bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The argument for near-term human disempowerment through AI
Authors: Dung Leonard
Published: April 2024

Many researchers and intellectuals warn about extreme risks from artificial intelligence. However, these warnings typically came without systematic arguments in support. This paper provides an argument that AI will lead to the permanent disempowerment of humanity, e.g. human extinction, by 2100. It rests on four substantive premises which it motivates and defends: first, the speed of advances in AI capability, as well as the capability level current systems have already reached, suggest that it is practically possible to build AI systems capable of disempowering humanity by 2100. Second, due to incentives and coordination problems, if it is possible to build such AI, it will be built. Third, since it appears to be a hard technical problem to build AI which is aligned with the goals of its designers, and many actors might build powerful AI, misaligned powerful AI will be built. Fourth, because disempowering humanity is useful for a large range of misaligned goals, such AI will try to disempower humanity. If AI is capable of disempowering humanity and tries to disempower humanity by 2100, then humanity will be disempowered by 2100. This conclusion has immense moral and prudential significance.
Higher paracetamol levels are associated with elevated glucocorticoid concentrations in hair: findings from a large cohort of young adults
Authors: Johnson-Ferguson Lydia , Shanahan Lilly , Loher Michelle , Bechtiger Laura , Binz Tina M. , Baumgartner Markus , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel , Quednow Boris B.
Published: April 2024

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications. Experimental studies suggest a possible stress-suppressing effect of paracetamol in humans facing experimental stress-inducing paradigms. However, no study has investigated whether paracetamol and steroid hormones covary over longer time frames and under real-life conditions. This study addresses this gap by investigating associations between steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone) and paracetamol concentrations measured in human hair, indexing a timeframe of approximately three months. The data came from a large community sample of young adults (N = 1002). Hair data were assayed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple regression models tested associations between paracetamol and  steroid hormones, while adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders, such as sex, stressful live events, psychoactive substance use, hair colour, and body mass index. Almost one in four young adults from the community had detectable paracetamol in their hair (23%). Higher paracetamol hair concentrations were robustly associated with more cortisol (β = 0.13, ηp = 0.016, p < 0.001) and cortisone (β = 0.16, ηp = 0.025, p < 0.001) in hair. Paracetamol and testosterone hair concentrations were not associated. Paracetamol use intensity positively correlated with corticosteroid functioning across several months. However, a potential corticosteroid-inducing effect of chronic paracetamol use has yet to be tested in future experimental designs.
Propagation for Schrödinger Operators with Potentials Singular Along a Hypersurface
Authors: Galkowski Jeffrey , Wunsch Jared
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study the propagation of defect measures for Schrödinger operators $$-h^2\Delta _g+V$$

-

h
2

Δ
g

+
V

on a Riemannian manifold (M, g) of dimension n with V having conormal singularities along a hypersurface Y in the sense that derivatives along vector fields tangential to Y preserve the regularity of V. We show that the standard propagation theorem holds for bicharacteristics travelling transversally to the surface Y whenever the potential is absolutely continuous. Furthermore, even when bicharacteristics are tangential to Y at exactly first order, as long as the potential has an absolutely continuous first derivative, standard propagation continues to hold.
Changes of surface properties of sucrose particles during grinding in a cocoa butter-based suspension and their influence on the macroscopic behavior of the suspension
Authors: Franke Knut , Bindrich Ute , Schroeder Sarah , Heinz Volker , Middendorf Dana
Published: April 2024

Chocolate mass is a cocoa butter-based suspension, which mainly consists of sugar and cocoa particles dispersed in a continuous lipid phase. During chocolate manufacturing, sugar particles have to be ground to sizes below 25–30 µm. Such a fine grinding is carried out either by five roll refiners or by ball mills. Despite obtaining similar particle size distributions at the end, the grinding procedures result in different chocolate mass properties. The reasons for that are not fully understood, so far. Therefore, changes in particle sizes and surface properties of sucrose particles as well as their interactions with surrounding cocoa butter during the different grinding processes were investigated including atomic force microscopy techniques to characterize local surface states. It was found that especially the alteration of surfaces during continued grinding differed. In the case of roller grinding, surface states became more inhomogeneous and different surfaces states at microscopic level existed in parallel. More homogenous surfaces but with a higher degree of amorphous states were formed during grinding in the ball mill. Variations in macroscopic behavior of the suspension can be explained by the differences in interaction of particles with each other and with the surrounding lipid phase.
The temporal association between adverse drug reactions and antirheumatic drugs utilisation in Western Australia: a retrospective study from real-world data (1995–2015)
Authors: Almutairi Khalid B. , Inderjeeth Charles A. , Preen David B. , Keen Helen I. , Nossent Johannes C.
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can result in morbidity, mortality, and higher healthcare costs. Given the limited information available on ADRs associated with antirheumatic medications, this study aims to analyse and compare ADR reporting for these drugs in the pharmacovigilance datasets of Western Australia (WA) and the United States (US).

Methods

Therapeutic Goods Administration provided WA pharmacovigilance data of selected antirheumatic drugs to from 1995 to 2015. The proportional reporting ratio (PRR) for WA case reports was compared to corresponding USA pharmacovigilance data by assessing the disproportionality of each ADR. clinically significant or true ADRs were determined using the Evans 2001 criteria (n > 2, chi-square > 4, PRR > 2).

Results

A total of 232 reports were found in WA, mostly on sixty-nine women aged 45 to 69. Methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, sulfasalazine, and infliximab had the highest reported ADRs, related to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients who used biological agents in WA had 2.7 times the likelihood of reporting true ADRs compared to conventional antirheumatic drugs. The ADR rates in the two datasets were comparable over the study period.

Conclusions

The PRR values of ADRs were consistent between WA and US databases. Methotrexate and infliximab use were commonly associated with ADR reports in WA females, with incidence rates comparable to the US; while patients using biological agents were more likely to report true ADRs than those on conventional antirheumatic drugs in WA.
Early use of high-efficacy therapies in multiple sclerosis in the United States: benefits, barriers, and strategies for encouraging adoption
Authors: Singer Barry A. , Feng Jenny , Chiong-Rivero Horacio
Published: April 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by progressive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration from disease onset that, if left untreated, can result in the accumulation of irreversible neurological disability. Early intervention with high-efficacy therapies (HETs) is increasingly recognized as the best strategy to delay or mitigate disease progression from the earliest stages of the disease and to prevent long-term neurodegeneration. Although there is growing clinical and real-world evidence supporting early HET intervention, foregoing this strategy in favor of a traditional escalation approach prioritizing lower-efficacy disease-modifying therapies remains a common approach in clinical practice. This review explores potential health care professional- and patient-related barriers to the early use of HETs in patients with MS in the United States. Barriers can include regulatory and reimbursement restrictions; knowledge gaps and long-term safety concerns among health care professionals; and various individual, cultural, and societal factors affecting patients. Potential strategies for overcoming these barriers and encouraging early HET use are proposed.
The other side of the coin: systemic effects of Serendipita indica root colonization on development of sedentary plant–parasitic nematodes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Opitz Michael W. , Díaz-Manzano Fernando Evaristo , Ruiz-Ferrer Virginia , Daneshkhah Roshanak , Ludwig Roland , Lorenz Cindy , Escobar Carolina , Steinkellner Siegrid , Wieczorek Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

Main conclusion

Upon systemic S. indica colonization in split-root system cyst and root-knot nematodes benefit from endophyte-triggered carbon allocation and altered defense responses what significantly facilitates their development in A. thaliana.

Serendipita indica is an endophytic fungus that establishes mutualistic relationships with different plants including Arabidopsis thaliana. It enhances host’s growth and resistance to different abiotic and biotic stresses such as infestation by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii (CN). In this work, we show that S. indica also triggers similar direct reduction in development of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (RKN) in A. thaliana. Further, to mimick the natural situation occurring frequently in soil where roots are unequally colonized by endophytes we used an in vitro split-root system with one half of A. thaliana root inoculated with S. indica and the other half infected with CN or RKN, respectively. Interestingly, in contrast to direct effects, systemic effects led to an increase in number of both nematodes. To elucidate this phenomenon, we focused on sugar metabolism and defense responses in systemic non-colonized roots of plants colonized by S. indica. We analyzed the expression of several SUSs and INVs as well as defense-related genes and measured sugar pools. The results show a significant downregulation of PDF1.2 as well as slightly increased sucrose levels in the non-colonized half of the root in three-chamber dish. Thus, we speculate that, in contrast to direct effects, both nematode species benefit from endophyte-triggered carbon allocation and altered defense responses in the systemic part of the root, which promotes their development. With this work, we highlight the complexity of this multilayered tripartite relationship and deliver new insights into sugar metabolism and plant defense responses during S. indica–nematode–plant interaction.
Involvement of the claustrum in the cortico-basal ganglia circuitry: connectional study in the non-human primate
Authors: Borra Elena , Ballestrazzi Gemma , Biancheri Dalila , Caminiti Roberto , Luppino Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

The claustrum is an ancient telencephalic subcortical structure displaying extensive, reciprocal connections with much of the cortex and receiving projections from thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. This structure has a general role in modulating cortical excitability and is considered to be engaged in different cognitive and motor functions, such as sensory integration and perceptual binding, salience-guided attention, top-down executive functions, as well as in the control of brain states, such as sleep and its interhemispheric integration. The present study is the first to describe in detail a projection from the claustrum to the striatum in the macaque brain. Based on tracer injections in different striatal regions and in different cortical areas, we observed a rough topography of the claustral connectivity, thanks to which a claustral zone projects to both a specific striatal territory and to cortical areas involved in a network projecting to the same striatal territory. The present data add new elements of complexity of the basal ganglia information processing mode in motor and non-motor functions and provide evidence for an influence of the claustrum on both cortical functional domains and cortico-basal ganglia circuits.
Taurine ameliorates sensorimotor function by inhibiting apoptosis and activating A2 astrocytes in mice after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Chunlei , Jiang Zhiwen , Gao Xinjie , Yang Heng , Su Jiabin , Weng Ruiyuan , Ni Wei , Gu Yuxiang
Published: April 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a form of severe acute stroke with very high mortality and disability rates. Early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) contribute to the poor prognosis of patients with SAH. Currently, some researchers have started to focus on changes in amino acid metabolism that occur in brain tissues after SAH. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is semi-essential in animals, and it plays important roles in various processes, such as neurodevelopment, osmotic pressure regulation, and membrane stabilization. In acute stroke, such as cerebral hemorrhage, taurine plays a neuroprotective role. However, the role of taurine after subarachnoid hemorrhage has rarely been reported. In the present study, we established a mouse model of SAH. We found that taurine administration effectively improved the sensorimotor function of these mice. In addition, taurine treatment alleviated sensorimotor neuron damage and reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, taurine treatment enhanced the polarization of astrocytes toward the neuroprotective phenotype while inhibiting their polarization toward the neurotoxic phenotype. This study is the first to reveal the relationship between taurine and astrocyte polarization and may provide a new strategy for SAH research and clinical treatment.
Is behavioural activation an effective treatment for depression in children and adolescents? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tindall Lucy , Kerrigan Philip , Li Jinshuo , Hayward Emily , Gega Lina
Published: April 2024

Behavioural Activation (BA)—a brief therapy based on the scheduling of enjoyable, purposeful and rewarding activities—is an effective and cost-effective treatment for depression in adults that shows promise for children and adolescents. We provide an update on a previous systematic review of evidence on BA—delivered in-person, telephone, or online—for depression and comorbid anxiety in children and adolescents. We conducted systematic literature searches in 6 databases up to February 2024. We included all study designs evaluating BA with participants up to 18 years old with diagnosable depression, as established by a validated screening tool or diagnostic manual. We used the Moncrieff Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool to assess study quality. We summarised the findings of all study types with a narrative synthesis and of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a meta-analysis. Overall, 24 studies (6 RCTs, 18 pre-post evaluations, n = 2,758) met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n = 156) showed that BA has a small effect of 0.24 (Hedge’s adjusted g) in reducing depression symptoms compared to a waiting-list control, usual care and other therapies. Online and telephone-facilitated BA was shown to be feasible in 3 studies and effective in 1. Outcomes on comorbid anxiety were mixed. No economic evaluations met our inclusion criteria. BA shows sufficient promise as an intervention for reducing depression symptoms in children and adolescents to justify the need for further RCTs, providing that five conditions are met: studies are powered to detect a minimal clinically important difference; BA materials are fit-for-purpose to produce clinically meaningful change; follow-ups are longer than 6 months; primary outcomes are child-reported; and intervention costs, resource use and adverse events are reported.
Assessment of myofascial medialization following intraoperative fascial traction (IFT) in a cadaveric model
Authors: Niebuhr H. , Reinpold W. , Morgenroth F. , Berger C. , Dag H. , Wehrenberg U. , Trzewik J. , Köckerling F.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Intraoperative fascial traction (IFT) for the treatment of large ventral hernias and loss of domain (LOD) hernias is a promising tool in abdominal wall surgery. However, little is known about the extent of gain in myofascial advancement especially for the anterior rectus sheath. We, therefore, used a cadaveric model to determine the medialization during IFT.

Methods

4 fresh frozen specimens were used. Retromuscular preparation was carried out followed by IFT with diagonal vertical traction for 30 min. Medial advancement of the anterior rectus sheath was measured after 15 and 30 min as well as traction forces.

Results

Total medialization for anterior rectus sheath after 30 min of IFT was 10.5 cm (mean). The mean traction force was 16.28 kg. Total medialization was significantly higher during the first 15 min of vertical fascial traction (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

IFT provides significant medialization for the anterior rectus sheath in the cadaveric model. The findings align with results from a retrospective case study. Therefore, we see IFT as a beneficial tool in abdominal wall surgery.
Incidence and molecular characteristics of deficient mismatch repair conditions across nine different tumors and identification of germline variants involved in Lynch-like syndrome
Authors: Ito Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Kumamoto Kensuke , Suzuki Okihide , Chika Noriyasu , Kawakami Satoru , Nagai Tomonori , Igawa Tsukasa , Fujiyoshi Kenji , Akagi Yoshito , Arai Tomio , Akagi Kiwamu , Eguchi Hidetaka , Okazaki Yasushi , Ishida Hideyuki
Published: April 2024

Background

Based on molecular characteristics, deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) solid tumors are largely divided into three categories: somatically MLH1-hypermethylated tumors, Lynch syndrome (LS)-associated tumors, and Lynch-like syndrome (LLS)-associated tumors. The incidence of each of these conditions and the corresponding pathogenic genes related to LLS remain elusive.

Methods

We identified dMMR tumors in 3609 tumors from 9 different solid organs, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, small-bowel cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, upper urinary tract cancer, urinary bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and sebaceous tumor, and comprehensively summarized the characterization of dMMR tumors. Characterization of dMMR tumors were performed as loss of at least one of MMR proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2), by immunohistochemistry, followed by MLH1 promotor methylation analysis and genetic testing for MMR genes where appropriate. Somatic variant analysis of MMR genes and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed in patients with LLS.

Results

In total, the incidence of dMMR tumors was 5.9% (24/3609). The incidence of dMMR tumors and the proportion of the three categorized dMMR tumors varied considerably with different tumor types. One to three likely pathogenic/pathogenic somatic MMR gene variants were detected in 15 out of the 16 available LLS tumors. One patient each from 12 patients who gave consent to WES demonstrated non-MMR germline variants affect function (POLQ or BRCA1).

Conclusions

Our data regarding the LS to LLS ratio would be useful for genetic counseling in patients who are suspected to have LS, though the genetic backgrounds for the pathogenesis of LLS need further investigation.
Development of a Child-Informed Measure of Subjective Well-Being for Research on Residential Care Institutions and Their Alternatives in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Neville Sarah Elizabeth , Wakia Joanna , Hembling John , Bradford Beth , Saran Indrani , Lombe Margaret , Crea Thomas M.
Published: April 2024

10% of children worldwide live in households without a biological parent, and 5.4 million children live in residential care institutions. This study describes a participatory, child-informed process of developing a multidimensional measure of child subjective well-being tailored towards the priorities of children who have lived in residential care. Eight focus groups were held with n = 49 adolescents reunified with family after living in residential care in Kenya and Guatemala and six focus groups were held with n = 29 young adults who had lived in residential care during childhood. After analysis of the focus groups, and using the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Wellbeing Tool as a foundation, the resulting tool contained 43 survey questions. Member checking, translation, and cognitive interviewing were conducted. The survey was administered to N = 180 young people in Kenya and Guatemala who were reunified with family after living in residential care or at risk of entering residential care. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the measure had three salient factors with good convergent validity and internal consistency: care and safety (12 items), basic needs (13 items), and leisure and freedom (7 items). This study contributes a new, psychometrically validated survey measure that can be used to assess the well-being of children connected to residential care, as well as a replicable model for creating contextualized quantitative measures via child participation that can inform policymaking on children’s care in low- and middle-income countries.
Do Parental Hormone Levels Synchronize During the Prenatal and Postpartum Periods? A Systematic Review
Authors: Daneshnia Negin , Chechko Natalia , Nehls Susanne
Published: April 2024

Physiological synchrony is the phenomenon of linked physiological processes among two or more individuals. Evidence of linkage between dyads has been found among a broad range of physiological indices, including the endocrine systems. During the transition to parenthood, both men and women undergo hormonal changes that facilitate parenting behavior. The present review sought to address the question as to whether hormonal synchronization occurs among expecting or new parents. A systematic literature search yielded 13 eligible records. The evidence of cortisol synchrony during the prenatal period, with additional testosterone, prolactin, and progesterone covariations in the time leading up to childbirth, was found to be most significant. During the postpartum period, parental synchrony was reported for oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol levels. The implications of these covariations were found to translate into adaptive parenting behaviors and the facilitation of romantic bond. Associations with infant development were also reported, suggesting far-reaching effects of hormonal synchrony outside the parental dyad. The results highlight the importance of physiological interrelatedness during this sensitive period, underscoring the need for further research in this field. In view of the limited data available in this research domain, we have put forward a framework for future studies, recommending the adoption of standardized research protocols and repeated collections of specimens.
The Importance of Practicing at Home During and Following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Conceptual Review and New Directions to Enhance Homework Using Mhealth Technology
Authors: Klein Anke M. , Hagen Annelieke , Mobach Lynn , Zimmermann Robin , Baartmans Jeanine M. D. , Rahemenia Jasmin , de Gier Erwin , Schneider Silvia , Ollendick Thomas H.
Published: April 2024

Practicing newly acquired skills in different contexts is considered a crucial aspect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders (Peris et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 56:1043–1052, 2017; Stewart et al. Prof Psychol Res Pract 47:303–311, 2016). Learning to cope with feared stimuli in different situations allows for generalization of learned skills, and experiencing non-occurrence of the feared outcome helps in developing non-catastrophic associations that may enhance treatment outcomes (Bandarian-Balooch et al. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 47:138–144, 2015; Cammin-Nowak et al. J Clin Psychol 69:616–629, 2013; Kendall et al. Cogn Behav Pract 12:136–148, 2005; Tiwari et al. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol 42:34–43, 2013). To optimize treatment outcome, homework is often integrated into CBT protocols for childhood anxiety disorders during and following treatment. Nevertheless, practicing at home can be challenging, with low motivation, lack of time, and insufficient self-guidance often listed as reasons for low adherence (Tang and Kreindler, JMIR Mental Health 4:e20, 2017). This conceptual review provides an overview of (1) how existing CBT childhood programs incorporate homework, and empirical evidence for the importance of homework practice, (2) evidence-based key elements of practice, and (3) how mHealth apps could potentially enhance practice at home, including an example of the development and application of such an app. This review therefore sets the stage for new directions in developing more effective and engaging CBT-based homework programs for childhood anxiety disorders.
The Public Purposes of Private Education: a Civic Outcomes Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shakeel M. Danish , Wolf Patrick J. , Johnson Alison Heape , Harris Mattie A. , Morris Sarah R.
Published: April 2024

Since Plato and Aristotle, political theorists have discussed the important role of education in forming democratic citizens. They disagree, however, over whether public or private schools are more effective at nurturing citizenship. We conduct a statistical meta-analysis to identify the average association between private schooling and measures of four central civic outcomes: political tolerance, political participation, civic knowledge and skills, and voluntarism and social capital. Our search identifies 13,301 initial target studies, ultimately yielding 531 effects from 57 qualified studies drawing from 40 different databases. Using Robust Variance Estimation, we determine that, on average, private schooling boosts any civic outcome by 0.055 standard deviations over public schooling. Religious private schooling, particularly, is strongly associated with positive civic outcomes. The evidence is especially strong that private schooling is correlated with higher levels of political tolerance and political knowledge and skills. We discuss heterogeneities, robustness checks, and implications.
Landscapes of Sociotechnical Imaginaries in Education: A Theoretical Examination of Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Mamlok Dan
Published: April 2024

The vision of integrating artificial intelligence in education is part of an ongoing push for harnessing digital solutions to improve teaching and learning. Drawing from Jasanoff and Hasse, this paper deliberates on how sociotechnical imaginaries are interrelated to the implications of new technologies, such as AI, in education. Complicating Hasses’s call for the development of Socratic ignorance to consider our predispositions about new technologies and open new prospects of thought, this paper revisits postphenomenology and Feenberg’s critical constructivist theories. While embracing the notion of Socratic ignorance, this paper stresses the importance of developing a nuanced understanding of technology that realizes its lack of neutrality and supports the creation of a deeper understanding of how knowledge is produced, deployed, and interpreted in the digital age. Thus, this paper argues that an amalgam of Hasse’s call for advancing Socratic ignorance combined with postphenomenology and critical constructivism can support students in developing a critical understanding of technology and opening new landscapes of imaginaries.
Visual coating inspection framework via self-labeling and multi-stage deep learning strategies
Authors: Han Changheon , Lee Jiho , Jun Martin B. G. , Lee Sang Won , Yun Huitaek
Published: April 2024

An instantaneous and precise coating inspection method is imperative to mitigate the risk of flaws, defects, and discrepancies on coated surfaces. While many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of automated visual inspection (AVI) approaches enhanced by computer vision and deep learning, critical challenges exist for practical applications in the manufacturing domain. Computer vision has proven to be inflexible, demanding sophisticated algorithms for diverse feature extraction. In deep learning, supervised approaches are constrained by the need for annotated datasets, whereas unsupervised methods often result in lower performance. Addressing these challenges, this paper proposes a novel deep learning-based automated visual inspection (AVI) framework designed to minimize the necessity for extensive feature engineering, programming, and manual data annotation in classifying fuel injection nozzles and discerning their coating interfaces from scratch. This proposed framework comprises six integral components: It begins by distinguishing between coated and uncoated nozzles through gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-based texture analysis and autoencoder (AE)-based classification. This is followed by cropping surface images from uncoated nozzles, and then building an AE model to estimate the coating interface locations on coated nozzles. The next step involves generating autonomously annotated datasets derived from these estimated coating interface locations. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based detection model is trained to accurately localize the coating interface locations. The final component focuses on enhancing model performance and trustworthiness. This framework demonstrated over 95% accuracy in pinpointing the coating interfaces within the error range of ± 6 pixels and processed at a rate of 7.18 images per second. Additionally, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques such as t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and the integrated gradient substantiated the reliability of the models.
Reinforcement of biodegradable SiO2NPs-modified cellulose-gelatin hydrogel films with antioxidant and antibacterial properties as potential food packaging composite
Authors: Sagar Sadia , Khalid Umair , Azim Waqar , Kanwal Maria , Hossain Nazia
Published: April 2024

This study proposed an innovative approach to the development of sustainable and biodegradable food packaging materials by incorporating inexpensive nano-silica (SiO2NPs) in designed hydrogel (CSG) film employing biodegradable polymers: synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), natural polymer - carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and protein-based bio-polymer –gelatine, and a commercial crosslinker, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through a conventional air-dry casting technique. The CSG hydrogel blends were modified with varying amounts of SiO2NPs (0.05g, 0.1g, 0.15g and 0.2g) and compared with the blend without SiO2NPs to determine the effect of SiO2NPs loading through various characterisation techniques and applications including antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Comprehensive characterizations of the CSG films revealed that CSG 0.1 (containing 0.1g SiO2NPs) exhibited the most favourable functional properties, low crystallinity, high flexibility, suitable pore size, thermal stability, adequate tensile strength, elongation at the breaking point and maximum stability by swelling and diffusion test. The addition of SiO2NPs consistently enhanced thermal and mechanical stability in all CSG films. Further, these CSG films were implemented for antioxidant test and antimicrobial activity against gram-positive Bacillus cereus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. SiO2NPs integration significantly elevated the antioxidant capacity in all films, with CSG 0.1 showing ⁓7% improvement. The antimicrobial activity of SiO2NPs-modified CSG films was also notable, with CSG 0.1 effectively inhibiting B. cereus by 1.2cm zone and E. coli by 0.5cm zone. A soil burial test was performed to pattern the biodegradability of CSG hydrogels. Therefore, the outstanding improvements in the intrinsic properties of CSG films, owing to SiO2NPs modification, positioned these CSG hydrogels as promising candidates for advanced food packaging materials in various industries.
The ACHIEVE Program: Bringing Chicago Youth and Community Organizations Together to Impact Local Disparities
Authors: Kowalczyk Monica , Najarro Jeronimo , Hill LaTonya , Barnett Todd , Volerman Anna
Published: April 2024

To evaluate the Advancing Community Health and Individual leadership through a noVel Educational (ACHIEVE) program uniting Chicago high school and undergraduate students (scholars) and community organizations to empower youth to meaningfully impact communities while enhancing organizational capacity. Between 2020 and 2022, the ACHIEVE program engaged cohorts of youth in classroom-based learning and community-based projects targeting health and education disparities. Pre and post-program surveys were administered to scholars to assess knowledge about disparities, skills, and self-efficacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community organization leaders to examine programmatic impact. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed. Across four cohorts (March 2020; September 2020-May 2021; September-November 2021; March-May 2022), 85 students participated in the ACHIEVE program. Scholars supported 19 community-based projects that increased awareness of local issues and resources and evaluated programs. Scholars reported advancement in their knowledge and skills as well as interest in sustaining their community engagement. Leaders shared several benefits at the organizational and community levels from collaborating with scholars. The ACHIEVE program enabled bidirectional learning between scholars and organizations. It also demonstrated that youth can contribute positively to addressing disparities while supporting local organizations and communities.
Influence of the solvent removal method on the morphology of polystyrene porous structures prepared via thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Boura Patrik , Zubov Alexandr , Van der Bruggen Bart , Kosek Juraj
Published: April 2024

Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) allows preparation of nano and micro-porous structured materials for various applications. The literature thoroughly examines the impact of initial polymer solution concentration and cooling rate on the products morphology. On the contrary, the influence of the solvent removal methods was so far researched scarcely. Hence, we compare both qualitatively and quantitatively the effects of the solvent removal method on pore size distribution, structure, porosity, and thermal conductivity. Our study was carried out with samples prepared by TIPS from polystyrene/cyclohexane solutions employing either extraction agent or lyophilization at different solvent removal temperatures. Materials exhibited interconnected pore structure, implying good sound insulation properties, and had low thermal conductivity, offering the combination of thermal and sound insulation in one layer of material. Pore sizes after lyophilization were up to two times larger than after solvent removal by an extraction agent. On the other hand, the use of extraction agent led up to 10% porosity decrease with average porosity after lyophilization being above 82%. Our findings demonstrate that the solvent removal method is an important parameter during TIPS and that pros and cons of both methods should be carefully considered to obtain optimal material and TIPS process economy.
Systematic search for islets of stability in the standard map for large parameter values
Authors: Nieto Alexandre R. , Capeáns Rubén , Sanjuán Miguel A. F.
Published: April 2024

In the seminal paper, Chirikov (Phys Rep 52:263–379, 1979) showed that the standard map does not exhibit a boundary to chaos, but rather that there are small islands (“islets”) of stability for arbitrarily large values of the nonlinear perturbation. In this context, he established that the area of the islets in the phase space and the range of parameter values where they exist should decay following power laws with exponents $$-2$$

-
2

and $$-1$$

-
1

, respectively. In this paper, we carry out a systematic numerical search for islets of stability and we show that the power laws predicted by Chirikov hold. Furthermore, we use high-resolution 3D islets to reveal that the islets’ volume decays following a similar power law with exponent $$-3$$

-
3

.
Locally-rooted directors
Authors: Kind Axel , Volonté Christophe
Published: April 2024

We study the influence of locally-rooted directors (LRDs)—board members with personal ties to a company’s geographic location—on firm performance. On the one hand, LRDs may provide valuable local know-how and access to local networks. On the other hand, as their appointments may go back to social ties with insiders (e.g., corporate directors, top executives, or large shareholders), LRDs may be used to extract rents and lack relevant experience, business skills, and independence. Using the directors’ alma mater as a proxy for local roots, LRDs turn out to be heavily overrepresented, making up 30% of all directors in our sample. We show that LRDs are negatively related to Tobin’s Q. However, this finding does not apply to domestically-oriented companies, i.e., firms without material foreign sales, and firms in regulated industries. Thus, while the results indicate that LRDs harm firm performance on average, their presence may be optimal in some cases.
Eco-innovation and corporate waste management: The moderating role of ESG performance
Authors: Albitar Khaldoon , Nasrallah Nohade , Hussainey Khaled , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2024

Based on a sample of companies from G7 countries, we investigate the effect of eco-innovation on waste management as well as the moderating role of firms’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) on this relationship. Our findings indicate that a higher level of eco-innovation might lead to a decline in firms’ total waste produced and an increase in firms’ magnitude of reusing and recycling waste. Likewise, our findings are associative with a moderating effect of ESG on the eco-innovation-waste management nexus. We argue that eco-innovation, along with better ESG performance, leads to a reduction in waste produced and thus better business waste management. Our study has several implications on micro- and macroeconomic levels. Countries should revisit their national strategies and domestic policies about circular economies to form international alliances and embrace more technological development.
A communication-efficient, online changepoint detection method for monitoring distributed sensor networks
Authors: Yang Ziyang , Eckley Idris A. , Fearnhead Paul
Published: April 2024

We consider the challenge of efficiently detecting changes within a network of sensors, where we also need to minimise communication between sensors and the cloud. We propose an online, communication-efficient method to detect such changes. The procedure works by performing likelihood ratio tests at each time point, and two thresholds are chosen to filter unimportant test statistics and make decisions based on the aggregated test statistics respectively. We provide asymptotic theory concerning consistency and the asymptotic distribution if there are no changes. Simulation results suggest that our method can achieve similar performance to the idealised setting, where we have no constraints on communication between sensors, but substantially reduce the transmission costs.
Investigating Microstructure–Property Relationships of Nonwovens by Model-Based Virtual Material Testing
Authors: Weber Matthias , Grießer Andreas , Mosbach Dennis , Glatt Erik , Wiegmann Andreas , Schmidt Volker
Published: April 2024

Quantifying the relationship between geometric descriptors of microstructure and effective properties like permeability is essential for understanding and improving the behavior of porous materials. In this paper, we employ a previously developed stochastic model to investigate microstructure–property relationships of nonwovens. First, we show the capability of the model to generate a wide variety of realistic nonwovens by varying the model parameters. By computing various geometric descriptors, we investigate the relationship between model parameters and microstructure morphology and, in this way, assess the range of structures which may be described by our model. In a second step, we perform virtual materials testing based on the simulation of a wide range of nonwovens. For these 3D structures, we compute geometric descriptors and perform numerical simulations to obtain values for permeability as an effective material property. We then examine and quantify the relationship between microstructure morphology and permeability by fitting parametric regression formulas to the obtained data set, including but not limited to formulas from the literature. We show that for structures which are captured by our model, predictive power may be improved by allowing for slightly more complex formulas.
Metabolomic profiling of wild rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) ecotypes and their antioxidant-derived phytopharmaceutical potential
Authors: Wilkinson C. , Brooks J. , Stander M. A. , Malgas R. , Roodt-Wilding R. , Makunga N. P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Aspalathus linearis (commonly known as rooibos) is endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa and is a popular herbal drink and skin phytotherapeutic ingredient, with health benefits derived primarily from its unique phenolic content. Several, seemingly habitat-specific ecotypes from the Cederberg (Western Cape) and Northern Cape have morphological, ecological, genetic and biochemical differences.

Objectives and methods

Despite the commercial popularity of the cultivated variety, the uncultivated ecotypes are largely understudied. To address gaps in knowledge about the biochemical constituency, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of fifteen populations was performed, enabling high-throughput metabolomic fingerprinting of 50% (v/v) methanolic extracts. Antioxidant screening of selected populations was performed via three assays and antimicrobial activity on two microbial species was assessed. The metabolomic results were corroborated with total phenolic and flavonoid screening of the extracts.

Results and discussion

Site-specific chemical lineages of rooibos ecotypes were confirmed via multivariate data analyses. Important features identified via PLS-DA disclosed higher relative abundances of certain tentative metabolites (e.g., rutin, aspalathin and apiin) present in the Dobbelaarskop, Blomfontein, Welbedacht and Eselbank sites, in comparison to other locations. Several unknown novel metabolites (e.g., m/z 155.0369, 231.0513, 443.1197, 695.2883) are responsible for metabolomic separation of the populations, four of which showed higher amounts of key metabolites and were thus selected for bioactivity analysis. The Welbedacht and Eselbank site 2 populations consistently displayed higher antioxidant activities, with 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of 679.894 ± 3.427 µmol Trolox/g dry matter and 635.066 ± 5.140 µmol Trolox/g dry matter, respectively, in correlation with a high number of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The contribution of the individual metabolites to the pharmacological effectiveness of rooibos remains unknown and as such, further structural elucidation and phytopharmacological testing is thus urgently needed.
Clinical outcomes of clostridioides difficile infection in the very elderly
Authors: Kassem Sameer , Hijazi Nizar , Stein Nili , Zaina Adnan , Ganaim Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) causes considerable morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. Advanced age, prolonged stay in healthcare facility, and exposure to antibiotics are leading risk factors for CDI. Data on CDI clinical outcomes in the very elderly patients are limited.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized between 2016 and 2018 with CDI. We evaluated demographic clinical and laboratory parameters. Major clinical outcomes were evaluated including duration of hospital stay, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), in-hospital mortality, 30 days post-discharge mortality, and readmission/mortality composite outcome. We compared patients aged up to 80 years (elderly) to those of 80 years old or more (very elderly).

Results

Of 196 patients included in the study, 112 (57%) were very elderly with a mean age of 86 versus 67 years in the elderly group. The duration of hospital stays, and intensive care unit admission frequency were significantly reduced in the very elderly (13 vs. 22 days p = 0.003 and 1.8% vs. 10.7% p = 0.01, respectively). No significant difference was found in the frequencies of in-hospital and in 30 days post-discharge mortality.

Conclusions

In our cohort, the duration of hospital stay seemed to be shorter in the very elderly with no increase of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Although admitted less frequently to ICU, the in-hospital survival of the very elderly was not adversely affected compared to the elderly, suggesting that very advanced age per se should not be a major factor to consider in determining the prognosis of a patient with CDI.
Seasonal exploitation of intertidal resources at El Mazo (N Iberia) reveals optimized human subsistence strategies during the Mesolithic in Atlantic Europe
Authors: García-Escárzaga Asier , Gutiérrez-Zugasti Igor , Arniz-Mateos Rosa , Cuenca-Solana David , González-Morales Manuel R. , Ilgner Jana , Lucas Mary , Colonese André C. , Roberts Patrick
Published: April 2024

Over the last few decades, research has significantly enhanced our understanding of the role played by shellfish in human subsistence during the Mesolithic period along the Atlantic coast of Europe. Instrumental to this advance has been the analysis of stable oxygen isotope measurements (δ18O) from mollusc shells, which offers valuable insights into the seasonality of shellfish exploitation. The δ18O values serve as reliable indicators of past seasonal seawater temperature variations experienced by the molluscs, enabling us to accurately determine the time of year when past humans collected them. Recent studies using this approach have successfully identified seasonal exploitation patterns of the topshell Phorcus lineatus (da Costa, 1778) in Atlantic Europe. However, uncertainties remain regarding the exploitation schedule of Patella depressa Pennant 1777, one of the most abundantly collected species in Mesolithic sites. Here we used shell δ18O values of P. depressa from the Mesolithic sites of El Mazo (Northern Iberia) to determine its seasonality of exploitation. Our study reveals that P. depressa was prevalently exploited during colder months. Modern specimens of the same limpet species were also collected during two annual cycles to assess potential seasonal changes in meat yield return. Results obtained has profound implications for better understanding how last coastal foragers managed available littoral resources throughout the year.
Distributed versus centralized computing of coverage in mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Girolami Michele , Kocian Alexander , Chessa Stefano
Published: April 2024

The expected spatial coverage of a crowdsensing platform is an important parameter that derives from the mobility data of the crowdsensing platform users. We tackle the challenge of estimating the anticipated coverage while adhering to privacy constraints, where the platform is restricted from accessing detailed mobility data of individual users. Specifically, we model the coverage as the probability that a user detours to a point of interest if the user is present in a certain region around that point. Following this approach, we propose and evaluate a centralized as well as a distributed implementation model. We examine real-world mobility data employed for assessing the coverage performance of the two models, and we show that the two implementation models provide different privacy requirements but are equivalent in terms of their outputs.