bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Thermoelectric Performance via Weakening Carrier‐Phonon Coupling in BiCuSeO‐Graphene Composites
Authors: Zhou Zhifang , Guo Jinming , Zheng Yunpeng , Yang Yueyang , Yang Bin , Li Dengfeng , Zhang Wenyu , Wei Bin , Liu Chang , Lan Jin‐Le , Nan Ce‐Wen , Lin Yuan‐Hua
Published: March 2024

BiCuSeO is a promising oxygen‐containing thermoelectric material due to its intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity and excellent service stability. However, the low electrical conductivity limits its thermoelectric performance. Aliovalent element doping can significantly improve their carrier concentration, but it may also impact carrier mobility and thermal transport properties. Considering the influence of graphene on carrier‐phonon decoupling, Bi0.88Pb0.06Ca0.06CuSeO (BPCCSO)‐graphene composites are designed. For further practical application, a rapid preparation method is employed, taking less than 1 h, which combines self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis with spark plasma sintering. The incorporation of graphene simultaneously optimizes the electrical properties and thermal conductivity, yielding a high ratio of weighted mobility to lattice thermal conductivity (144 at 300 K and 95 at 923 K). Ultimately, BPCCSO‐graphene composites achieve exceptional thermoelectric performance with a ZT value of 1.6 at 923 K, bringing a ≈40% improvement over BPCCSO without graphene. This work further promotes the practical application of BiCuSeO‐based materials and this facile and effective strategy can also be extended to other thermoelectric systems.
Optimizing Ferrotitanium Wire Injection Parameters for Improving Titanium Recovery in Ladle Furnace Steelmaking
Authors: Samiraj Albin Rozario , Haidar Sk Wasim , Pande Manish M. , Hazra Sujoy S.
Published: March 2024

Titanium or niobium alloying is done in microalloyed steels to improve the mechanical properties by grain refinement. Contrary to niobium, titanium addition gives additional advantages of 1) lower rolling load in the mill and 2) low ferroalloy cost. However, recovery of titanium, owing to its high affinity toward oxygen, is highly inconsistent and depends mainly on secondary steelmaking process parameters like dissolved oxygen content in steel, chemical composition of slag, addition method of alloy, fluid flow conditions of the bath during and after the addition of alloy and temperature of steel. Herein, process data have been analyzed and correlated to the chemical composition of steel and slag to understand the influence of various process parameters on titanium yield. Industrial plant trials have been conducted with a modified ferrotitanium (FeTi) addition practice. FeTi wire injection is done in seven heats with different wire injection speed and bottom argon purging rate. It has been found that 200 m min−1 of injection speed along with differential flow rate of argon from porous plugs with 35 and 6 Nm3 h−1, respectively, yields better recovery of titanium. The titanium recovery increases by 4% compared to the earlier practice of wire injection and argon purging.
Polarizability Engineering of Surface Flattening Molecular Dipoles for Fast and Long Lithium Metal Battery Operation
Authors: Jun Seo‐Young , Shin Kihyun , Lim Yeji , Kim Suji , Kim Huiju , Son Chae Yeong , Ryu Won‐Hee
Published: March 2024

To overcome the energy limitations of conventional Li‐ion batteries (LIB), renewed attention has been given to Li‐metal anodes, which provide the highest capacity and lowest anode potential. To realize Li‐metal batteries (LMBs), it is crucial to stabilize unwanted side reactions on the surface and to inhibit problematic dendrite growth, which causes short‐circuit issues. Herein, diverse pyrrolidone‐based molecular dipole additives controlled by different functional groups are introduced as trifunctional surface stabilizers. It is discovered that the Li–Li symmetric cell improves proportionally with the molar volume and corresponding polarizability values of the molecular dipoles. The highly polarizable pyrrolidone‐based molecular dipoles offer exceptional benefits, including surface flattening of the Li metal anode, controlling the growth direction of crystalline Li, and forming durable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) components. The study is based on polarizability‐controlled molecular dipoles, and offers an effective approach for designing advanced surface stabilizers to develop of high‐performance LMBs.
Navigating trust: The clash of clan culture and conventional management
Authors: Behrens Alfredo
Published: March 2024

How does a mismatch between management and cultural norms lead to decreased engagement and productivity? Within both Germanic and Mediterranean cultural spheres, trust dynamics mirror deeply ingrained kinship patterns, which evolve slowly over time. The inclination to trust within one's own kin group is notably stronger among Mediterranean populations compared to their Germanic counterparts. Even as these populations migrated to regions such as Latin America and the United States, the distinct trust patterns persist. Germanic managerial methodologies rely heavily on trust‐based behaviors inherent to Germanic cultures, which may not find resonance within the Mediterranean cultural context. Consequently, such managerial approaches often prove less effective within Mediterranean clusters. In contrast, management practices that prioritize kinship dynamics, commonly seen among Mediterranean peoples, foster an environment of trust, teamwork, and a sense of collective responsibility. This approach necessitates fewer bureaucratic controls and cultivates heightened levels of engagement and performance in the workplace. These assertions draw from a synthesis of historical accounts, business literature, anthropological studies, as well as empirical evidence from sources such as the World Values Survey Wave 6 data and field research conducted over a 2‐year period within a Brazilian samba school setting.
TFEB ameliorates DEHP‐induced neurotoxicity by activating GAL3/TRIM16 axis dependent lysophagy and alleviating lysosomal dysfunction
Authors: Xing Hengrui , Xu Panpan , Ma Yue , Li Tingting , Zhang Yue , Ding Xueman , Liu Li , Keerman Mulatibieke , Niu Qiang
Published: March 2024

Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer with known neurotoxic effects. However, the specific mechanism underlying this neurotoxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of lysosomal function and lysophagy in DEHP‐induced neurotoxicity, with a particular focus on the regulatory role of Transcription factor EB (TFEB). To achieve this, we utilized in vitro models of DEHP‐exposed SH‐SY5Y cells and HT22 cells. Our findings revealed that DEHP exposure led to lysosomal damage and dysfunction. Moreover, we observed impaired autophagic degradation, characterized by elevated levels of LC3II and p62. DEHP treatment downregulated the expression of TFEB, GAL3, and TRIM16, while upregulating the expression of PARP. This led to the inhibition of GAL3/TRIM16 axis dependent lysophagy and ultimately excessive apoptosis in neuronal cells. Importantly, TFEB overexpression alleviated lysosomal dysfunction, activated lysophagy, and mitigated DEHP‐induced apoptosis. Overall, our results suggest that DEHP induces not only lysosomal dysfunction, but also inhibits lysophagy through the suppression of GAL3/TRIM16 axis. Consequently, impaired clearance of damaged lysosomes occurs, culminating in neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, our findings highlight the critical role of TFEB in regulating lysophagy and lysosomal function. Furthermore, TFEB may serve as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating DEHP‐induced neuronal toxicity.
Nickel induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis in mice via activation of the oxidative stress‐mediated TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Cao Shanchuan , Yin Heng , Li Xinglai , Zeng Xin , Liu Jingbo
Published: March 2024

Nickel (Ni) is recognized as a carcinogenic metal, and its widespread use has led to severe environmental and health problems. Although the lung is among the main organs affected by Ni, the precise mechanisms behind this effect remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying Ni‐induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF), using various techniques including histopathological detection, biochemical analysis, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real‐time PCR. Mice were treated with nickel chloride (NiCl2), which induced PF (detected by Masson staining), up‐regulation of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and collagen‐1 mRNA and protein expression. NiCl2 was found to induce PF by: activation of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)/Smad signaling pathway; up‐regulation of protein and mRNA expression of TGF‐β1, p‐Smad2, p‐Smad3, vimentin, and N‐cadherin; and down‐regulation of protein and mRNA expression of E‐cadherin. In addition, NiCl2 treatment increased malondialdehyde content while inhibiting antioxidant activity, as indicated by decreased catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activities, and glutathione content. Co‐treatment with the effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) plus NiCl2 was used to study the effects of oxidative stress in NiCl2‐induced PF. The addition of NAC significantly mitigated NiCl2‐induced PF, and reversed activation of the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway and EMT. NiCl2‐induced PF was therefore shown to be due to EMT activation via the TGF‐β1/Smad signaling pathway, mediated by oxidative stress.
Unraveling the role of low‐density lipoprotein‐related genes in lung adenocarcinoma: Insights into tumor microenvironment and clinical prognosis
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Wu Xinyi , Wang Dingli , Zhang Mengzhe , Zhang Bin , Zhang Zhenfa
Published: March 2024

Background

The hypothesized link between low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and oncogenesis has garnered significant interest, yet its explicit impact on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains to be elucidated. This investigation aims to demystify the function of LDL‐related genes (LRGs) within LUAD, endeavoring to shed light on the complex interplay between LDL and carcinogenesis.

Methods

Leveraging single‐cell transcriptomics, we examined the role of LRGs within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The expression patterns of LRGs across diverse cellular phenotypes were delineated using an array of computational methodologies, including AUCell, UCell, singscore, ssGSEA, and AddModuleScore. CellChat facilitated the exploration of distinct cellular interactions within LDL_low and LDL_high groups. The findmarker utility, coupled with Pearson correlation analysis, facilitated the identification of pivotal genes correlated with LDL indices. An integrative approach to transcriptomic data analysis was adopted, utilizing a machine learning framework to devise an LDL‐associated signature (LAS). This enabled the delineation of genomic disparities, pathway enrichments, immune cell dynamics, and pharmacological sensitivities between LAS stratifications.

Results

Enhanced cellular crosstalk was observed in the LDL_high group, with the CoxBoost+Ridge algorithm achieving the apex c‐index for LAS formulation. Benchmarking against 144 extant LUAD models underscored the superior prognostic acuity of LAS. Elevated LAS indices were synonymous with adverse outcomes, diminished immune surveillance, and an upsurge in pathways conducive to neoplastic proliferation. Notably, a pronounced susceptibility to paclitaxel and gemcitabine was discerned within the high‐LAS cohort, delineating prospective therapeutic corridors.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the significance of LRGs within the TME and introduces an LAS for prognostication in LUAD patients. Our findings accentuate putative therapeutic targets and elucidate the clinical ramifications of LAS deployment.
Creating PRRS‐resistant pigs for the supermarket
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: March 2024

Georgina Mills reports on a bid from a UK‐based company to have pigs that are bred to be resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome approved for sale in the USA.
Update on emerging multidrug‐resistant Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Vázquez‐Boland Jose , Val‐Calvo Jorge , Scortti Mariela
Published: March 2024

Jose Vázquez‐Boland, Jorge Val‐Calvo and Mariela Scortti present a brief summary of the main aspects surrounding the recently identified multidrug‐resistant Rhodococcus equi that emerged in the USA and the actions being taken to tackle the problem with support from the UK's Horserace Betting Levy Board.
Future governance of the RCVS: democracy or oligarchy?
Authors: Vivash Jones Bruce
Published: March 2024

Bruce Vivash Jones argues that the recent announcement from the RCVS that it is moving to ‘scrap elections to council’ raises many questions and concerns.
Modeling N fertilization impact on water cycle and water use efficiency of maize, finger‐millet, and lablab crops in South India
Authors: Almawazreh Albara , Uteau Daniel , Subbarayappa C. T. , Buerkert Andreas , Lehmann Sybille , Peth Stephan
Published: March 2024

The understanding of the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the field water cycle and corresponding water use efficiency (WUE) is very important for optimizing fertilization rates and conserving stressed water resources. We modeled soil moisture dynamics of maize (Zea mays L.), finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn.), and lablab [Lablab purpureus (L..) Sweet] plots using calibrated HYDRUS‐1D model on two experimental sites (rain‐fed and irrigated) for three seasons under different N treatments. The results indicate that the effects of N depended on plant specific properties such as N‐fixation and drought tolerance, and on plant available water content governed by soil structure and rainfall seasonal variability. Maize WUE of plots which received 150 kg/ha of urea (46 N) were 10–30 kg/ha/mm higher than plots which received none; likewise, millet that received 50 kg/ha of urea had a 7–10 kg/ha/mm higher WUE than control plots in both experiments. However, differences in water cycle components were noticeable between N treatments only in the rain‐fed experiment, where higher N levels led to around 60 and 30 mm higher transpiration, 30 and 20 mm lower evaporation, and 30 and 15 mm lower percolation per season for maize and millet, respectively. In 2018, which was the driest year, the difference in maize WUE between the high and low N treatments was only 1 kg/ha/mm, which corresponded with low actual to potential transpiration ratios (). This indicates higher sensitivity of maize to water stress compared to the other crops. The results of lablab indicate a positive impact of N fertilization on WUE only under water‐limited conditions.
Restoration of intestinal continuity following emergency sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis using coarsened exact matching
Authors: Yang Phillip , Ang Zhen Hao , Berney Christophe R.
Published: March 2024

Background

There is limited data to guide decision‐making between performing a primary anastomosis and fashioning an end colostomy following emergency sigmoid colectomy for patients with sigmoid volvulus. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of these two approaches.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Missing data were multiply imputed, and coarsened exact matching was performed to generate matched cohorts. Rates of major complications and other postoperative outcomes were evaluated among patients who had a primary anastomosis as compared with matched controls who had an end colostomy following emergency sigmoid colectomy.

Results

Overall, 4041 patients who had a primary anastomosis and 1240 who had an end colostomy met the inclusion criteria. After multiple imputation and coarsened exact matching, 895 patients who had a primary anastomosis had a matched control. The rate of major complications was lower in patients who had an end colostomy (33.2% vs. 36.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70–1.05). Results were similar in subgroup analyses of higher‐risk patients. There were no significant differences in overall complication rate, mortality, length of hospital stay, or readmission rate. Patients with a colostomy were more likely to be discharged to a care facility (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.67).

Conclusion

Differences in rates of major complications and many other outcomes after primary anastomosis as compared with end colostomy were not statistically significant following emergency sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus.
Hall and viscous dissipation effects on mixed convective MHD heat absorbing flow due to an impulsively moving vertical porous plate with ramped surface temperature and concentration
Authors: Matao Paul Majani , Reddy Bijjula Prabhakar , Sunzu Jefta M.
Published: March 2024

The current investigation is purported on viscous heating dissipation and Hall consequences on mixed convection magneto‐hydrodynamic heat captivating fluid transmitting from an impulsively starting vertical porous plate with ramp surface temperature and concentration in the existence of chemical reaction and radiation. The dimensional flow dominating partial differential equations is translated into a non‐dimensional partial differential form by adopting appropriate variables and parameters. A finite element approach is driven to simplify the resulting dimensionless nonlinear linked partial differential equations with initial and boundary stipulates. The after‐effects of flow commanding parameters on the velocity components, temperature and concentration are broadly analysed graphically, whereas both primary and secondary shear stresses, heat and mass transferral rates close to the surface area of the plate are discussed in tables. The ultimate results of this research revealed that viscous heating dissipation, Hall current, and thermal and mass buoyancy responses intensify both velocity components, whereas the efficacy of magnetic fields and radiation degrade both velocity components. The temperature distribution devalues with increasing heat absorption and Prandtl number, but a contrary impulse was noted with viscous heating dissipation. Likewise, concentration distribution expands with time progress but decays with chemical reaction parameters. A comparative analysis among the current results and certain research studies in the literature manifests the results’ precision and correctness.
Study of mass and heat transfer for peristaltic transport of cross nanofluid through a curved channel
Authors: Iqbal Jamshaid , Abbasi Fahad Munir , Nawaz Rab
Published: March 2024

Nanoparticles have significant applications in drug delivery systems, heat exchanges, treatment of several diseases and chemical reactions. The Cross non‐Newtonian nanofluid model for heat and mass transfer inspection with diethylene glycol‐based fluid is highlighted in this study. The magnesium aluminate nanoparticles are used to evaluate nanofluid characteristics. The current investigation explores the numerical results for magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) peristaltic movement of Cross‐nanofluid via a curved channel under the influences of thermal radiation, heat sink/source and Joule heating. The effects of viscous dissipation, thermophoretic, variable thermal conductivity and Brownian diffusion coefficients in the presence of mass and thermal convection are also taken into consideration. Flow problem is modeled using fundamental conservation laws, and the resulting nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by employing long wavelength and a small Reynolds number approximations. Simplified systems of ODEs are addressed by adopting numerical technique via the NDSolve built‐in command in Mathematica. Furthermore, graphical presentations explain the behavior of relevant flow parameters. Results indicate that better values of the magnetic number and the thermophoresis parameter increase the rate of mass transfer. Results indicate that the nanofluid's temperature increases by improving values of the Brinkman number and falls with the thermal radiation parameter. It is also stated that the nanofluid's velocity reduces near the lower wall for greater values of Hartman number. Moreover, heat transfer rate improves for larger values of the heat generation parameter and curvature parameter.
Impact Logic: Social Innovation Categories for Cities’ Action Plans
Authors: Bresciani Sabrina , Rizzo Francesca , Mureddu Francesco
Published: March 2024

How can cities’ public administrators, policy makers or transition teams be supported in selecting and monitoring social innovation actions that support people-centred systemic solutions to reduce carbon emissions? Including social innovation in cities’ climate city contracts and action plans, requires decision makers to consider the impact logic and impact pathways: which social innovation initiatives could lead to expected outcomes? In order to develop such impact logic, it is necessary to define categories of social innovations that can be implemented in urban or reginal action plans, for then identifying indicators for each category.
Indicators of Social Innovation for Cities’ Action Plans Evaluation
Authors: Bresciani Sabrina , Rizzo Francesca , Mureddu Francesco
Published: March 2024

For each of the ten categories of the social innovation component of an action plan (SIAP), a set of indicators is developed which can be utilized by the public administration to monitor implementation and outcome of social innovation actions at urban level.
Applying the Indicators in Cities
Authors: Bresciani Sabrina , Rizzo Francesca , Mureddu Francesco
Published: March 2024

In the previous chapters, over one thousand indicators for assessing the social innovation component of cities action plans have been presented, according to defined categories. The practical and theoretical implications of such catalogue of indicators are discussed, firstly providing concrete steps and checklists for deploying indicators in city by publica administrators, policy makers and transition teams members. Secondly, a set of 40 process indicators is provided to equip cities with questions for progressive evaluation and reflexive learning. Finally, theoretical implications and future directions are discussed.
Inflation correlators with multiple massive exchanges
Authors: Xianyu Zhong-Zhi , Zang Jiaju
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The most general tree-level boundary correlation functions of quantum fields in inflationary spacetime involve multiple exchanges of massive states in the bulk, which are technically difficult to compute due to the multi-layer nested time integrals in the Schwinger-Keldysh formalism. On the other hand, correlators with multiple massive exchanges are well motivated in cosmological collider physics, with the original quasi-single-field inflation model as a notable example. In this work, with the partial Mellin-Barnes representation, we derive a simple rule, called family-tree decomposition, for directly writing down analytical answers for arbitrary nested time integrals in terms of multi-variable hypergeometric series. We present the derivation of this rule together with many explicit examples. This result allows us to obtain analytical expressions for general tree-level inflation correlators with multiple massive exchanges. As an example, we present the full analytical results for a range of tree correlators with two massive exchanges.
3d-3d correspondence and 2d $$\mathcal{N}$$ = (0, 2) boundary conditions
Authors: Chung Hee-Joong
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We consider quiver forms that appear in the motivic Donaldson-Thomas generating series or characters of conformal field theories and relate them to 3d $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 2 theories on D2×q S1 with certain boundary conditions preserving 2d $$\mathcal{N}$$ = (0, 2) supersymmetry. We apply this to the 3d-3d correspondence and provide a Lagrangian description of 3d $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 2 theories T[M3] with 2d $$\mathcal{N}$$ = (0, 2) boundary conditions for 3-manifolds M3 in several contexts.
Dimensional reduction of the S3/WZW duality
Authors: Suzuki Kenta , Taki Yusuke
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Recently proposed duality relates the critical level limit $$\widehat{k}\to -2$$ of $${\text{SU}}{\left(2\right)}_{\widehat{k}}$$ WZW models to a classical three-dimensional Einstein gravity on a sphere. In this paper, we propose a dimensional reduced version of this duality. The gravity side is reduced to a Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity on S2 with a non-standard boundary term, or a BF theory with SU(2) gauge symmetry. At least in low temperature limit, these two-dimensional gravity theories completely capture the original three-dimensional gravity effect. The CFT side is reduced to a certain complex Liouville quantum mechanics (LQM) with SU(2) gauge symmetry. Our proposal gives an interesting example of a holography without boundary. We also discuss a higher-spin generalization with SU(N) gauge symmetry.
Sulfur isotopes in Archaean crustal reservoirs constrain the transport and deposition mechanisms of nickel-sulfides in komatiites
Authors: Virnes Anne B. , Fiorentini Marco L. , Caruso Stefano , Baublys Kim , Masurel Quentin , Thebaud Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Assimilation and prolonged suspension of crust-derived sulfide liquid in komatiites are essential to form Ni-rich mineralisation. Evaluating the spatial relationship between komatiite-hosted Ni mineralisation and crustal S sources may thus provide insights into mechanisms of transport, metal enrichment and deposition of assimilated sulfide liquid. This study applied facies analysis and S isotopes to sulfides in Ni-mineralised komatiites and stratigraphically underlying bimodal volcanic-volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks, which formed during rifting in the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt, Western Australia. The results revealed a lateral variation from rift-distal sedimentary sulfides, through sulfidic BIF, to rift-proximal VMS-style sulfides, the latter of which was predominantly assimilated by komatiites. Both crustal and komatiite-hosted sulfides were overprinted by granite-related skarn alteration during later basin inversion. Spatial S isotopes correlation revealed that Ni mineralisation in komatiites predominantly formed < 5 km from their crustal S sources, excluding long lateral transport as the main metal enrichment mechanism. Rather, metal enrichment likely happened through multiple cycles of sulfide entrapment and entrainment in lava flow vortices that formed in the wake of topographic steps represented by syn-rift faults. These faults were the main loci for pre-existing crustal weaknesses, hydrothermal fluid circulation, and VMS-style sulfide deposition, which were subsequently utilised by komatiites for enhanced thermo-mechanical erosion and crustal sulfide assimilation. This study shows that proximity to the syn-rift faults was the dominant control on the formation of komatiite-hosted Ni–sulfide mineralisation, regardless of substrate lithology. The S isotope signatures of crustal sulfides may be used as a proxy to identify syn-rift faults in highly deformed terranes.
On prediction-modelers and decision-makers: why fairness requires more than a fair prediction model
Authors: Scantamburlo Teresa , Baumann Joachim , Heitz Christoph
Published: March 2024

An implicit ambiguity in the field of prediction-based decision-making concerns the relation between the concepts of prediction and decision. Much of the literature in the field tends to blur the boundaries between the two concepts and often simply refers to ‘fair prediction’. In this paper, we point out that a differentiation of these concepts is helpful when trying to implement algorithmic fairness. Even if fairness properties are related to the features of the used prediction model, what is more properly called ‘fair’ or ‘unfair’ is a decision system, not a prediction model. This is because fairness is about the consequences on human lives, created by a decision, not by a prediction. In this paper, we clarify the distinction between the concepts of prediction and decision and show the different ways in which these two elements influence the final fairness properties of a prediction-based decision system. As well as discussing this relationship both from a conceptual and a practical point of view, we propose a framework that enables a better understanding and reasoning of the conceptual logic of creating fairness in prediction-based decision-making. In our framework, we specify different roles, namely the ‘prediction-modeler’ and the ‘decision-maker,’ and the information required from each of them for being able to implement fairness of the system. Our framework allows for deriving distinct responsibilities for both roles and discussing some insights related to ethical and legal requirements. Our contribution is twofold. First, we offer a new perspective shifting the focus from an abstract concept of algorithmic fairness to the concrete context-dependent nature of algorithmic decision-making, where different actors exist, can have different goals, and may act independently. In addition, we provide a conceptual framework that can help structure prediction-based decision problems with respect to fairness issues, identify responsibilities, and implement fairness governance mechanisms in real-world scenarios.
Semi-linear parabolic equations on homogenous Lie groups arising from mean field games
Authors: Mannucci Paola , Marchi Claudio , Mendico Cristian
Published: March 2024

The existence and the uniqueness of solutions to some semilinear parabolic equations on homogeneous Lie groups, namely, the Fokker–Planck equation and the Hamilton–Jacobi equation, are addressed. The anisotropic geometry of the state space plays a crucial role in our analysis and creates several issues that need to be overcome. Indeed, the ellipticity directions span, at any point, subspaces of dimension strictly less than the dimension of the state space. Finally, the above results are used to obtain the short-time existence of classical solutions to the mean field games system defined on an homogenous Lie group.
Free boundary problems of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with non-flat initial surface in the critical Besov space
Authors: Ogawa Takayoshi , Shimizu Senjo
Published: March 2024

Global well-posedness of the Navier–Stokes equations with a free boundary condition is considered in the scaling critical homogeneous Besov spaces $${\dot{B}}_{p,1}^{-1+n/p}({\mathbb {R}}^n_+)$$

B
˙

p
,
1

-
1
+
n
/
p

(

R

+
n

)

with $$n-1< p< 2n-1$$

n
-
1
<
p
<
2
n
-
1

. To show the global well-posedness, we establish end-point maximal $$L^1$$

L
1

-regularity for the initial-boundary value problem of the Stokes equations. Such an estimate is obtained via related estimate for the initial-boundary value problem of the heat equation with the inhomogeneous Neumann data as well as the pressure estimate in the critical Besov space framework. The proof heavily depends on the explicit expression of the fundamental integral kernel of the Lagrange transformed linearized Stokes equations and the almost orthogonal estimates with the space-time Littlewood–Paley dyadic decompositions. Our result here improves the initial space and boundary state than previous results by Danchin–Hieber–Mucha–Tolksdorf (Free boundary problems via Da Prato–Grisvard theory. arXiv:2011.07918v2) and ourselves (Ogawa and Shimizu in J Evol Equ 22(30):67, 2022; Ogawa and Shimizu in J Math Soc Jpn. arXiv:2211.06952v3).
Validation of a fast automated photometric method for the analysis of sulfur dioxide in wines
Authors: Campo-Martínez Jairo-Francisco , Enseñat-Berea María-Luisa , Fernández-Paz Jaime , González-Castro María-José
Published: March 2024

In this work a simple and rapid automated analytical method for the determination of sulfur dioxide in wines by employing a sequential automatic analyser was validated. The methodology is based on the reaction of sulfur dioxide with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) in an alkaline medium followed by photometric detection. The linearity of the calibration curve was excellent (R2 = 1.000) and the LOQ (2.00 mg L−1) was well suited for the monitoring of regulatory limits. The accuracy and precision were evaluated with reference materials, providing highly successful results (RSD% < 3.8 for precision and R2 = 0.99 of correlation between the obtained and declared values). The method was applied to the analysis of commercial samples of wines ensuring compliance with legislation. The results found were compared to those obtained with the spectrophotometric method recommended for beers, implemented in a flow system, showing that there are no statistical differences between them (α ≤ 0.05). When compared with conventional methods, the proposed methodology showed to be fast, with minimum handling of the sample and small sample and reagents volume requirement, which together with a minimum maintenance, involves a considerable reduction in laboratory costs.
Non-invasive assessment of stimulation-specific changes in cerebral glucose metabolism with functional PET
Authors: Godbersen Godber Mathis , Falb Pia , Klug Sebastian , Silberbauer Leo R. , Reed Murray Bruce , Nics Lukas , Hacker Marcus , Lanzenberger Rupert , Hahn Andreas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Functional positron emission tomography (fPET) with [18F]FDG allows quantification of stimulation-induced changes in glucose metabolism independent of neurovascular coupling. However, the gold standard for quantification requires invasive arterial blood sampling, limiting its widespread use. Here, we introduce a novel fPET method without the need for an input function.

Methods

We validated the approach using two datasets (DS). For DS1, 52 volunteers (23.2 ± 3.3 years, 24 females) performed Tetris® during a [18F]FDG fPET scan (bolus + constant infusion). For DS2, 18 participants (24.2 ± 4.3 years, 8 females) performed an eyes-open/finger tapping task (constant infusion). Task-specific changes in metabolism were assessed with the general linear model (GLM) and cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRGlu) was quantified with the Patlak plot as reference. We then estimated simplified outcome parameters, including GLM beta values and percent signal change (%SC), and compared them, region and whole-brain-wise.

Results

We observed higher agreement with the reference for DS1 than DS2. Both DS resulted in strong correlations between regional task-specific beta estimates and CMRGlu (r = 0.763…0.912). %SC of beta values exhibited strong agreement with %SC of CMRGlu (r = 0.909…0.999). Average activation maps showed a high spatial similarity between CMRGlu and beta estimates (Dice = 0.870…0.979) as well as %SC (Dice = 0.932…0.997), respectively.

Conclusion

The non-invasive method reliably estimates task-specific changes in glucose metabolism without blood sampling. This streamlines fPET, albeit with the trade-off of being unable to quantify baseline metabolism. The simplification enhances its applicability in research and clinical settings.
Nursing and allied health workforce in Australian public rheumatology departments is inadequate: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Whittaker Glen A. , Hill Catherine L. , Bradbury Linda A , Millner Janet R. , Cliffe Harrison , Bonanno Daniel R. , Kazantzis Sia , Menz Hylton B.
Published: March 2024

Rheumatological conditions are complex and impact many facets of daily life. Management of people with rheumatological conditions can be optimised through multidisciplinary care. However, the current access to nursing and allied health professionals in Australia is unknown. A cross-sectional study of nursing and allied health professionals in Australian public rheumatology departments for adult and paediatric services was conducted. The heads of Australian public rheumatology departments were invited to report the health professionals working within their departments, referral pathways, and barriers to greater multidisciplinary care. A total of 27/39 (69.2%) of the hospitals responded. The most common health professionals within departments were nurses (n = 23; 85.2%) and physiotherapists (n = 10; 37.0%), followed by pharmacists (n = 5; 18.5%), psychologists (n = 4; 14.8%), and occupational therapists (n = 4; 14.8%). No podiatrists were employed within departments. Referral pathways were most common for physiotherapy (n = 20; 74.1%), followed by occupational therapy (n = 15; 55.5%), podiatry (n = 13; 48.1%), and psychology (n = 6; 22%). The mean full-time equivalent of nursing and allied health professionals per 100,000 population in Australia was 0.29. Funding was identified as the most common barrier. In Australia, publicly funded multidisciplinary care from nurses and allied health professionals in rheumatology departments is approximately 1.5 days per week on average. This level of multidisciplinary care is unlikely to meet the needs of rheumatology patients. Research is needed to determine the minimum staffing requirements of nursing and allied health professionals to provide optimal care.
The effect of balance exercises on central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Tirasci Emre , Sarpel Tunay , Coskun Benlidayi Ilke , Deniz Volkan
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of balance exercises on functional status, pain, balance, and central sensitization in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients diagnosed with bilateral Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ 2 primary knee OA and associated central sensitization were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups were provided with verbal and written information on knee OA. In addition, the intervention group received a supervised balance exercise program for 6 weeks, 3 days a week on alternating days. The outcome measures were the changes in the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Berg Balance Scale, and Y Balance Test. Evaluations were performed at baseline, immediately after treatment (6th week) and at 12th week. The study included 40 patients, 20 patients in each group. At the end of the treatment period (6th week), the improvement in CSI score, WOMAC pain, WOMAC physical function, WOMAC total score, Y Balance Test scores, and VAS pain during activity was significantly greater in the intervention group than that in the control group (p < 0.001). Regarding the changes from baseline to the 12th week, the intervention group experienced greater improvement in most of the outcome measures. Yet, the change in WOMAC pain score, Berg Balance Scale score, and VAS pain at rest was similar between the study groups (p = 0.05, p = 0.257, and p = 0.385, respectively). A two-model multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the changes in VAS pain (during activity) after the treatment and at follow-up [(p = 0.004, adjusted R2: 0.346) and (p = 0.002, adjusted R2: 0.391), respectively], as well as changes in WOMAC pain from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.020, ΔR2 = 0.245) significantly affected central sensitization. However, changes in Y Balance Test and WOMAC total scores did not appear to have a significant impact on the improvement in central sensitization (p > 0.05). Balance exercises may provide improvement in central sensitization, functional status, and dynamic balance among patients with knee OA. The improvement in central sensitization depends mostly on the pain relief effect of balance exercises.
Multi-camera tracking of mechanically thrown objects for automated in-plant logistics by cognitive robots in Industry 4.0
Authors: Qadeer Nauman , Shah Jamal Hussain , Sharif Muhammad , Dahan Fadl , Khokhar Fahad Ahmed , Ghazal Rubina
Published: March 2024

Employing cognitive robots, capable of throwing and catching, is a strategy aimed at expediting the logistics process within Industry 4.0’s smart manufacturing plants, specifically for the transportation of small-sized manufacturing parts. Since the flight of mechanically thrown objects is inherently unpredictable, it is crucial for the catching robot to observe the initial trajectory with utmost precision and intelligently forecast the final catching position to ensure accurate real-time grasping. This study utilizes multi-camera tracking to monitor mechanically thrown objects. It involves the creation of a 3D simulation that facilitates controlled mechanical throwing of objects within the internal logistics environment of Industry 4.0. The developed simulation empowers users to define the attributes of the thrown object and capture its trajectory using a simulated pinhole camera, which can be positioned at any desired location and orientation within the in-plant logistics environment of flexible manufacturing systems. The simulation facilitated ample experimentation to be conducted for determining the optimal camera positions for accurately observing the 3D interception positions of a flying object based on its apparent size on the camera’s sensor plane. Subsequently, a variety of calibrated multi-camera setups were experimented while placing cameras at identified optimal positions. Based on the obtained results, the most effective multi-camera configuration setup is derived. Finally, a training dataset is prepared for 3000 simulated throwing experiments where the initial part of the trajectory consists of observed interception positions, through derived best multi-camera setup, and the final part consists of actual positions. The encoder–decoder Bi-LSTM deep neural network is proposed and trained on this dataset. The trained model outperformed the current state-of-the-art by accurately predicting the final 3D catching point, achieving a mean average error of 5 mm and a root-mean-square error of 7 mm in 200 real-world test experiments.
Total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a three-group propensity score matched study
Authors: Zhou Jiahao , Huang Jun , Zhou Zikai , Deng Xiangbing , Wu Qingbin , Wang Ziqiang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has emerged as a therapeutic approach for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). However, the optimal chemotherapy cycles within TNT remain uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the prognostic efficacy of varying cycles of chemotherapy during TNT for LARC.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with LARC (T3-4N0M0/T1-4N1-2M0), who underwent TNT or chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) between 2015 and 2020, were retrospective included. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their neoadjuvant strategy: CRT (long-course chemoradiotherapy), STNT (long-course CRT with one to three cycles of chemotherapy), and LTNT (long-course CRT with four or more cycles of chemotherapy). Propensity score matching (PSM) based on gender, age, body mass index, tumor distance from the anal verge, clinical T stage, clinical N stage, and mesorectal fascia status was employed to reduce confounding bias. Primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results

The study comprised 372 patients, with 73 patients in each group after PSM. Compared with CRT, both STNT and LTNT demonstrated improved DFS (5-year rate: 59.7% vs. 77.8% vs. 76.5%, p = 0.027) and MFS (5-year rate: 65.1% vs. 81.3% vs. 81.4%, p = 0.030). There was no difference in DFS or MFS between STNT and LTNT. These favorable outcomes were consistent among subgroups defined by tumor distance from the anal verge ≥ 5 cm, clinical T3 stage, clinical N positive status, or involved mesorectal fascia.

Conclusion

Compared to CRT, both STNT and LTNT demonstrated improved DFS and MFS outcomes. Notably, survival outcomes were similar between STNT and LTNT, suggesting that chemotherapy cycles in TNT may not significantly impact survival.
The contradictive findings between ultrasound, hysteroscopy and cytokines in women with nonhormonal IUDs suffering from menorrhagia: a prospective study
Authors: Watad Hadel , Ifrach Udi , Stockheim David , Yulzari Vered , Meron Orly C. , Blank Miri , Sredni Benjamin , Weisz Boaz , Cohen Shlomo B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess the correlation between bleeding irregularities and the accurate placement of the intrauterine device (IUD) device in the uterine cavity, determined through transvaginal ultrasonography and hysteroscopy. In addition, the study aims to examine the cytokine profile in the uterine cavity and serum of patients experiencing bleeding irregularities after the insertion of nonhormonal IUDs.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary medical center, wherein patients experiencing intermenstrual bleeding and spotting after the insertion of nonhormonal IUDs were enrolled. The study involved hysteroscopic and sonographic assessments of the uterine cavity and IUD placement, along with the analysis of blood and uterine cavity cytokine profiles.

Results

During the period between July 2019 and February 2020, a total of eight patients who experienced intermenstrual bleeding and spotting after the insertion of nonhormonal IUDs were enrolled the study. One case was excluded since a progestative device was detected by ultrasound. Out of the five cases that underwent a thorough ultrasonographic assessment, three cases (60%) showed an embedded IUD. However, these findings were excluded by the hysteroscopic evaluation.

Conclusion

The results suggest that ultrasonographic assessment may lead to an overdiagnosis of IUD mispositioning compared to hysteroscopy. In addition, both ultrasound and hysteroscopy have limitations in diagnosing the cause of bleeding in most cases. The role of local reactive inflammatory cytokines should be further studied.
Sex differences in modifiable risk factors for stroke incidence and recurrence: the UCC-SMART study
Authors: Rissanen Ina , Basten Maartje , Exalto Lieza G. , Peters Sanne A. E. , Visseren Frank L. J. , Geerlings Mirjam I. ,   For the UCC-SMART-Study Group, Cramer M. J. , van der Meer M. G. , Nathoe H. M. , de Borst G. J. , Bots M. L. , Geerlings M. I. , Emmelot-Vonk M. H. , de Jong P. A. , Lely A. T. , van der Kaaij N. P. , Kappelle L. J. , Ruigrok Y. M. , Verhaar M. C. , Dorresteijn J. A. N. , Visseren F. L. J.
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

Risk factors for stroke differ between women and men in general populations. However, little is known about sex differences in secondary prevention. We investigated if sex interacted with modifiable risk factors for stroke in a large arterial disease cohort.

Methods

Within the prospective UCC-SMART study, 13,898 patients (35% women) with atherosclerotic disease or high-risk factor profile were followed up to 23 years for stroke incidence or recurrence. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, overweight, dyslipidemia, high alcohol use, and physical inactivity were studied as risk factors. Association between these factors and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence or recurrence was studied in women and men using Cox proportional hazard models and Poisson regression models. Women-to-men relative hazard ratios (RHR) and rate differences (RD) were estimated for each risk factor. Left-truncated age was used as timescale.

Results

The age-adjusted stroke incidence rate was lower in women than men (3.9 vs 4.4 per 1000 person-years), as was the age-adjusted stroke recurrence rate (10.0 vs 11.7). Hypertension and smoking were associated with stroke risk in both sexes. HDL cholesterol was associated with lower stroke incidence in women but not in men (RHR 0.49; CI 0.27–0.88; and RD 1.39; CI − 1.31 to 4.10). Overweight was associated with a lower stroke recurrence in women but not in men (RHR 0.42; CI 0.23–0.80; and RD 9.05; CI 2.78–15.32).

Conclusions

In high-risk population, sex modifies the association of HDL cholesterol on stroke incidence, and the association of overweight on stroke recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of sex-specific secondary prevention.