bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal degradation of non-isocyanate polyurethanes
Authors: Bukowczan Artur , Łukaszewska Izabela , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: June 2024

Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) are considered as a class of environmentally-safe polymers that show promising properties, such as chemical and mechanical resistance. An important feature that may limit some important applications is the thermal degradation behavior of NIPUs and their composites and hybrids. Hence, this article comprehensively reviews recent developments in these materials groups, focusing on the thermal stability and degradation routes. Influence of urethane linkage vicinity, molar mass and ratio of carbonate and amine components, and chemical structure on NIPU thermal degradation behavior was discussed. The onset temperature of degradation was found to be mainly influenced by urethane bonds concentration and crosslinking density of NIPU material. Chain length of amine component has also a significant impact on the thermal degradation profile. The incorporation of bio-sourced and nano-scaled additives (carbon- and silica-based nanoparticles) and their impact on thermal stability of NIPU matrix was analyzed, too, and future outlooks were given.
The Power of Purity: Preliminary Notes for an Archaeology of Modern Jurisprudence
Authors: Forzani Francesco
Published: June 2024

In this paper I will try to subsume what Carl Schmitt referred to as the three types of juristic thought – positivism, decisionism and institutionalism – under the same 'signature of power’. With this expression I refer here to a general enunciative function that informs (legal) thought, forcing it to perform an (ex-ceptional) articulation of (form of) law and (force of) life. My suggestion is thus that it is possible to interpret the different approach to the law question of two fatherly figures of modern jurisprudence – Hans Kelsen (positivism) and Carl Schmitt (decisionist-institutionalism) – in a way which, while mantaining that there is indeed a difference between their theories, points also towards a more fundamental partnership which concerns the very form (i.e. ex-ceptionality) of their questioning. The purpose of this paper is thus to show that the fundamental differences between these two approaches become indistinguishable if re-considered in the context of a broader problematisation of power which, following Giorgio Agamben’s reinterpretation of Foucault’s work on biopolitics, can here be defined as an ideology of govern-mentality according to which, simply put, sociality can be reduced to one, two-sided, operation: government/self-government through a decision on the form of law, to be perfomed at different levels, including thought. Legal theory as practiced by Kelsen and Schmitt is, in this respect, governmental or biopolitical, because it institutes a fictional threshold of indifferentiation between law (form) and life (force), whose preservation, by means of further (ex-ceptional) articulations (i.e. inclusive-exclusions), becomes the jurist’s fundamental task. Moreover, given the central role of both Kelsen’s positivism and Schmitt’s decisionist institutionalism for modern legal theory in general, a critical reflection on the act of (legal) theorising as such as an act of power is made possible. The modern tradition of legal theory can thus be interpreted – in spite of its increasing complexity and fragmentation (which was already reflected, at the beginning of the last century, in the fragmentation of legal theory into positivist, institutionalist and decisionist stances) – as preserving thought’s power to relate law and life. One possible alternative to a theory of (i.e. that belongs to) power is, I think, a practice of critical observation (a study) of the power of theory.
Old-growth forests are critical to safeguard tropical birds in complex landscape mosaics exposed to slash-and-burn agriculture
Authors: Martínez-Penados Andrea Lucía , Arroyo-Rodríguez Víctor , Morante-Filho José Carlos , Pinel-Ramos Eduardo José , Schondube Jorge
Published: June 2024

Context

Slash-and-burn agriculture generates landscape mosaics composed of different land uses. Ecological theory postulates that in these mosaics, the structure of species assemblages depends on both local- and landscape-scale factors, but their relative role remains poorly known.

Objectives

Understanding the relative importance of local and landscape variables for bird assemblages in landscape mosaics of the Mayan tropical forest, Mexico.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of two local variables (land use type and tree basal area) and two landscape variables (old-growth forest cover and human proximity) on bird abundance and diversity, separately assessing forest and non-forest birds. As species extirpation may accelerate when forest loss exceeds certain limits (extinction thresholds), we assessed forest loss effects with linear and nonlinear models.

Results

We recorded 1867 birds from 118 species in four land-use types (old-growth forest, secondary forest, burned lands, and agricultural lands). Land-use type and surrounding old-growth forest cover better predicted bird abundance and diversity than tree basal area and human proximity. Agricultural lands showed the lowest abundance and diversity of forest species, but the highest abundance and diversity of non-forest species. We found no support for the extinction threshold hypothesis. Yet, independently of the land use, old-growth forest loss decreased the diversity of forest species and increased the abundance and diversity of non-forest species. Human proximity also decreased total bird abundance, especially because of the loss of forest species.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the key role played by old-growth forests for preserving bird assemblages in landscape mosaics exposed to slash-and-burn agriculture.
Convergence analysis of Picard–SP iteration process for generalized $$\alpha $$–nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Nawaz Bashir , Ullah Kifayat , Gdawiec Krzysztof
Published: June 2024

In this manuscript, we introduce a novel hybrid iteration process called the Picard–SP iteration process. We apply this new iteration process to approximate fixed points of generalized $$\alpha $$
α
–nonexpansive mappings. Convergence analysis of our newly proposed iteration process is discussed in the setting of uniformly convex Banach spaces and results are correlated with some other existing iteration processes. The dominance of the newly proposed iteration process is exhibited with the help of a new numerical example. In the end, the comparison of polynomiographs generated by other well-known iteration processes with our proposed iteration process has been presented to make a strong impression of our proposed iteration process.
Internet traffic prediction analog to solitons propagation in optical fibers via the concatenation model and stability analysis
Authors: Abdel-Gawad Hamdy I. , Abdel-Gawad Ahmed H.
Published: June 2024

Internet traffic (IT) is a measure of data transfer across devices. In this paper, an analogy is made between data transfer and soliton propagation in optical fibers. This is achieved by employing the concatenation model (CM) that describes soliton propagation in optical fibers, which is presented recently in the literature. The CM contains nonlinear space-time dispersion effect, that may lead to bottleneck soliton shape (BNSS). Thus, in view of this model, BNSS effect of soliton propagation may occur, which is analogous to a possible BN in IT. So, the prediction of the characteristics of internet traffic can be depicted via the CM, which is studied here with Caputo-q time derivative. Also, a variety of exact solutions of the CM are derived. These solutions are represented graphically and they show multiple shapes of concatenated solitons. Among them, bottleneck, M-shaped, hybrid M shaped, chirped solitons and vector of dromian patterns. On the other side, the speed of IT and chips heating are estimated. It is found that the speed of IT is constant with time and the effects of distributed time delay (recent memory (RM)) is to slow the traffic speed. This is done via varying the fractional order. Also, it is observed, when accounting for RM, that the chip heating is too small. We think that the results for the speed of IT and chip heat are, qualitatively, realistic. The stability of a steady state solution is analyzed and the controlled parameters for stability is determined.
Testing a theory of strategic multi-product choice
Authors: Fox Edward J. , Pulgar Hristina , Semple John H.
Published: June 2024

This paper tests a theory of strategic multi-product choice (SMPC) using empirical evidence from a large-scale choice experiment, two smaller longitudinal choice experiments, and multi-market panel data. Multi-product choice involves two stages. In the first stage, the consumer chooses a set of substitutable products, where “set” refers to both the variety of alternatives and the quantities of each. In the second stage, the set is consumed. Assuming consumers are strategic, their consumption decisions will consider both the utility of whichever product is selected for consumption and the expected utility (i.e., value) of the set that remains. SMPC therefore requires a dynamic model. We test two such dynamic models in this paper. These models are derived from a basic random utility framework with a stochastic error term for the utility of each product alternative at the moment of consumption. Despite maintaining state variables for the quantity of every alternative, these SMPC dynamic models offer both a value function and optimal consumption policy in closed form. These structures allow us to test for strategic consumption in the second stage and for optimality of the choice sets selected in the first stage. Data from the large-scale choice experiment and the smaller longitudinal choice experiments support strategic consumer decision-making, consistent with SMPC theory. SMPC theory further predicts that the amount of variety consumers select will be higher for lower consumption rates and lower for higher consumption rates. Evidence from panel data of yogurt purchases supports this prediction. While we find that consumption choices are consistent with SMPC theory, they are not consistent with alternative explanations such as variety seeking or diversification bias. Viewed in its entirety, the empirical evidence presented in this paper confirms that both the choice set selected and the way it is consumed are consistent with dynamic models of future preference uncertainty.
The Figure of the Unknown within Sacco’s Theory
Authors: Heritier Paolo
Published: June 2024

The article analyzes one aspect of Rodolfo Sacco’s complex and innovative theoretical itinerary as it evolved. While the author’s theoretical perspective is often remembered as the theory of the legal formant and of the mute origin of law within a comparatist perspective, it seems to me that another area of his work remains relevant and needs to be explored further, perhaps beyond the very methodological ways provided by the author. From the work on interpretation to the legal anthropology, the implicit copresence of mute and spoken represents one of the most interesting features of the theory, which appears capable of intercepting many contemporary problems of the evolutions of the law. The paper will move toward a different direction: with the aim to show how there are very different theoretical positions within the philosophy of law that can be approached from the perspective of comparative law in the formulation proposed by Rodolfo Sacco, around the central problem of the radical transformations of the concept of law. Thus, a problem is identified, at once epistemological and semiotic, that appears central to the configuration of legal thought in the age of globalization: the epistemological role of the unknown in the construction of knowledge, as a modular methodological problem and its implicit Vichian ancestry.
Herpesviruses in migrating procellariforms, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Sacristán Carlos , Duarte-Benvenuto Aricia , Navas-Suárez Pedro Enrique , Zamana-Ramblas Roberta , Baes Laura , Codeas Barbara Sophia , Pavanelli Larissa , Ikeda Joana , Catão-Dias José Luiz , Ewbank Ana Carolina
Published: June 2024

Seabirds are one of the most threatened avian groups. Viruses, including herpesvirus, represent considerable threats to marine avifauna. Herein, our goal was to survey herpesvirus in Procellariiformes that stranded in Brazil between June and July 2021. We analyzed 12 Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis), two Great Shearwaters (Ardenna gravis, syn. Puffinus gravis) and one Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororynchos) found in an unusual mortality event in Bahía state, northeastern Brazil. After necropsy, selected tissue samples were tested for herpesvirus using a broad-range nested PCR. Overall, 20% (3/15) of the birds were herpesvirus-positive, i.e., two Cory's Shearwaters and one Great Shearwater. One alphaherpesvirus sequence type was identified in each shearwater species, classified into the genus Mardivirus. This study describes two likely novel herpesviruses in shearwaters, contributing to the currently very scarce data regarding infectious agents in Procellariiformes. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the presence and characteristics of herpesvirus in Procellariiformes, and the presence (or not) of related disease in order to understand the epidemiology of this infectious agent and eventually contribute to the conservation of this endangered seabird group.
Influencing factors of delay in seeking medical attention of patients with obstructive sleep apnea based on the Model of Pathways to Treatment in China: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Shang Hongyan , Chen Dandan , Deng Qingmei , Ma Zuchang
Published: June 2024

Background

There is the highest estimated number of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in China. Early treatment could lead to fewer complications associated with OSA. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing help-seeking from the first symptom discovery to treatment in OSA.

Methods

Semi-structured interview outline was designed to conduct face-to-face interview based on the analyses of a great number of related literatures on the delay in seeking medical attention of patients with OSA. 15 patients diagnosed were interviewed between June 2021 to September 2022 in general hospital of Shenyang, Northeastern of China. Qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis using the Model of Pathways to Treatment.

Results

Analyses identified factors contributing to elapsed time from first symptom discovery to received treatment that are linked to disease characteristic, patients, health system organization. Appraisal interval is most obvious for patients with OSA, but it is difficult to pinpoint precisely because the patients didn’t remember exactly when the first symptom was detected.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with OSA didn’t initially interpret the snore as a warning sign and even thought it was a blessing. The findings provided guidance or avenues for reducing elapsed time between the first symptom and received treatment.
Hydrodynamics and water quality of a highly anthropized wetland: the case study of the Massaciuccoli basin (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Pasquetti Francesca , Natali Stefano , Luppichini Marco , Bini Monica , Del Seppia Nicola , Delgado-Huertas Antonio , Giannecchini Roberto
Published: June 2024

Owing to increasing anthropogenic impacts, wetlands have suffered a serious environmental decline in recent decades. The sustainable management of these natural resources is fundamental to maintain both the ecosystems and the economic activities. The Lake Massaciuccoli and nearby areas represent one of the largest residual coastal marshy areas in Tuscany (Italy). This wetland is characterized by large-scale and intensive agricultural use and affected by reclamation activities, with consequent problems of erosion, subsidence and lake eutrophication and siltation. In this context, an integrated study combining hydrochemical data (water levels, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, major ions, trace metals) and stable isotopes (H, O, S) has been performed in the southernmost part of the basin, to better disentangle processes and interactions between groundwater and surface water and to understand the origin of solutes and their evolution. Our results indicated that both groundwater and surface water have a meteoric origin and that geochemical composition of groundwater is mainly affected by local geological and biological processes. Moreover, surface water is affected by sea water mixing and evapotranspiration/precipitation processes. The impact of agricultural activity and the use of fertilizers on the water quality appears to be limited as regards nitrates, indicating that less intense agricultural practices implemented in recent years have been successful. As regards sulfates, Fe, and Mn, we cannot fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying human influence, but the oscillation of water level and degradation of peat enhanced by reclamation and agriculture activities likely played an important role in controlling the fate of these elements. Overall, these results underline the importance of integrated approaches to disentangle geochemical processes and will be useful in supporting policy implementation and environmental protection in this valuable area of Tuscany. Findings from this work suggest the need for policy-making authorities to take actions as soon as possible to mitigate risks. Closer co-operation is essential between authorities and farmers to reduce inputs of fertilizers and chemicals into the lake and the surrounding area. Also, additional policy measures should be enforced to reduce the mechanical soil tillage and limit erosion and runoff, such as the NBSs implemented within the Phusicos Project.
Marine macro-litter mass outweighs biomass in trawl catches along abyssal seafloors of Sardinia channel (Italy)
Authors: Carreras-Colom Ester , Follesa Maria Cristina , Carugati Laura , Mulas Antonello , Bellodi Andrea , Cau Alessandro
Published: June 2024

This study provides new insights onto spatial and temporal trends of seafloor macro-litter in the abyssal seafloor of Sardinian channel, in central western Mediterranean (Italy). Trawl surveys were conducted at depths between 884 and 1528 m, thus focusing on one of the least investigated marine environments. None of the considered sites was litter free, with plastics being numerically dominant (57% of items), followed by metal (11%) and glass (16%). Recorded densities and weight ranged between 49.9 and 499 items km−2 and 1.4 and 1052 kg km−2. In the most contaminated sites, the weight of the litter collected in nets represented up to nine times the biomass of benthic megafauna, and, overall, in 60% of hauls macro-litter mass outweighed the biomass collected. Moreover, we report that megafauna was observed to be more abundant in sites where macro-litter presence was more severe. More studies are needed to elucidate the nature of this correlation, with biota being more abundant in hotspots of accumulation of seafloor macro-litter.
A parametric approach for developing embodied environmental benchmark values for buildings
Authors: Szalay Zsuzsa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The production and construction of buildings cause significant environmental impacts besides those arising from their operation. Recently, some European countries have started introducing life cycle assessment as a mandatory calculation method for new buildings, and it is foreseen that by 2030 this will be done in every member state, at first without any legal minimum values.

Methods

Extensive databases on the embodied impacts of buildings, which would be needed to support setting the baseline impacts, are still missing. This paper proposes an approach for determining bottom-up reference values. A large building sample is generated describing “technically feasible” new buildings. Instead of analysing a few typical buildings, the main parameters describing a building are determined and the ranges are defined that these parameters typically take. With the variation of these parameters, a large building sample is generated, and the surfaces and built-in material quantities are determined for typical construction solutions to assess environmental performance.

Results and discussion

The method is demonstrated by calculating the reference embodied benchmark values for new residential buildings in Hungary. The results show a baseline embodied Global Warming Potential of 9.5–15.5 kg CO2-eq/m2/yr for single-family houses and 9.1–14.3 kg CO2-eq/m2/yr for multi-family houses.

Conclusions

This method is suitable for estimating the environmental impact of typical new buildings in countries where a large pool of real building data is not yet available.
A dynamic model of wealth segregation
Authors: Vicario Eugenio
Published: June 2024

We propose a dynamic model where the real estate market generates wealth segregation within a town. The model develops on the Schelling’s checkerboard dynamics with one main difference: Agents are fully characterized by their wealth, which changes with the progress of the model dynamics. The driver of the segregation is a positive neighborhood externality such that households’ utility is increasing in the average wealth of the neighbors. The identification of a potential function enables prediction of the long-run limiting behavior of the dynamics: Wealth segregation is an endemic result, unless a perturbation at the individual level is introduced. Public policies that mimic the perturbation can reduce wealth segregation.
Examining metacognitive strategy use in L1 and L2 task-situated writing: effects, transferability, and cross-language facilitation
Authors: Xu Wandong , Zhu Xinhua
Published: June 2024

Despite the widely recognized importance of metacognition in language learning, relatively few empirical studies have investigated the role of metacognitive strategies with a cross-linguistic perspective. Drawing on the mixed-method design combining questionnaire and interview data, this study systematically investigated the effects, the transfer potential, and the cross-language facilitation of metacognitive strategies between L1 and L2 contexts. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multigroup analysis results revealed that metacognitive strategies afforded a more prominent predictive role in English (L2) writing than in Chinese (L1) writing; such strategy use transferred between the two writing contexts, which kept invariant between lower- and higher- L2 proficiency groups and between English and non-English major groups; and there was a cross-language facilitation effect of L1 writing metacognitive strategies on L2 writing performance via the mediation of L2 writing metacognitive strategies. Complementary to the quantitative results, the qualitative interview data was analyzed to provide deep insights into the participating students’ metacognitive strategy use in the two task-situated writing. Findings are extensively discussed to offer theoretical and pedagogical implications in this domain.
Influence of dry density and wetting–drying cycles on the soil–water retention curve of compacted loess: experimental data and modeling
Authors: Yuan Kangze , Ni Wankui , Della Vecchia Gabriele , Lü Xiangfei , Wang Haiman , Nie Yongpeng
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the EC-5 water sensor and the MPS-6 water potential sensor were used to measure water content and suction, respectively, to investigate the evolution of soil–water retention properties of compacted loess samples prepared at different dry densities and subjected to different numbers of wetting–drying cycles. The water retention data were integrated with a detailed microstructural investigation, including morphological analysis (by scanning electron microscopy) and pore size distribution determination (by nuclear magnetic resonance). The microstructural information obtained shed light on the double porosity nature of compacted loess, allowing the identification of the effects of compaction dry density and wetting–drying cycles at both intra- and inter-aggregate levels. The information obtained at the microstructural scale was used to provide a solid physical basis for the development of a simplified version of the water retention model presented in Della Vecchia et al. (Int J Numer Anal Meth Geomech 39: 702–723, 2015). The model, adapted for engineering application to compacted loess, requires only five parameters to capture the water retention properties of samples characterized by different compaction dry densities and subjected to different numbers of wetting–drying cycles. The comparison between numerical simulations and experimental results, both original and from the literature, shows that only one set of parameters is needed to reproduce the effects of dry density variation, while the variation of only one parameter allows the reproduction of the effects of wetting and drying cycles. With respect to the approaches presented in the literature, where ad hoc calibrations are often used to fit density and wetting–drying cycle effects, the model presented here shows a good compromise between simplicity and predictive capabilities, making it suitable for practical engineering applications.
Novel Coumarins Derivatives for A. baumannii Lung Infection Developed by High-Throughput Screening and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Li Jing , Lu Zhou , Wang Liuchang , Shi Huiqing , Chu Bixin , Qu Yingwei , Ye Zichen , Qu Di
Published: June 2024

With the increasing resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) to antibiotics, researchers have turned their attention to the development of new antimicrobial agents. Among them, coumarin-based heterocycles have attracted much attention due to their unique biological activities, especially in the field of antibacterial infection. In this study, a series of coumarin derivatives were synthesized and screened for their bactericidal activities (Ren et al. 2018; Salehian et al. 2021). The inhibitory activities of these compounds on bacterial strains were evaluated, and the related mechanism of the new compounds was explored. Firstly, the MIC values and bacterial growth curves were measured after compound treatment to evaluate the antibacterial activity in vitro. Then, the in vivo antibacterial activities of the new compounds were assessed on A. baumannii-infected mice by determining the mice survival rates, counting bacterial CFU numbers, measuring inflammatory cytokine levels, and histopathology analysis. In addition, the ROS levels in the bacterial cells were measured with DCFH-DA detection kit. Furthermore, the potential target and detailed mechanism of the new compounds during infection disease therapy were predicted and evidenced with molecular docking. After that, ADMET characteristic prediction was completed, and novel, synthesizable, drug-effective molecules were optimized with reinforcement learning study based on the probed compound as a training template. The interaction between the selected structures and target proteins was further evidenced with molecular docking. This series of innovative studies provides important theoretical and experimental data for the development of new anti-A. baumannii infection drugs.
A generic deep learning architecture optimization method for edge device based on start-up latency reduction
Authors: Li Qi , Li Hengyi , Meng Lin
Published: June 2024

In the promising Artificial Intelligence of Things technology, deep learning algorithms are implemented on edge devices to process data locally. However, high-performance deep learning algorithms are accompanied by increased computation and parameter storage costs, leading to difficulties in implementing huge deep learning algorithms on memory and power constrained edge devices, such as smartphones and drones. Thus various compression methods are proposed, such as channel pruning. According to the analysis of low-level operations on edge devices, existing channel pruning methods have limited effect on latency optimization. Due to data processing operations, the pruned residual blocks still result in significant latency, which hinders real-time processing of CNNs on edge devices. Hence, we propose a generic deep learning architecture optimization method to achieve further acceleration on edge devices. The network is optimized in two stages, Global Constraint and Start-up Latency Reduction, and pruning of both channels and residual blocks is achieved. Optimized networks are evaluated on desktop CPU, FPGA, ARM CPU, and PULP platforms. The experimental results show that the latency is reduced by up to 70.40%, which is 13.63% higher than only applying channel pruning and achieving real-time processing in the edge device.
Animating memories: revealing the organisation of remembering in interaction at museum exhibits
Authors: Meechan Lucy , vom Lehn Dirk
Published: June 2024

In this article we will explore how people’s memories of past experiences and events are evoked through their interaction with, and around museum objects. By examining naturally-occurring interactions which emerge at exhibits, we investigate how people draw upon material objects within the museum- texts and exhibits, when vocalising their rememberings of past experiences and events, and address the role of the body in animating these occasioned memories. Thus, we can observe how memories are brought to life at exhibits- these past encounters supplying a means through which to engage in the present, and address how people’s aesthetic encounters are shaped by these vocal and bodily animated rememberings. We also examine a case in which a participant’s remembering is questioned, exploring how participants resolve the contested status of memory to arrive at a concerted way of remembering and experiencing an exhibit. The analysis contributes to discussions within the sociology of memory and memory studies, as well as to museology and related areas of research. It is based on field observations and video-recordings of interaction in museums and other exhibitions in Great Britain and Europe, adopting ethnomethodology and conversation analysis as its analytic attitude.
Influence of Solution Treatment Process on the Properties of Duplex Stainless Steels: A Comparative Study on Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of UNS S32205 and UNS S32760
Authors: Tütük İbrahim , Ural Mehmet Moğoltay , Özer Gökhan , Kisasöz Alptekin
Published: June 2024

The study investigated the effect of the solution treatment process on the corrosion behavior and microstructure of the duplex stainless steel. It was also aimed to reveal this effect comparatively depending on the chemical composition and alloying element content. For this purpose, UNS S32205 and UNS S32760 alloys were treated at 1000 °C, 1020 °C and 1040 °C for an hour. A solution treatment temperature was determined according to Thermo-Calc analysis. The examined samples were characterized by an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and XRD analysis. Also, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization analyses revealed the corrosion properties of solution-treated samples. Microstructural studies showed that enhanced solution treatment temperature increased ferrite content for both alloys. A lower solution treatment temperature caused the formation of sigma in the microstructure of S32760 alloy. On the other hand, the charge transfer resistance of the passive layer was reduced after solution treatment at 1000 °C and 1020 °C, indicating decreasing corrosion resistance. A higher austenite ratio in S32205 led to pitting, while corrosion resistance improved with higher treatment temperatures. The presence of the sigma phase in S32760 significantly impacted corrosion properties by increasing ion transfer on the surface, leading to reduced corrosion resistance. It was determined that solution treatment at 1040 °C was appropriate for both alloys to achieve the desired microstructure and corrosion properties.
Optimized Compound Layer Design for Highly Loaded Nitrided Gears
Authors: Sommer Michaela , Sitzmann André , Hantzsche Kerstin , Tobie Thomas , Stahl Karsten , Fechte-Heinen Rainer , Hoja Stefanie
Published: June 2024

Nitriding is a thermochemical surface hardening process, which can be used to improve the performance properties of gears. In particular, the tooth flank and tooth root load-carrying capacity can be significantly increased by nitriding. Previous work has shown that tribological dominated failure modes and limits, such as the micro-pitting and wear load-carrying capacity of gears, can be significantly increased by a suitable compound layer structure. In this work, the relationship between compound layer design and macro-pitting load-carrying capacity of nitrided gears is explored based on experimental investigations. For this purpose, the materials EN31CrMoV9 and EN42CrMo4 were nitrided under varying nitriding conditions to produce compound layers with different structures and properties. The characteristics of the compound layer such as phase composition, compound layer thickness and pore seam were extensively characterized by means of metallographic techniques, XRD, GDOES, and EBSD. Experimental investigations of the macro-pitting load-carrying capacity were carried out on an FZG back-to-back gear test rig with center distance a = 52 mm. It was shown that the pitting load-carrying capacity depends to a large extent on the characteristics of the compound layer, in particular on the formation of the pore seam. A minimum pore seam thickness of CLTP ≥ 1.8 µm has a positive effect on the pitting load-carrying capacity. The test results for the pitting load-carrying capacity are above (σH lim ≥ 1690 N/mm2) or, in some cases, significantly above (σH lim = 1979 N/mm2) the strength values specified in ISO 6336-5:2016 for nitrided nitriding steels (σH lim = 1450 N/mm2; material quality ME) and case-hardened alloy steels (σH lim = 1650 N/mm2; material quality ME).
Adherence to Dietary Behavior Recommendations Moderates the Effect Between Time Since Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Percentage Total Weight Loss
Authors: Bäuerle Alexander , Marsall Matthias , Niedergethmann Marco , von Feilitzsch Maximilian Freiherr , Frewer Anna-Lena , Skoda Eva-Maria , Pouwels Sjaak , Hasenberg Till , Teufel Martin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the gold standard in treating severe obesity. Previous research implies that different psychological and behavior-related factors might be critical for MBS’ sustained success. Yet adherence to dietary behavior recommendations and its impact on weight development is rarely examined. This study investigated the relationship between adherence to dietary behavior recommendations and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) after MBS.

Materials and Methods

This study is a cohort study (acquisition in Germany). N = 485 patients after MBS, being in grade III of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2) pre-MBS, were included. Participants answered a standardized assessment on the relevant constructs, including adherence to dietary behavior recommendations, depression symptoms, weight, diet, and MBS characteristics.

Results

BMI pre-MBS, type of MBS, age, regularity of physical activity, and depression symptoms were identified as significant covariates of %TWL and adherence. Within 6 months after MBS, adherence seems to peak, F(5,352) = 12.35, p < .001. Adherence and time since MBS predict %TWL. A higher adherence (moderator) is related to a higher %TWL, R2 = 52.65%, F(13,344) = 31.54, p < .001.

Conclusion

After MBS, adherence to dietary behavior recommendations seems crucial for maximizing its success. Implications for the optimization of MBS’ success in aftercare management arise. In particular, behavior modification interventions should be routinely implemented.

Graphical Abstract
A new spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of Metopimazine based on the absorbance of its sulfoxide
Authors: Mozgova Olena , Blazheyevskiy Mykola , Kryskiw Liubomyr , Kucher Tetyana , Shliusar Oksana , Moroz Valeriy
Published: June 2024

Metopimazine (MPZ) is a dopamine antagonist from the phenothiazine class of drugs. It has antiemetic properties and is used to treat nausea and vomiting, including those associated with cancer chemotherapy. We have proposed a new method for the quantitative determination of Metopimazine by spectrophotometry. The drug is determined using a difference spectrophotometric technique based on the absorbance of its previously prepared sulfoxide derivative (λmax = 355 nm, ε = 4.5 × 103 L/mol cm) relative to a solution of a non-derivatised drug. The sulfoxide derivative is formed quickly and quantitatively at room temperature by adding potassium caroate solution. The difference in the absorbance of solutions at 355 nm is proportional to the concentration of MPZ in the drug. The method is specific for an intact drug in the presence of oxidative and photochemical decomposition products and excipients. The linearity range is 0.9–30.0 μg/mL. Regression line equation: ΔA = 0.0061 × c (r = 0.999), where c is the MPZ concentration in μg/mL. The limit of quantitation, LOQ (10S), is 2.8 μg/mL. The possibility of quantitative determination of MPZ content in the bulk drug and tablets of Vogalen Lyok 7.5 mg with a relative standard deviation of 1.21% (δ = + 0.05%) and 1.38% (δ = – 0.67%), respectively, was shown. │δ│ <  tα (0.95, n = 7) × RSD/√n, where δ = ($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

–μ) × 100%/μ (μ—quantification data, given in the Certificate of Quality).
Image generation of log ends and patches of log ends with controlled properties using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Björnberg Dag , Ericsson Morgan , Lindeberg Johan , Löwe Welf , Nordqvist Jonas
Published: June 2024

The appearance of the log cross-section provides important information when assessing the quality of the log, where properties to consider include pith location and density of annual rings. This makes tasks like estimation of pith location and annual ring detection of great interest. However, creating labeled training data for these tasks can be time-consuming and subject to misjudgments. For this reason, we aim to create generated training data with controlled properties of pith location and amount of annual rings. We propose a two-step generator based on generative adversarial networks in which we can completely avoid manual labeling, not only when generating training data but also during training of the generator itself. This opens up the possibility to train the generator on other types of log end data without the need to manually label new training data. The same method is used to create two generated training datasets; one of entire log ends and one of patches of log ends. To evaluate how the generated data compares to real data, we train two deep learning models to perform estimation of pith location and ring counting, respectively. The models are trained separately on real and generated data and evaluated on real data only. The results show that the performance of both estimation of pith location and ring counting can be improved by replacing real training data with larger sets of generated training data.
MRD in Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL: Methodologies and Clinical Implications
Authors: Tran Valerie , Salafian Kiarash , Michaels Kenan , Jones Caroline , Reed Daniel , Keng Michael , El Chaer Firas
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is integral in the management of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This review discusses the current methods used to evaluate MRD as well as the interpretation, significance, and incorporation of MRD in current practice.

Recent Findings

New molecular technologies have allowed the detection of MRD to levels as low as 10− 6. The most used techniques to evaluate MRD are multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC), quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS). Each method varies in terms of advantages, disadvantages, and MRD sensitivity. MRD negativity after induction treatment and after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an important prognostic marker that has consistently been shown to be associated with improved outcomes. Blinatumomab, a new targeted therapy for Ph + ALL, demonstrates high efficacy in eradicating MRD and improving patient outcomes. In the relapsed/refractory setting, the use of inotuzumab ozogamicin and tisagenlecleucel has shown promise in eradicating MRD.

The presence of MRD has become an important predictive measure in Ph + ALL. Current studies evaluate the use of MRD in treatment decisions, especially in expanding therapeutic options for Ph + ALL, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, targeted antibody therapies, chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy, and HCT.
Owning Decisions: AI Decision-Support and the Attributability-Gap
Authors: Zeiser Jannik
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been recognised as a challenge to responsibility. Much of this discourse has been framed around robots, such as autonomous weapons or self-driving cars, where we arguably lack control over a machine’s behaviour and therefore struggle to identify an agent that can be held accountable. However, most of today’s AI is based on machine-learning technology that does not act on its own, but rather serves as a decision-support tool, automatically analysing data to help human agents make better decisions. I argue that decision-support tools pose a challenge to responsibility that goes beyond the familiar problem of finding someone to blame or punish for the behaviour of agent-like systems. Namely, they pose a problem for what we might call “decision ownership”: they make it difficult to identify human agents to whom we can attribute value-judgements that are reflected in decisions. Drawing on recent philosophical literature on responsibility and its various facets, I argue that this is primarily a problem of attributability rather than of accountability. This particular responsibility problem comes in different forms and degrees, most obviously when an AI provides direct recommendations for actions, but also, less obviously, when it provides mere descriptive information on the basis of which a decision is made.
What Makes Effective Acute Geriatric Care? - A mixed Methods Study From Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ijadi Maghsoodi Abtin , Barlow-Armstrong Jewel , Pavlov Valery , Rouse Paul , Walker Cameron Graham , Parsons Matthew
Published: June 2024

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Current policies for older patients do not adequately address the barriers to effective implementation of optimal care models in New Zealand, partly due to differences in patient definitions and the in-patient pathway they should follow through hospital. This research aims to: (a) synthesise a definition of a complex older patient; (b) identify and explore primary and secondary health measures; and (c) identify the primary components of a care model suitable for a tertiary hospital in the midland region of the North Island of New Zealand.

Method

This mixed-methods study utilised a convergence model, in which qualitative and quantitative data were investigated separately and then combined for interpretation. Semi-structured interviews (n=11) were analysed using a general inductive method of enquiry to develop key codes, categories and themes. Univariate data analysis was employed using six years of routinely collected data of patients admitted to the emergency department and inpatient units (n=261,773) of the tertiary hospital.

Results

A definition of a complex older patient was determined that incorporates chronic conditions, comorbidities and iatrogenic complications, functional decline, activities of daily living, case fatality, mortality, hospital length of stay, hospital costs, discharge destination, hospital readmission and emergency department revisit and age – not necessarily over 65 years old. Well-performing geriatric care models were found to include patient-centred care, frequent medical review, early rehabilitation, early discharge planning, a prepared environment and multidisciplinary teams.

Conclusions

The findings of this New Zealand study increase understanding of acute geriatric care for complex older patients by filling a gap in policies and strategies, identifying potential components of an optimal care model and defining a complex geriatric patient.

Implications for Public Health

The findings of this study present actionable opportunities for clinicians, managers, academics and policymakers to better understand a complex older patient in New Zealand, with significant relevance also for international geriatric care and to establish an effective acute geriatric care model that leads to beneficial health outcomes and provides safeguard mechanisms.
Bounded Solutions for Non-parametric Mean Curvature Problems with Nonlinear Terms
Authors: Giachetti Daniela , Oliva Francescantonio , Petitta Francesco
Published: June 2024

In this paper we prove existence of nonnegative bounded solutions for the non-autonomous prescribed mean curvature problem in non-parametric form on an open bounded domain $$\Omega $$
Ω
of $${{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}^N$$

R

N

. The mean curvature, that depends on the location of the solution u itself, is asked to be of the form f(x)h(u), where f is a nonnegative function in $$L^{N,\infty }(\Omega )$$

L

N
,
∞

(
Ω
)

and $$h:{{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}^+\mapsto {{\,\mathrm{\mathbb {R}}\,}}^+$$

h
:

R

+

↦

R

+

is merely continuous and possibly unbounded near zero. As a preparatory tool for our analysis we propose a purely PDE approach to the prescribed mean curvature problem not depending on the solution, i.e. $$h\equiv 1$$

h
≡
1

. This part, which has its own independent interest, aims to represent a modern and up-to-date account on the subject. Uniqueness is also handled in presence of a decreasing nonlinearity. The sharpness of the results is highlighted by mean of explicit examples.
Leg stiffness and energy minimisation in human running gaits
Authors: Wróblewska Zofia , Kowalczyk Piotr , Przednowek Krzysztof
Published: June 2024

A novel application of spring-loaded inverted pendulum model is proposed in this study. In particular, we use this model to find the existence of so-called fixed points, which correspond to actual running gaits, as functions of model parameters such as stiffness and energy. Applying the model to experimental data allows us to draw justifiable conclusions on mechanical energy minimisation for running gaits. The data were collected during a study witch 105 athletes. Force was measured using a pressure plate integrated in a treadmill. Kinematic data were recorded using two high-speed video cameras and an accelerometer placed on the back sacral localization. Each athlete completed trials by running at four different targeted velocities (9, 12.5, 16, 19.5 km/h). Running velocity influenced the values of the leg spring stiffness approximations, while the values of stiffness, determined using data from the pressure plate and camera, vary only slightly. The mechanical energy corresponding to periodic running gaits was studied with leg stiffness determined from the experiment. The mechanical energy of the runner slightly exceeded the minimum value of energy required for the existence of fixed points in the model. These results contribute to the general understanding of running gaits in terms of mechanical energy optimization.