bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Gini Means with Fixed Number of Variables
Authors: Grünwald Richárd , Páles Zsolt
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we consider the global comparison problem of Gini means with fixed number of variables on a subinterval I of

$$\mathbb {R}_+$$

R
+

, i.e., the following inequality where

$$n\in \mathbb {N},n\ge 2$$

n
∈
N
,
n
≥
2

is fixed,

$$(p,q),(r,s)\in \mathbb {R}^2$$

(
p
,
q
)

,

(
r
,
s
)

∈

R

2

and

$$x_1,\dots ,x_n\in I$$

x
1

,
⋯
,

x
n

∈
I

. Given a nonempty subinterval I of

$$\mathbb {R}_+$$

R
+

and

$$n\in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

, we introduce the relations

$$\begin{aligned} \Gamma _n(I)&:=\{((r,s),(p,q))\in \mathbb {R}^2\times \mathbb {R}^2\mid (*) \text{ holds } \text{ for } \text{ all } x_1,\dots ,x_n\in I\}, \\ \Gamma _\infty (I)&:=\bigcap _{n=1}^\infty \Gamma _n(I). \end{aligned}$$

Γ
n

(
I
)

:
=
{

(

(
r
,
s
)

,

(
p
,
q
)

)

∈

R

2

×

R

2

∣

(

∗
)

holds

for

all

x
1

,
⋯
,

x
n

∈
I
}
,

Γ
∞

(
I
)

:
=

⋂

n
=
1

∞

Γ
n

(
I
)

.

In the paper, we investigate the properties of these sets and their dependence on n and on the interval I and we establish a characterizations of these sets via a constrained minimum problem by using a variant of the Lagrange Multiplier Rule. We also formulate two open problems at the end of the paper.
Assessing the Informational Value of Large Language Models Responses in Aesthetic Surgery: A Comparative Analysis with Expert Opinions
Authors: Grippaudo Francesca Romana , Jeri Matteo , Pezzella Michele , Orlando Maria Giulia , Ribuffo Diego
Published: February 2025

Background

The increasing popularity of Large Language Models (LLMs) in various healthcare settings has raised questions about their ability to provide accurate and reliable information. This study aimed to evaluate the informational value of Large Language Models responses in aesthetic plastic surgery by comparing them with the opinions of experienced surgeons.

Methods

Thirty patients undergoing three common aesthetic procedures—dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, and aesthetic blepharoplasty—were selected. The most frequently asked questions by these patients were recorded and submitted to ChatGpt 3.5 and Google Bard v.1.53. The answers provided by the Large Language Models were then evaluated by 13 experienced aesthetic plastic surgeons on a Likert scale for accessibility, accuracy, and overall usefulness.

Results

The overall ratings of the chatbot responses were moderate, with surgeons generally finding them to be accurate and clear. However, the lack of transparency regarding the sources of the information provided by the LLMs made it impossible to fully evaluate their credibility.

Conclusions

While chatbots have the potential to provide patients with convenient access to information about aesthetic plastic surgery, their current limitations in terms of transparency and comprehensiveness warrant caution in their use as a primary source of information. Further research is needed to develop more robust and reliable LLMs for healthcare applications.

Level of Evidence I

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Rare bilateral anatomical variation of the lateral thoracic artery: duplicated arteries with unique origins and pathways
Authors: Rimmer Mark , J. Peacock Warwick , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Mori Shumpei
Published: February 2025

The lateral thoracic artery (LTA) is one of six main branches that originate from the axillary artery. The LTA has a textbook origin from the 2nd part of the axillary artery posterior to the pectoralis minor muscle. Contrary to the textbook origin, there are numerous reports of LTA variants that originate from the thoracoacromial artery, subscapular artery, and thoracodorsal artery, or even its duplication. This case report involves description of an additional unique duplicate variant of the LTA, bilaterally. The right duplicate LTA has its origin from the 3rd part of the axillary artery and then courses with the axillary sheath before coursing towards the breast. The right duplicate LTA variant also gives off two small subcutaneous branches in the medial upper arm. The left duplicate LTA has its origin from the brachial artery and courses directly to the breast through the axilla. Additional detail on the variants of the LTA could prove useful in surgical procedures that involve the lateral thorax, chest, and axilla and contribute to broader anatomical knowledge.
Association of serum AMH levels with the number of oocytes retrieved in adolescent and young adult women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation
Authors: Kim Sung Woo , Son Hee Jin , Han Ji Yeon , Kim Hoon , Ku Seung-Yup
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate whether the number of oocytes retrieved after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation (FP) can be predicted using serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in adolescent and young adult (AYA) women.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study in a large university-affiliated fertility center. AYA women aged 11 to 25 years received COS using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols for FP were enrolled. Those with canceled cycles or incomplete data were excluded. The primary outcome is to determine whether the number of oocytes retrieved can be predicted through serum AMH levels using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean numbers of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes retrieved, and oocytes cryopreserved were 10.3 ± 7.6, 6.9 ± 6.2, and 8.5 ± 6.8, respectively. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that serum AMH level independently predicts COS outcomes, including the total number of oocytes retrieved (adjusted R
2 = 0.222, P < 0.001), the number of mature oocytes retrieved (adjusted R
2 = 0.102, P = 0.013), and the number of oocytes cryopreserved (adjusted R
2 = 0.153, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Serum AMH level was a significant predictor of the number of oocytes retrieved after COS for FP in AYA women, while antral follicle count and age were not significantly related.
Survival analysis of laryngeal squamous cell cancer, considering different treatment modalities and other factors influencing survival – a monocentric retrospective investigation
Authors: Répássy Gábor Dénes , Molnár András , Maihoub Stefani , Hargas Dóra , Tamás László
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting laryngeal cancer survival.

Methods

This study retrospectively analysed laryngeal cancer types, treatment options, and potential factors influencing survival.

Results

77 patients (26.27%) had supraglottic laryngeal cancer, 209 (70.13%) had glottic laryngeal cancer, and 7 (3.6%) had subglottic laryngeal cancer. Common comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and coronary disease were observed in 13.65%, 11.9%, and 22.18% of the patients, respectively. Smoking was detected in 88.05% of the patients, while 56.3% reported regular alcohol consumption. The study found that hemilaryngectomy and supraglottic horizontal resection led to significantly longer survival compared to other treatment options (i.e., total laryngectomy, supracricoid horizontal partial laryngectomy, transoral laser cordectomy, chemoradiation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy), p = 0.000*. Glottic cancers tend to have longer survival when considering laryngeal cancer locations; however, this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.640). Statistical comparisons showed significantly longer survival rates for surgical treatments in stages 1 (p = 0.007*) and 4 (p = 0.007*). Factors such as coronary artery disease, higher ECOG performance status, advanced ‘N’ stages, and higher tumour grades were found to significantly worsen survival, as determined by a Cox proportional hazards model.

Conclusion

The study revealed that factors such as coronary disease, patients’ functionality, ‘N’ stages, and tumour grade significantly impacted survival rates. Furthermore, the study found that supraglottic horizontal resection and hemilaryngectomy resulted in the longest survival. Surgical methods were associated with significantly longer survival rates in disease stages 1 and 4.
Biodiversity of strains belonging to the freshwater genus Aquirufa in a riparian forest restoration area in Salzburg, Austria, with a focus on the description of Aquirufa salirivi sp. nov. and Aquirufa novilacunae sp. nov
Authors: Pitt Alexandra , Lienbacher Stefan , Schmidt Johanna , Neumann-Schaal Meina , Wolf Jacqueline , Wenng Hannah , Oren Aharon , Huber Zoe , Hahn Martin W.
Published: February 2025

During a citizen science project, four freshwater habitats in a riparian forest restoration area in Salzburg, Austria, were sampled. The primary aim was to obtain bacterial strains of the genus Aquirufa, a group of typical and widespread freshwater bacteria. Numerous pure cultures of Aquirufa strains could be obtained, three of them originating from the river Salzach, a newly created pond and the lake Ausee represented new species. Strain 1-SAACH-A3T was characterized by a genome size of 3.2 Mbp and a G + C value of 38.4 mol% and encoded genes predicted for nitrate uptake and nitrous oxide utilization. Strains BAHN-186BT and 2-AUSEE-184A6 were characterized by a genome size of 2.4 Mbp and a G + C value of 42.4 and 42.2 mol%, respectively, and encoded genes predicted for the light-harvesting rhodopsin system. Calculated whole-genome average nucleotide identity values with Aquirufa type strains resulted in a maximum value of 93.65% for comparison of strain 1-SAACHT with the type strain of Aquirufa ecclesiirivi, which is slightly under the proposed threshold of species demarcation. The calculated gANI value comparing strains BAHN-186BT and 2-AUSEE-184A6 revealed 95.76%, thus a value slightly above the threshold. Further analyses revealed that the three new strains represent two new species, proposed here as Aquirufa salirivi sp. nov. with type strain 1-SAACH-A3T (= DSM 117800 T = JCM 37097 T) and Aquirufa novilacunae sp. nov. with type strain BAHN-186BT (= DSM 118143 T = JCM 37099 T). Analyses of 123 publicly available metagenomes and a metagenome of the lake Ausee resulted in no detection of A. salirivi sp. nov. In contrast, A. novilacunae sp. nov. could be detected in 15 water samples of rivers, mainly from Asia, but also from North America and Australia. The analyses suggested that the species occurs in most of these samples in low relative abundance, detections derived from metagenomes of water samples from the river Yangtze in the subtropical zone could be interpreted as occurrence in higher abundances.
Restarts Subject to Approximate Sharpness: A Parameter-Free and Optimal Scheme For First-Order Methods
Authors: Adcock Ben , Colbrook Matthew J. , Neyra-Nesterenko Maksym
Published: February 2025

Sharpness is an almost generic assumption in continuous optimization that bounds the distance from minima by objective function suboptimality. It facilitates the acceleration of first-order methods through restarts. However, sharpness involves problem-specific constants that are typically unknown, and restart schemes typically reduce convergence rates. Moreover, these schemes are challenging to apply in the presence of noise or with approximate model classes (e.g., in compressive imaging or learning problems), and they generally assume that the first-order method used produces feasible iterates. We consider the assumption of approximate sharpness, a generalization of sharpness that incorporates an unknown constant perturbation to the objective function error. This constant offers greater robustness (e.g., with respect to noise or relaxation of model classes) for finding approximate minimizers. By employing a new type of search over the unknown constants, we design a restart scheme that applies to general first-order methods and does not require the first-order method to produce feasible iterates. Our scheme maintains the same convergence rate as when the constants are known. The convergence rates we achieve for various first-order methods match the optimal rates or improve on previously established rates for a wide range of problems. We showcase our restart scheme in several examples and highlight potential future applications and developments of our framework and theory.
Association patterns between farmland abandonment and the non-native Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) in the eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Lucio-Puig Pau , Muñoz-Mas Rafael , Garófano-Gómez Virginia , Merle Hugo , Gómez Jaime , Monrós Juan S.
Published: February 2025

Pet trading has led to a growing number of bird introductions worldwide, which has negatively affected recipient ecosystems and native species. Studying the seasonal and spatial distribution patterns of native and non-native bird species, such as the Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild), is fundamental for understanding the ecological interactions between these two groups of species. For this purpose, we ran a year-round survey of passerine communities in two Mediterranean wetlands of the eastern Iberian Peninsula and investigated Common Waxbill’s feeding preferences. We studied the Common Waxbill association with native birds and their habitat use. The cluster analysis indicated that the Common Waxbill was the most abundant species of a distinct community, with peak presence in autumn. The random forests analysis revealed that it preferred human-modified land uses. Furthermore, farmland abandonment and the presence of two invasive plants, Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) and Giant Reed (Arundo donax), positively influenced Common Waxbill presence. However, when eaten plants were divided into native, non-native and invasive, the Common Waxbill did not exhibit any preference. This corroborates that the Common Waxbill has significant ecological plasticity, which allows it to exploit a wide range of feeding resources in human-modified habitats. This study enhances knowledge of the interactions between native birds and invasive plants due to farmland abandonment, and of one of the most globally widespread non-native bird species. It highlights the need to monitor both groups of species and their long-term interactions.
Increased heterozygosity and body condition result from admixed translocation of the threatened Mogollon Narrow-headed Gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus)
Authors: Wood Dustin A. , Christman Bruce L. , Jennings Randy D. , Rose Jonathan , Nowak Erika , Schofer Justin , Vandergast Amy G.
Published: February 2025

Enhancing gene flow through translocations can be a useful tool in recovering small and isolated populations. However, it is not devoid of genetic risks, such as outbreeding depression in future generations, that can have negative consequences in terms of the establishment and mean fitness of the population. Studies that monitor the long-term effects of genetic rescue on populations in the wild are few, especially for snakes. We used long-term genetic monitoring and body condition indices to investigate the consequences of conservation translocation and genetic admixture in a Mogollon Narrow-headed Gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) wild population. We compared genetic diversity and fitness metrics among the source and recipient populations to evaluate individual- and population-level fitness responses related to the conservation translocation. Our study found persistent captures with continued monitoring for over a decade post-release, and the recipient population showed lower inbreeding values and an increase in heterozygosity that was 19% higher than the two source populations. Snakes sampled in the recipient population had higher individual heterozygosity and body condition than those in the extant source and reference populations. Further, Bayesian regression models supported a significant positive relationship between heterozygosity and body condition after accounting for among-site differences, suggesting that efforts to increase heterozygosity can improve mean fitness in these populations. Our study highlights the potential benefits of conservation translocation from multiple source populations to restore the distribution and increase heterozygosity and population fitness of this threatened gartersnake. Alongside ecological restoration, translocation programs could be used to ensure both the persistence and resilience of populations throughout the species’ range.
Monitoring the Multiple Stages of Climate Tipping Systems from Space: Do the GCOS Essential Climate Variables Meet the Needs?
Authors: Loriani S. , Bartsch A. , Calamita E. , Donges J. F. , Hebden S. , Hirota M. , Landolfi A. , Nagler T. , Sakschewski B. , Staal A. , Verbesselt J. , Winkelmann R. , Wood R. , Wunderling N.
Published: February 2025

Many components of the Earth system feature self-reinforcing feedback processes that can potentially scale up a small initial change to a fundamental state change of the underlying system in a sometimes abrupt or irreversible manner beyond a critical threshold. Such tipping points can be found across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and are expressed in very different observable variables. For example, early-warning signals of approaching critical transitions may manifest in localised spatial pattern formation of vegetation within years as observed for the Amazon rainforest. In contrast, the susceptibility of ice sheets to tipping dynamics can unfold at basin to sub-continental scales, over centuries to even millennia. Accordingly, to improve the understanding of the underlying processes, to capture present-day system states and to monitor early-warning signals, tipping point science relies on diverse data products. To that end, Earth observation has proven indispensable as it provides a broad range of data products with varying spatio-temporal scales and resolutions. Here we review the observable characteristics of selected potential climate tipping systems associated with the multiple stages of a tipping process: This includes i) gaining system and process understanding, ii) detecting early-warning signals for resilience loss when approaching potential tipping points and iii) monitoring progressing tipping dynamics across scales in space and time. By assessing how well the observational requirements are met by the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) defined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), we identify gaps in the portfolio and what is needed to better characterise potential candidate tipping elements. Gaps have been identified for the Amazon forest system (vegetation water content), permafrost (ground subsidence), Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, AMOC (section mass, heat and fresh water transports and freshwater input from ice sheet edges) and ice sheets (e.g. surface melt). For many of the ECVs, issues in specifications have been identified. Of main concern are spatial resolution and missing variables, calling for an update of the ECVS or a separate, dedicated catalogue of tipping variables.
Within-person Relations Between Social Skills and Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder from Preschool to Adolescence – A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Husby Silje Merethe , Ascaco Lourdes Ezpeleta , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: February 2025

Effective treatment of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) is dependent on etiological knowledge about what factors contribute to their development and maintenance. Previous research points to a role for social skills in this process, but findings are mixed, possibly due to methodological factors. A sample drawn from two birth cohorts (n = 1,079, 50.1% girls) in the city of Trondheim, Norway, was assessed biennially from age 4 to 16 years. Social skills were rated by teachers and parents and measures of symptoms of ODD and CD were obtained through diagnostic interviews of parents and children (from age 8). Bidirectional relations between within-person changes in social skills and symptoms of ODD and CD, respectively, were assessed by a random intercept cross-lagged model. Increased parent-reported social skills predicted reduced symptoms of both ODD and CD from preschool to adolescence, while teacher-rated social skills predicted reduced symptoms of ODD from 4 to 14 years but predicted reduced symptoms of CD from 6 to 8 years only. Symptoms of ODD and CD predicted reduced teacher-rated social skills on two occasions (6 to 8 years for CD and 8 to 10 years for ODD), but there were no reciprocal paths involving parent-rated social skills. Findings provide support for including social skills training in the prevention and treatment of symptoms of ODD and CD.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Powered Documentation Systems in Healthcare: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bracken Aisling , Reilly Clodagh , Feeley Aoife , Sheehan Eoin , Merghani Khalid , Feeley Iain
Published: February 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven documentation systems are positioned to enhance documentation efficiency and reduce documentation burden in the healthcare setting. The administrative burden associated with clinical documentation has been identified as a major contributor to health care professional (HCP) burnout. The current systematic review aims to evaluate the efficiency, quality, and stakeholder opinion regarding the use of AI-driven documentation systems. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library. Two independent reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify eligible studies. Details of AI technology, document type, document quality and stakeholder experience were extracted. The review included 11 studies. All included studies utilised Chat generated pretrained transformer (Chat GPT, Open AI, CA, USA) or an ambient AI technology. Both forms of AI demonstrated significant potential to improve documentation efficiency. Despite efficiency gains, the quality of AI-generated documentation varied across studies. The heterogeneity of methods utilised to assess document quality influenced interpretation of results. HCP opinion was generally positive, users highlighted ease of use and reduced task load as primary benefits. However, HCPs also expressed concerns about the reliability and validity of AI-generated documentation. Chat GPT and ambient AI show promise in enhancing the efficiency and quality of clinical documentation. While the efficiency benefits are clear, the challenges associated with accuracy and consistency need to be addressed. HCP experiences indicate a cautious optimism towards AI integration, however reliability will depend on continued refinement and validation of the technology.
Random Descent Steps in a Probability Maximization Scheme
Authors: Csizmás Edit , Drenyovszki Rajmund , Szántai Tamás , Fábián Csaba I.
Published: February 2025

Gradient computation of multivariate distribution functions calls for considerable effort. Hence coordinate descent and derivative-free approaches are attractive. This paper deals with constrained convex problems. We perform random descent steps in an approximation scheme that is an inexact cutting-plane method from a dual viewpoint. We prove that the scheme converges and present a computational study comparing different descent methods applied in the approximation scheme.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of Eco-friendly Nanomaterial-Based Sensors for the Analysis of Pharmaceutically Important Compounds
Authors: Kucuk Ipek , Sadak Selenay , Silah Hulya , Dindar Cigdem Kanbes , Bozal-Palabiyik Burcin , Uslu Bengi
Published: February 2025

Green synthesis is a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods for nanomaterial-based sensors because it is more affordable, scalable, and does not involve any harmful contaminants when using green materials’ extracts as stabilizing and reducing agents for nanoparticle synthesis. The green-synthesized nanoparticles are extremely attractive for various pharmaceutical applications. This review article examines the most preferred eco-friendly nanomaterials, their synthesis and characterization, and their pharmaceutical applications based on the selected studies conducted in the last five years. It concludes that the green synthesis methods allow the transformation of metals into nanoparticles or green materials that act as precursors to carbon-based nanomaterials. The nanoscale materials obtained through green synthesis methods contribute to low toxic, environmentally benign, easy, and low-cost sensing and enhanced electrocatalytic performance.
Roles of researchers in inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability research: a reflection tool
Authors: Hofmann Benjamin , Salomon Hanna , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: February 2025

Inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) research is increasingly called for and supported to promote sustainable transformation through knowledge co-production, knowledge integration, and solution development. The paper explores what is needed to support researchers in reflecting on their new roles in ITD research. We introduce a reflection tool that makes the growing literature on researchers’ roles in sustainability science applicable to ITD projects. Its design is based on the arguments that each researcher can have several roles within one research project and that focusing on a few key roles increases clarity compared to differentiating many specialized roles. The tool consists of (1) a researcher survey that operationalizes six prominent roles (traditional scientist, self-reflexive scientist, knowledge integrator, knowledge broker, process facilitator, and change agent), (2) a visualization of role profiles from the survey, and (3) a set of reflection questions on related opportunities, challenges, and coping strategies on individual and project level. We empirically applied the tool in two ITD research projects focused on sustainable food production and water and forest ecosystem management. Comparative application of the tool yielded diverse role profiles of researchers in both projects, with different patterns for senior and junior researchers as well as natural and social scientists. The reflection produced a collection of opportunities, challenges, and coping strategies that corroborates and extends insights from ITD literature. We discuss how the tool triggers multi-dimensional reflection on roles (individual and project level, role combinations, self-perception and external perception) and outline opportunities for further strengthening such reflection in ITD research.
Gate-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment of Printed AlSi10Mg Laser Powder Bed Fusion Jobs in Additive Manufacturing Factories
Authors: Cozzolino Ersilia , Papa Ilaria , Astarita Antonello
Published: February 2025

Among the different advantages, powder bed fusion (PBF) processes allow obtaining the parts having complex geometries, avoiding additional steps to assemble the parts. As a result, time and costs are strongly reduced. Nevertheless, energy and resource consumption in PBF processes is not negligible. Given the lack of real primary data on additive manufacturing (AM) processes in open-source software life cycle assessment (LCA) databases, an in-depth analysis of real industrial situations on the of manufactured products is essential for global knowledge of the real green aspect of the technology used. What is more, studies existing in the literature are sometimes contradictory on the consumption of resources to perform the PBF processes. This is due to the high variability among the different systems used, on the one hand, and also to the proper and efficient use of the machine in AM environments. Also, since a lot of studies are based on the estimation of resource consumption, they can overestimate or underestimate, effectively, the real usage. Especially, on argon consumption, literature seems to be very contradictory. This work aims to fill this gap of knowledge existing. In particular, a “gate-to-gate” LCA of AlSi10Mg components produced by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process is presented in this work. Four scenarios of different production mixes have been performed, monitored and evaluated from a sustainable perspective. Based on the results obtained by the LCA carried out using experimentally measured data of typically printed LPBF jobs, guidelines for sustainable decision-making in AM factories are provided.
On a classification of planar functions in characteristic three
Authors: Andreoli Samuele , Budaghyan Lilya , Coulter Robert , Haukenes Alise , Kaleyski Nikolay , Piccione Enrico
Published: February 2025

Planar functions are functions over a finite field that have optimal combinatorial properties and they have applications in several branches of mathematics, including algebra, projective geometry and cryptography. There are two relevant equivalence relations for planar functions, that are isotopic equivalence and CCZ-equivalence. Classification of planar functions is performed via CCZ-equivalence which arises from cryptographic applications. In the case of quadratic planar functions, isotopic equivalence, coming from connections to commutative semifields, is more general than CCZ-equivalence and isotopic transformations can be considered as a construction method providing up to two CCZ-inequivalent mappings. In this paper, we first survey known infinite classes and sporadic cases of planar functions up to CCZ-equivalence, aiming to exclude equivalent cases and to identify those with the potential to provide additional functions via isotopic equivalence. In particular, for fields of order

$$\varvec{3^n}$$

3
n

with

$$\varvec{n\le 11}$$

n
≤
11

, we completely resolve if and when isotopic equivalence provides different CCZ-classes for all currently known planar functions. Further, we perform an extensive computational investigation on some of these fields and find seven new sporadic planar functions over

$$\varvec{\mathbb {F}_{3^6}}$$

F

3
6

and two over

$$\varvec{\mathbb {F}_{3^9}}$$

F

3
9

. Finally, we give new simple quadrinomial representatives for the Dickson family of planar functions.
Success of deaf adults: a 30-year scoping review
Authors: Ferreiro-Lago Emilio , Pardo-Guijarro María Jesús , Gutierrez-Sigut Eva
Published: February 2025

This scoping review examines how academic, career, and life success of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals has been investigated, as well as which measures have been used to assess success and its associated factors. A search of studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese between 1992 and 2022 in nine databases was conducted, complemented by a manual search. Of the 18,716 potential records retrieved (18,655 from databases and 61 from the manual search), 67 were included in this review, encompassing a total of 1,233,472 individuals. The results showed a predominant focus on academic and career success and to a lesser extent on life success, an educational and professional gap with the hearing population, gender inequalities among DHH people, and a preference for objective measures of success. A variety of factors influence success trajectories, including social capital, family support, and educational services for academic success; level of education for career success; and positive interpersonal relationships and membership in the deaf community for life satisfaction. Limitations regarding language and quality assessment are acknowledged.
Early Detection of Sugar Beet Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease Using Machine Learning-Assisted Thermal Image Processing Method
Authors: Tuğrul Koç Mehmet
Published: February 2025

Early diagnosis of diseases in agriculture is an important factor in reducing the negative environmental impacts by effectively and economically managing the losses caused by these diseases and reducing the use of chemicals. There are different options within the scope of remote sensing for the early detection of diseases. Among these, choosing a method that can detect diseases accurately without harming the plant and the environment is important. Today, positive developments have been made toward non-invasive and effective detection of diseases with thermal camera-based image processing techniques. In this context, there is potential for disease detection with data collection, image processing, and the determination of the characteristics of disease agents through thermal imaging. The research was based on Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora beticola Sacc.) diseases which have significant economic loss potential in sugar beet. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated in experiments involving Cercospora beticola, utilizing a climate station early warning system and UAV-based thermal images across three subjects and six replicate field trial plots. Analyses were made for the early detection of diseases by comparing thermal images taken from the field with multispectral images taken simultaneously. It was investigated whether it was possible to diagnose the disease early before physical symptoms were seen using image processing and machine learning methods. The variability of leaves was analyzed using field images, thermal images, and machine learning algorithms. Thermal imaging enables the rapid detection of potential disease development by measuring increases in leaf temperature in infrared wavelengths. However, a significant limitation of this method in practice is its sensitivity to climate factors such as air temperature and humidity, which can cause rapid fluctuations in the index. This study compared five machine learning algorithms based on four key metrics. MS imaging achieved about 25% higher accuracy in predicting early disease than TE imaging. This study indicates that thermal imaging provides valuable information but is not as effective as multispectral imaging in detecting early-stage stress factors related to diseases.
An energy management system for PV-STATCOMs in power distribution networks via a complex-domain SDP relaxation
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Garcés Alejandro
Published: February 2025

This article proposes an efficient energy management system for optimally scheduling distributed energy resources based on photovoltaic static synchronous compensators (PV-STATCOMs) in medium-voltage distribution networks. The complete nonlinear programming (NLP) model is reformulated as a semi-definite programming (SDP) relaxation in the complex domain. The key feature of our approximation lies in utilizing a set of Hermitian semi-definite matrices

$$\mathbb {X}_{n,n,h}$$

X

n
,
n
,
h

, which allows transforming the NLP model from

$$\mathbb {C}^{n}$$

C

n

into a linear programming one in the space of complex square matrices defined in

$$\mathbb {C}^{n\times n}$$

C

n
×
n

. The IEEE 33-bus grid was selected as a test feeder in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed relaxation through numerical experiments. Two objective functions are considered: (i) the minimization of the energy purchasing costs at the substation terminals and (ii) the minimization of the expected daily energy losses. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed SDP relaxation approach.
Economic valuation of a holistic rewilding approach in multifunctional landscapes: Evidence from the German Oder Delta
Authors: Massenberg Julian R.
Published: February 2025

The academic discourse on rewilding has primarily focused on its ecological dimensions, yet rewilding initiatives also have the potential to combine ecological restoration with regional economic development and societal well-being. Using a discrete choice experiment, this study investigates public preferences and willingness to pay for rewilded landscapes in the Oder Delta and the underlying motivations that influence these preferences. The findings show a general willingness to support a holistic rewilding approach among the local population of Mecklenburg–West Pomerania. However, the results also highlight heterogeneous preferences with respect to different aspects of rewilding as well as underlying motivations. By providing insights into local preferences for rewilded landscapes, this research contributes to informing local rewilding initiatives and overarching conservation policies. It emphasises the importance of navigating trade-offs and conflicts inherent in rewilding projects and land use while emphasising the need for further research on the determinants of preferences and willingness to pay.
Primary HIV-1 infection presenting with nephrotic-range proteinuria and severe acute kidney injury mimicking imported Lassa fever
Authors: Pfäfflin Frieder , Schindler Ralf , Stegemann Miriam Songa , Schneider Wolfgang , Sander Leif Erik , Enghard Philipp , Achterberg Stephan , Schürmann Dirk
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) can present with protean clinical manifestations. We report a rare presentation of PHI that underscores that a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of PHI.

Methods

We report on a 54-yearold previously healthy woman of African descent who presented with sudden-onset nephrotic-range proteinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis in the setting of febrile multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Both the epidemiological and clinical features initially pointed to imported Lassa fever, but this was ruled out. She was eventually diagnosed with PHI. We reviewed the literature for other patients who presented with PHI and AKI requiring hemodialysis.

Results

Kidney biopsy evaluation, including conventional and electron microscopy, revealed minimal change disease (MCD) and diffuse tubular damage leading to AKI. To date, MCD has not been reported to be associated with PHI and severe AKI. A literature search revealed six additional cases of severe PHI-associated AKI requiring hemodialysis. In four cases, severe rhabdomyolysis with tubulotoxic myoglobinuria played the primary causative role, while in one case each AKI was associated with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and hemolytic uremic syndrome, respectively.

Conclusions

Severe AKI requiring hemodialysis is a rare manifestation of PHI and may be associated with several conditions, most commonly PHI-associated rhabdomyolysis with tubulotoxic myoglobinuria. Severe AKI in PHI may also occur as a complication of MCD manifesting with nephrotic-range proteinuria. PHI should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with severe proteinuria and AKI in the setting of febrile multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, including hemorrhagic fever diseases.
Dissolving brittle phases in Ni-based filler metals by adding W
Authors: Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Erck M.
Published: February 2025

Brazing hot work steel is a popular method used in the production of casting tools. Usually, Ni-based alloy Ni 620 serves as the preferred filler metal. However, incorporating metalloids such as B and Si to lower the melting point can result in unwanted intermetallic phase formation within the joint. These phases can adversely affect the mechanical characteristics. Hence, it is vital to reduce intermetallic phase formation during brazing to maintain optimal mechanical properties. The research concentrates on W inoculation of Ni 620 to alter the microstructure of the joint. The alloys are produced via melt spinning, and their solidus and liquidus temperatures are investigated using DSC measurements. Next, X37CrMoV5-1 hot work steel samples are brazed in a vacuum furnace. The microstructure is then studied using SEM/EDS, and their hardness properties are evaluated using nanoindentation. Furthermore, their strength is analyzed in the shear test. Incorporating W into Ni 620 when brazing hot work steel alters the presence of brittle phases and hardness characteristics. Particularly, introducing W leads to a significant decrease in hardness, resulting in a more even distribution of hardness throughout the joining area. Using W to modify Ni 620 proves to be advantageous for improving hardness properties when brazing hot work steel.
The Novelty and the Inventive Level that Utility Models Should Have According to Turkish Law – A Comparative Study of Turkish and German Law
Authors: Polater Salih , Konertz Roman
Published: February 2025

In Türkiye, Law No. 6769 on the Protection of Industrial Property (Sınai Mülkiyet Kanunu – SMK) was adopted on 22 December 2016, and published in the Official Gazette on 10 January 2017. The SMK consolidated the regulations concerning patent law, utility model law, trademark law, geographical indications law, and design law into a single legal text. In this context, some new regulations were made in the field of utility model law. SMK, Art. 142/II, stipulates that technical features that do not contribute to the subject matter of the invention shall not be considered in the novelty assessment of the utility model. During the validity of the previous law, the majority of cases in which an invention protected by a utility model was “photographically” new did not make any actual technical contribution to the subject matter of the invention. However, so far, no opinion has been adopted in Turkish law on how SMK, Art. 142/II, should be interpreted. In this study, the inventive level that utility models should have in Turkish law will be discussed in a comparative manner by taking into account the development and current situation in German law, which has a significant impact on Turkish law.
The Illusory Standard of Significant Human Contribution to AI-Assisted Inventions after the DABUS Decision of the German Federal Court of Justice
Authors: Kim Daria
Published: February 2025

This analysis shows that the decision of the German Federal Court of Justice in the DABUS case provides for a surface-level approach to the much-debated issue of inventorship in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. While the Court accepted the additional information concerning the invention’s genesis on the inventor designation form as being in conformity with the existing (procedural) law, it disregarded the substance of this information, which prima facie raises doubts as to whether the designated natural person is indeed the inventor, particularly given the highly contentious circumstances of Thaler’s case. Although the Court upheld the merit-based notion of inventorship and the sufficient contribution requirement, its formalistic treatment of the inventor designation – such that “any human would do” – risks reducing the inventor designation to a legal fiction, allowing trivial human involvement to qualify as inventorship, especially in cases where unjustifiable claims are unlikely to be contested. The pending legal question left unanswered by the Court is: Under what conditions can, and should, a human using AI in the inventive process fulfil the requirement of sufficient contribution to merit the title of inventor, and how should the rules on inventor designation be applied to safeguard their ratio legis? The decision can be read as encouraging innovators to apply AI in technical problem-solving, leading to potentially patentable inventions, as it ensures that the contribution of AI to finding a technical teaching – regardless of how substantial it might be – would not preclude granting a patent to a natural person. This suggests that the Court prioritised the potential patentability of AI-assisted inventions over the merit-based justification for inventorship.
Clinical implication of anemia in older patients with dementia with lewy bodies
Authors: Karismaz Abdulkadir , Soysal Pinar , Eren Rafet , Serin Istemi , Bilgic Irem , Tanriverdi Irem , Smith Lee
Published: February 2025

Aim

This research sought to investigate the possible connection between anemia and various parameters of comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly individuals diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). To our knowledge, this investigation represents the first attempt to examine how anemia impacts patients suffering from DLB.

Methods

This cross-sectional study encompassed 147 DLB patients from a single geriatric outpatient clinic. The study defined anemia as hemoglobin levels under 12 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men. Patients’ demographic information, coexisting medical conditions, and results from comprehensive geriatric evaluations were also recorded.

Results

Participants in the study had an average age of 85.4 ± 7.1 years. Anemia was present in 46.9% of the patients. Significant disparities were noted between individuals with and without anemia regarding the occurrence of congestive heart failure (CHF), polypharmacy, geriatric depression, and insomnia (all p < 0.05). After controlling for age, gender, and CHF in the multivariate analysis, the association between anemia and both the quantity of medications used [OR: 1.15 (95% CI:1.01-1,31)] and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 scores [OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.98] remained statistically significant (p < 0.05) when comparing anemic patients to non-anemic individuals.

Conclusion

In the present study almost one in two older patients with DLB were anemic. Anemia is associated with presence of CHF, higher number of drugs and depressive mood in DLB. It is recommended that healthcare providers should recognize the importance of anemia and its associated effects when treating older adults with DLB. This approach may lead to more effective management and treatment of this complex condition.
Projective techniques in twistor geometry
Authors: Altavilla Amedeo
Published: February 2025

This survey explores the interplay between twistor geometry and projective geometry, focusing on their applications to algebraic surfaces. We explore two main topics: the inclusion of twistor fibers and lines in these surfaces, and the behavior of twistor discriminant loci, with a particular focus on degree-2 surfaces. The study highlights contributions from Ballico and collaborators, comparing the twistor spaces of

$${\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}}^3$$

C
P

3

and the flag threefold

$${\mathbb {F}},$$

F
,

which reveal fascinating contrasts and parallels. Key findings include a detailed analysis of surfaces in

$${\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}}^3$$

C
P

3

and

$${\mathbb {F}}$$

F

that either contain finite or infinite twistor fibers. The survey also touches on cubic surfaces in

$${\mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}}^3$$

C
P

3

and their counterparts in

$${\mathbb {F}},$$

F
,

where the configurations of twistor fibers lead to intriguing results. Special attention is given to surfaces of twistor degree 2, including how their geometry and singularities interact with twistor projections. In particular, we discuss smooth and singular surfaces in

$${\mathbb {F}}$$

F

of bidegree (1, 1) and (0, 2),  as well as their discriminant loci.