seth J. , Williams John D. , Yalin Azer P.
Published: May 2024

A key issue in the development of theory and models for plasma propulsion devices is to describe the instabilities and fluctuations of the devices. It has been widely recognized that many Hall effect thrusters (HETs) exhibit oscillations at frequencies in the range of ∼ 20 kHz. These ionization-related oscillations are generally referred to as Breathing Mode oscillations and have been the subject of considerable research. Here, for the first time, we report direct temporally resolved measurements of the ground state neutral density variation during the period of the oscillation. We used the laser-based Two-Photon Absorption Laser Induced Fluorescence (TALIF) technique to measure neutrals within the plume of a 1.5 kW HET operating on krypton (Kr). Our TALIF scheme employs a frequency-doubled, pulsed dye laser operating at ∼ 212 nm to probe ground state Kr atoms. A novel phase-binning approach is used to recover the time-dependent signal by assigning the timing of each collected TALIF signal (laser shot) relative to the phase of the discharge current. We find that the neutral density fluctuates quite strongly over the period of the oscillation, and that this fluctuation leads the current fluctuation as expected.
Technological Citizenship in Times of Digitization: An Integrative Framework
Authors: Gardenier Anne Marte , van Est Rinie , Royakkers Lambèr
Published: May 2024

This article introduces an integrative framework for technological citizenship, examining the impact of digitization and the active roles of citizens in shaping this impact across the private, social, and public sphere. It outlines the dual nature of digitization, offering opportunities for enhanced connectivity and efficiency while posing challenges to privacy, security, and democratic integrity. Technological citizenship is explored through the lenses of liberal, communitarian, and republican theories, highlighting the active roles of citizens in navigating the opportunities and risks presented by digital technologies across all life spheres. By operationalizing technological citizenship, the article aims to address the gap in existing literature on the active roles of citizens in the governance of digitization. The framework emphasizes empowerment and resilience as crucial capacities for citizens to actively engage with and govern digital technologies. It illuminates citizens’ active participation in shaping the digital landscape, advocating for policies that support their engagement in safeguarding private, social, and public values in the digital age. The study calls for further research into technological citizenship, emphasizing its significance in fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital society.
Integrating CoDA and PCA for enhanced characterization of fluvial depositional processes: a case study of the Shendi formation, Sudan
Authors: Eltijani Abdelrhim , Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Abuobida Yousif , Yousif Ibrahim M.
Published: May 2024

Traditional approaches to fluvial sedimentary analysis often face challenges in deciphering complex, multivariate datasets. This study combines compositional data analysis (CoDA) with principal component analysis (PCA) to enhance the characterization of depositional processes and sub-environments within the Shendi Formation. The PCA applied to centered log ratio (clr)-transformed grain size distributions, reveals three principal components with ~ 91.86% of the data variance explained, representing distinct processes: bedload-dominated channel-bar dynamics, overbank deposition, and high-energy flood events. Specific lithofacies associations strongly correlate to each principal component. This integrated approach enables the identification of subtle yet significant patterns within the complex sedimentological record. The Shendi Formation exhibits characteristics of a dynamic fluvial setting with variations in flow energy, channel migration, and periodic flooding. Our findings demonstrate the power of CoDA-PCA in refining the understanding of fluvial depositional systems and highlight its potential for broader applications.
Trends of antibiotic use at the end-of-life of cancer and non-cancer decedents: a nationwide population-based longitudinal study (2006–2018)
Authors: Kim Nak-Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Ji Eunjeong , Ahn Soyeon , Choi Yunsang , Choi Seong Jin , Moon Song Mi , Song Kyoung-Ho , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the actual burden of antibiotic use among end-of-life (EOL) patients in South Korea and to compare trends between cancer and non-cancer decedents.

Design:

Population-based mortality follow-back study.

Setting:

Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database, covering the period from January1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, provided for research by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), were used.

Participants:

All decedents from 2006 to 2018 were included and categorized as cancer decedents or non-cancer decedents.

Methods:

Annual antibiotic consumption rates and prescription rates were calculated, and Poisson regression was used to estimate their trends.

Results:

Overall antibiotic consumption rates decreased slightly among decedents in their final month with a less pronounced annual decrease rate among cancer decedents compared to non-cancer decedents (0.4% vs 2.3% per year, P <.001). Over the study period, although narrow spectrum antibiotics were used less, utilization and prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics steadily increased, and prescription rates were higher in cancer decedents compared to non-cancer controls. Specifically, carbapenem prescription rates increased from 5.6% to 18.5%, (RR 1.087, 95% CI 1.085–1.088, P <.001) in cancer decedents and from 2.9% to 13.2% (RR 1.115, 95% CI 1.113–1.116, P <.001) in non-cancer decedents.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that patients at the EOL, especially those with cancer, are increasingly and highly exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Measures of antibiotic stewardship are required among this population.
Performing Nigerianness: Equivocal Identities and Digital Legibility of White Women Comedians
Authors: Amaefula Rowland Chukwuemeka
Published: May 2024

Sabina Yuhas (@Overszabi) and Juliana Belova (@juliewanderz or Oyibo Marlian) are Hungarian and Russian women, respectively, who are fascinated by Nigerian popular culture. Despite their successes in exploiting Black culture to attain wealth and fame in the Nigerian mediasphere, their works have hardly been studied. Close readings and nuanced analyses of their selected TikTok skits show a multiplicity of images that are neither fully European nor Nigerian—equivocal identities—mediating Otherness. However, the longstanding power asymmetries between Africa and Europe characterize their enactments as commodification of Blackness, accounting for why Nigerians who perform “Europeanness” do not attain corresponding success.
Thermal and nutrient stress drove Permian–Triassic shallow marine extinctions
Authors: Foster William J. , Frank Anja B. , Li Qijian , Danise Silvia , Wang Xia , Peckmann Jörn
Published: May 2024

The Permian–Triassic climate crisis can provide key insights into the potential impact of horizon threats to modern-day biodiversity. This crisis coincides with the same extensive environmental changes that threaten modern marine ecosystems (i.e., thermal stress, deoxygenation and ocean acidification), but the primary drivers of extinction are currently unknown. To understand which factors caused extinctions, we conducted a data analysis to quantify the relationship (anomalies, state-shifts and trends) between geochemical proxies and the fossil record at the most intensively studied locality for this event, the Meishan section, China. We found that δ18Oapatite (paleotemperature proxy) and δ114/110Cd (primary productivity proxy) best explain changes in species diversity and species composition in Meishan’s paleoequatorial setting. These findings suggest that the physiological stresses induced by ocean warming and nutrient availability played a predominant role in driving equatorial marine extinctions during the Permian–Triassic event. This research enhances our understanding of the interplay between environmental changes and extinction dynamics during a past climate crisis, presenting an outlook for extinction threats in the worst-case “Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP5–8.5)” scenario.
Schelling's Liberation of Reason from Itself: Response to Karen Ng and Markus Gabriel
Authors: Dews Peter
Published: May 2024

It would be an honour for any author to receive two such thoughtful and detailed responses to their published work. I feel particularly grateful because one of my aspirations, in writing Schelling's Late Philosophy in Confrontation with Hegel, was to encourage a more in-depth discussion of the whole range of Schelling's thinking than has been common until now in the English-speaking world. In developing their critiques, both Karen Ng and Markus Gabriel provide informative accounts of some of Schelling's main concerns, helping to make clear his achievements as a thinker, and his status as a challenging interlocutor for philosophers sympathetic to one or another form of Hegelianism.