bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature-dependent thermal buckling and free vibration behavior of smart sandwich nanoplates with auxetic core and magneto-electro-elastic face layers
Authors: Aktas Kerim Gokhan , Pehlivan Fatih , Esen Ismail
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the thermomechanical thermal buckling and free vibration response of a novel smart sandwich nanoplate based on a sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theory (SHSDT) with a stretching effect. In the proposed sandwich nanoplate, an auxetic core layer with a negative Poisson’s ratio made of Ti-6Al-4V is sandwiched between Ti-6Al-4V rim layers and magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) face layers. The MEE face layers are homogenous volumetric mixtures of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and barium titanate (BaTiO3). The mechanical and thermal material properties of the auxetic core and MEE face layers are temperature-dependent. Using Hamilton’s principle, governing equations are constructed. To characterize the size-dependent behavior of the nanoplate, governing equations are adapted with the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). By applying the principles of Navier’s technique, closed-form solutions are obtained. Parametric simulations are carried out to examine the effects of auxetic core parameters, temperature-dependent material properties, nonlocal parameters, electric, magnetic, and thermal loads on the free vibration and thermal buckling behavior of the nanoplate. According to the simulation results, it is determined that the auxetic core parameters, temperature-dependent material properties, and nonlocal factors significantly affect the thermomechanical behavior of the nanoplate. The outcomes of this investigation are expected to contribute to the advancement of smart nano-electromechanical systems, transducers, and nanosensors characterized by lightweight, exceptional structural integrity and temperature sensitivity. Also, the auxetic core with a negative Poisson’s ratio provides a metamaterial feature, and thanks to this feature, the proposed model has the potential to be used as an invisibility technology in sonar and radar-hiding applications.
Optical soliton solutions in a distinctive class of nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation with cubic, quintic, septic, and nonic nonlinearities
Authors: Hussain Shabbir , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Bayram Mustafa , Ashraf Romana , Inc Mustafa , Rezapour Shahram , Tarar Muhammad Akhtar
Published: May 2024

The Biswas–Mollivic equation is a special type of nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which explains the spatio-temporal behaviour of excitable media. In this paper, we investigate the optical soliton solutions of the Biswas–Mollivic equation with cubic–quintic–septic–nonic nonlinearities using the generalized Riccati equation mapping method. This method is efficient and provides new perspectives. It also provides novel insights into the dynamics of excitable media. Our findings add to a better understanding of the complex spatio-temporal patterns that develop in excitable media and have potential applications in the design of new technologies for controlling and manipulating pattern formation. To depict optical soliton solutions graphically, we use the MATLAB software.
Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D: A multi-attribute utility instrument based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer-specific quality-of-life questionnaire
Authors: Shiroiwa T. , King M. T. , Norman R. , Müller F. , Campbell R. , Kemmler G. , Murata T. , Shimozuma K. , Fukuda T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D, a multi-attribute utility measure derived from the cancer-specific health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30. The QLU-C10D contains ten HRQL dimensions: physical, role, social and emotional functioning, pain, fatigue, sleep, appetite, nausea, and bowel problems.

Methods

Quota sampling of a Japanese online panel was used to achieve representativeness of the Japanese general population by sex and age (≥ 18 years). The valuation method was an online discrete choice experiment. Each participant considered 16 choice pairs, randomly assigned from 960 choice pairs. Each pair included two QLU-C10D health states and life expectancy. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression, parameterized to fit the quality-adjusted life-year framework. Preference weights were calculated as the ratio of each dimension-level coefficient to the coefficient for life expectancy.

Results

A total of 2809 eligible panel members consented, 2662/2809 (95%) completed at least one choice pair, and 2435/2662 (91%) completed all choice pairs. Within dimensions, preference weights were generally monotonic. Physical functioning, role functioning, and pain were associated with the largest utility weights. Intermediate utility weights were associated with social functioning and nausea; the remaining symptoms and emotional functioning were associated with smaller utility decrements. The value of the worst health state was − 0.221, lower than that seen in most other existing QLU-C10D country-specific value sets.

Conclusions

The Japan-specific QLU-C10D value set is suitable for evaluating the cost and utility of oncology treatments for Japanese health technology assessment and decision-making.
Uncovering Complexities in Horizontal Inequality: A Novel Decomposition of the Gini Index
Authors: Attili Federico
Published: May 2024

This study introduces an innovative tool to analyse how various inequality factors, including geography, race, and gender, contribute to overall inequality. Traditional approaches typically partition populations into groups based on a single factor and assess inequality by additively decomposing an inequality measure into within- and between-group components. After discussing the theoretical impossibility of additively decomposing the Gini index into within- and between-group components, in fact, we propose a Gini decomposition into two highly informative within- and between-components, with substantial improvement upon the usual assessment of horizontal inequality. This method represents a significant advancement over the traditional horizontal inequality assessment, which only compares group means and overlooks the complexities of differences between groups. Our approach accurately captures the nuances of group disparities, offering a robust measure of horizontal inequality. Through rigorous simulations and empirical analysis of the OECD Income Distribution Database, we validate the effectiveness of our method in evaluating and understanding inequality. This work enriches the toolkit available to researchers in the field by offering a framework for selecting the most suitable measure of horizontal inequality, along with the code for implementing the proposed decomposition.
The developmental trajectories of teacher
autonomy support and adolescent mental well-being and academic stress
Authors: Kristensen Sara Madeleine , Jeno Lucas Matias
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the developmental impact of teacher autonomy
support on changes in students’ mental well-being and academic stress throughout upper
secondary school. The sample consisted of 1453 Norwegian students (baseline Mage = 17.00; 60.6% girls; 80.9%
Norwegian-born). The unconditional latent growth curve model results showed that
perceived teacher autonomy support and mental well-being decreased during the
three-year-long education. Academic stress, on the other hand, increased during this
period. Findings from the parallel process latent growth curve model indicated that the
initial status and change in teacher autonomy support were positively and negatively
related to the initial levels and trajectories of mental well-being and academic stress,
respectively. Girls experienced a higher level of academic stress and lower mental
well-being and teacher autonomy support at the beginning of upper secondary school.
Students with a higher socioeconomic status reported higher initial mental well-being
and teacher autonomy support than others but also a more rapid decline in teacher
autonomy support throughout upper secondary school. This study provides new insights
into academic, psychological, and affective processes and their interrelationships
during upper secondary school.
Supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal has potential to maintain growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands in South Africa
Authors: Mushunje L. H. , Marandure T. , Chikwanha O. C. , Bennett J. , Hawkins H. J. , Palmer A. R. , Wu L. , M.C Marufu , Mapiye C.
Published: May 2024

Supplementing livestock grazing communal rangelands with leaf-meals from Acacia trees, which are currently considered as problematic invasive alien plants globally, may be a sustainable way of exploiting their desirable nutritional and anthelmintic properties. The current study evaluated worm burdens and growth performance of lambs grazing low-quality communal rangelands supplemented with leaf-meals prepared from the invasive alien plant species; Acacia mearnsii or A. dealbata. Forty, three-month-old ewe lambs weighing an average of 18.9 ± 0.60 kg were randomly allocated to four supplementary diets: (1) rangeland hay only (control), (2) commercial protein supplement plus rangeland hay, (3) A. mearnsii leaf-meal plus rangeland hay and (4) A. dealbata leaf-meal plus rangeland hay. All the supplementary diets were formulated to meet the lambs’ minimum maintenance requirements for protein. All the lambs were grazed on communal rangelands daily from 0800 to 1400 after which they were penned to allow them access to their respective supplementary diets until 08:00 the following morning. The respective supplementary diets were offered at the rate of 400 g ewe− 1 day− 1 for 60 days. Lambs fed the commercial protein supplement had the highest dry matter intake followed by those fed the Acacia leaf-meals and the control diet, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). Relative to the other supplementary diets, lambs fed the commercial protein supplement and A. dealbata leaf-meal had higher (P ≤ 0.05) final body weight and average daily gains. Dietary supplementation did not affect lamb faecal worm egg counts over the study period (P > 0.05). There was no association between supplementary diets and lamb FAMACHA© scores (P > 0.05). It was concluded that supplementation of Acacia dealbata versus Acacia mearnsii has the potential to emulate commercial protein in maintaining growth performance of lambs grazing communal rangelands in the dry season.
Artificial intelligence-based, semi-automated segmentation for the extraction of ultrasound-derived radiomics features in breast cancer: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo , Militello Carmelo , Prinzi Francesco , Ferraro Fabiola , Rundo Leonardo , Zarcaro Calogero , Dimarco Mariangela , Orlando Alessia Angela Maria , Matranga Domenica , Vitabile Salvatore
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based semi-automated segmentation for the extraction of ultrasound (US)-derived radiomics features in the characterization of focal breast lesions (FBLs).

Material and methods

Two expert radiologists classified according to US BI-RADS criteria 352 FBLs detected in 352 patients (237 at Center A and 115 at Center B). An AI-based semi-automated segmentation was used to build a machine learning (ML) model on the basis of B-mode US of 237 images (center A) and then validated on an external cohort of B-mode US images of 115 patients (Center B).

Results

A total of 202 of 352 (57.4%) FBLs were benign, and 150 of 352 (42.6%) were malignant. The AI-based semi-automated segmentation achieved a success rate of 95.7% for one reviewer and 96% for the other, without significant difference (p = 0.839). A total of 15 (4.3%) and 14 (4%) of 352 semi-automated segmentations were not accepted due to posterior acoustic shadowing at B-Mode US and 13 and 10 of them corresponded to malignant lesions, respectively. In the validation cohort, the characterization made by the expert radiologist yielded values of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 0.933, 0.9, 0.857, 0.955, respectively. The ML model obtained values of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 0.544, 0.6, 0.416, 0.628, respectively. The combined assessment of radiologists and ML model yielded values of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 0.756, 0.928, 0.872, 0.855, respectively.

Conclusion

AI-based semi-automated segmentation is feasible, allowing an instantaneous and reproducible extraction of US-derived radiomics features of FBLs. The combination of radiomics and US BI-RADS classification led to a potential decrease of unnecessary biopsy but at the expense of a not negligible increase of potentially missed cancers.
Tracking earmarked funding to international organizations: Introducing the earmarked funding dataset
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Heinzel Mirko , Siauwijaya Christian
Published: May 2024

Over the past two decades, donor funding of international organizations (IOs) such as the United Nations, has shifted from core resources toward earmarked contributions. While core resources provide IOs with discretion how to achieve their mandates, earmarked contributions require IOs to focus their assistance on specific themes, sectors, countries, or projects, as determined by the donors. Our understanding of the drivers and effects of earmarked funding has been limited by the lack of systematic data. To address this gap, we introduce the Earmarked Funding Dataset. The dataset contains 342,812 earmarked aid activities from nearly 50 donors with over 340 IOs with a mandate in international development from 1990 to 2020. We first explore the data descriptively to cast light on the evolution of the multilateral development system. We then use the data to examine whether and how donors financially reward well-performing IOs. To that end, we combine our data with newly available performance data synthesized from Multilateral Organization Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) evaluations of 32 IOs in 2009–2020. Using difference-in-difference estimations, we find a significantly positive relationship between outcome performance and earmarked contributions. In contrast, performance does not seem to affect core resources. These patterns suggest that donors reward well-performing multilaterals with more funding, albeit based on development outcomes which are not easily contractible. From a policy perspective, these findings suggest that performance-based approaches to aid allocation—as they are currently practiced—upload the financial risks of organizational reform processes to international organizations.
Microcracking in On-Chip Interconnect Stacks: FEM Simulation and Concept for Fatigue Test
Authors: Weitz Stefan , Clausner André , Zschech Ehrenfried
Published: May 2024

The semiconductor industry is continuing the scaling down of both device and on-chip interconnect features, for performance and economic reasons. This trend has implications for the design of guard ring structures, i.e. metallic non-functional structures in the back-end-of-line (BEoL) stack designed to be efficient to stop microcracks. In this work, we present a sample design for an in situ experiment to study mechanical degradation and failure mechanisms of crack stop structures in the BEoL stack, to ensure the mechanical robustness of microchips for future technology nodes. Additional finite element method (FEM) simulations provide supplementary understanding of the crack kinetics. To examine the effects of mechanical loading on crack stop elements of the BEoL stack, a novel sample geometry for an in situ fatigue experiment using x-ray microscopy was developed. The x-ray microscope (ZEISS Xradia 800 Ultra) enables high-resolution imaging of the 3D-patterned sample structures and defects such as microcracks. The tailored sample geometry allows the application of a tensile load to a BEoL specimen by a lever mechanism. The feasibility of the sample design is shown by mode-I loading of a pure interconnect sample. Post-mortem analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming planar microcrack propagation from the notch through the dielectric layer with small deflections of the crack path near cone shaped copper vias. FEM simulations focusing on the stress-strain fields around a crack tip indicate the beginning of copper plasticity as major mechanism starting the redirection of cracks due to resulting material compression in front of the obstacle.
Comprehensive Threat Analysis in Additive Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Hybrid Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessment Framework
Authors: Kumar Mahender , Epiphaniou Gregory , Maple Carsten
Published: May 2024

Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers revolutionary design capabilities but introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities due to its digital integration. While existing research focuses on cyber threats, a significant gap exists in addressing physical and cyber risks. The current research focuses on cyber threats, but more attention needs to be paid to addressing physical and cyber risks. This paper proposes a new risk assessment framework that considers both physical and cyber threats quantitatively and qualitatively and helps safeguard the AM supply chain. The framework identifies, analyses, and prioritises potential threats based on their characteristics. It also considers the trustworthiness of data and the frequency of reported threats to estimate the likelihood of each threat. The risks are then prioritised based on a combined impact-likelihood score. The framework has been validated on the standard benchmark MITRE CVEs dataset and has proven effective in identifying critical vulnerabilities. This approach empowers manufacturers to proactively deal with security concerns and navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving AM landscape.
Analyses of industrial air pollution and long-term health risk using different dispersion models and WRF physics parameters
Authors: Bayraktar Omer Mert , Mutlu Atilla
Published: May 2024

This study consists of three main sections. The first section delves into a performance analysis centered around modeling PM10, NOx, and CO emissions from a cement factory. It examines the effectiveness of various factors, including meteorological data, physics models, and air quality dispersion models, in producing accurate results for atmospheric simulations. The second section covers the dispersion direction and concentrations obtained by visualizing the dispersion maps. The third section covers an analysis of heavy metals emitted from the facility, taking into account potential risks in the region such as cancer, acute and chronic effects, and long-term respiratory risks. This study made use of meteorological models (WRF, AERMET, and CALMET), air quality dispersion models (AERMOD and CALPUFF), a health risk analysis model (HARP), and various sub-models (MMIF and CALWRF). Satellite meteorological data were obtained from NCEP and ERA, with the majority of meteorological data based on the Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS)/Final Operational Global Analysis (FNL) from Global Tropospheric Analyses and Forecast Grids used for the WRF model. In the daily results, AERMOD showed the highest concentration values, but CALPUFF had greater concentrations throughout the annual period. The winter season had the highest concentrations of pollutants. Although there are differences among the physics models used in this research, the conclusions produced are consistent. Analysis of the data from the HARP model suggested that cancer risk levels exceeded the threshold of one person per million. However, the proportion of exceedance instances is rather small in comparison to the receptor points.
Deep energy efficiency renovation of Germany’s residential buildings: is this as economically viable as Germany’s policymakers and popular promoters often claim?
Authors: Galvin Ray
Published: May 2024

Germany needs to steeply increase the rate of deep energy-efficiency renovation of its old buildings, to meet climate goals. The government has long maintained that deep renovation to a specified “minimum” energy efficiency standard is economically viable: that the costs are paid back, through energy savings, over the technical lifetime of the energy-efficiency measures. Many private and public organisations support and promulgate this view. It accords with a stream of academic literature which suggests that the under-adoption of energy efficiency measures is a paradox indicating market failures and economically irrational behaviour by property owners. This paper offers cost–benefit analyses of 44 case study scenarios to test whether deep renovation in Germany pays back in monetary terms. These include both specific buildings and Germany-wide averages of classes of buildings. It uses current construction, finance and energy costs, and takes account of inflation, discount rates and opportunity costs. None of the scenarios are economically viable in monetary terms, and the average payback after 25 years is around 22.5%. Sensitivity analyses suggest payback would only be achieved using improbable parameter values. Energy-efficiency renovation is necessary but promoting it needs to take account of these realities.
Leader-member exchange differentiation and followers’ psychological strain: exploring relations on the individual and on the team-level
Authors: Diebig Mathias , Gritzka Susan , Angerer Peter , Erschens Rebecca , Gast Michael , Gündel Harald , Hofmann Sophie , Junne Florian , Schröpel Carla , Klasmeier Kai Niclas
Published: May 2024

Due to social comparison in the team, leader-member exchange (LMX) differentiation has been shown to play a crucial role for explaining follower outcomes. LMX differentiation may be beneficial for some followers, but also detrimental for others, when perceived as unfair. In order to understand the impact of LMX differentiation on work-related outcomes, LMX differentiation should be described by three properties (relative LMX position, LMX variability, and team-level LMX). The aim of the study is to focus on LMX differentiation and test relationships between different properties of LMX and followers’ psychological strain. In sum, 75 teams with 322 followers answered an online survey about their leaders’ LMX and their individual levels of psychological strain. Results of multilevel modeling showed that the relative LMX position was negatively related to psychological strain on the individual level. This relation was moderated by LMX variability and team-level LMX. However, we did not find significant relations between team-level LMX and team-level psychological strain. The present study extends previous research by looking at relations between LMX and psychological strain on an individual follower level as well as on the team level. Our results suggest that the relative position of LMX within a team seems to play a crucial role for individual follower psychological strain. Results imply that leaders should aim to improve LMX relationships within their team and to reduce differences between team members. Leadership trainings should impart knowledge and skills to improve LMX quality and include elements about LMX differentiation, its origins, as well as consequences.
Mothers’ parental burnout and adolescents’ social adaptation and security: the mediating role of parenting style
Authors: Song Tingting , Wang Wei , Chen Shen , Li Yongxin
Published: May 2024

Parents may develop burnout when they chronically lack the resources to handle parenting stressors. Although the relationship between parental burnout and child-related variables has been explored, its impact on adolescents’ development remains unknown. This study investigates the effect of mothers’ parental burnout on social adaptation and security in adolescents, and the mediating roles of mothers’ parenting styles. Questionnaires were distributed to adolescents and their mothers at three time points with an interval of six weeks. In the first survey, 916 mothers completed a parental burnout assessment. In the second, 1054 adolescents completed maternal rejection and maternal autonomy support scales, and a Harsh Parenting assessment. In the third, 1053 adolescents completed Children and Adolescent Social Adaptation and Security Questionnaires. In total, 411 paired data points were matched (mothers’ age: M = 42.1, SD = 4.65; adolescents’ age: M = 13.1, SD = 0.52). The results of bootstrapping indicated the following: (1) Mothers’ parental burnout negatively predicted adolescents’ social adaptation and security. (2) Mothers’ parenting styles of rejection, harsh parenting, and autonomy support mediated the relationship between parental burnout and social adaptation and security. These findings confirmed the importance of mothers’ influence on adolescents’ parenting activities. Therefore, the enrichment of parenting resources and a decrease in the use of negative parenting styles may promote the healthy psychological development of the children of mothers facing parental burnout.
Subjective Poverty, Family Support and Health-Related Well-Being of School-Aged Children in Single-Parent Households in Ghana: The Role of Health Literacy and Duration of Parental Separation
Authors: Amoah Padmore Adusei , Amankwaa Afua , Lau Maggie , Arat Gizem
Published: May 2024

This study expands ongoing inquiry and debates on the influence of single-parent households on child health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the phenomenon is rapidly increasing. It examines how conventional (i.e., access to money for children—conceived as experience of poverty—, family support, and experience of social isolation) and contemporary (i.e., health literacy) factors shape the health-related well-being of children in single-parent homes in Ghana in the short-, medium- (five years or less) and long-term (6 years +). It also investigates the extent to which health literacy explains how other factors influence their health-related well-being. Data was gathered through a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana (n = 337). Based on binary logistic regression and structural equation modelling analysis, health literacy (Odds Ratio, OR, = 1.086, p < 0.05) and social isolation (OR, = 0.584, p < 0.05) were associated with the health-related well-being of children who had been separated from a parent for five years or less while family support (OR = 1.592, p < 0.05) was associated with the health-related well-being of children separated from a parent for more than five years. Health literacy explained the association of experience of poverty (β = -0.012, p < 0.05) and experience of social isolation (β = -0.010, p < 0.10) with their health-related well-being. However, these significant relationships did not differ according to the duration of separation. The results underscore the need to invest in policies and programmes that can reduce exposure to health risks and empower children in single-parent households to contribute to protecting their health-related well-being.
On Multiple $$L_p$$-Curvilinear-Brunn–Minkowski Inequalities
Authors: Roysdon Michael , Xing Sudan
Published: May 2024

We construct the extension of the curvilinear summation for bounded Borel measurable sets to the $$L_p$$

L
p

space for multiple power parameter $$\bar{\alpha }=(\alpha _1, \ldots , \alpha _{n+1})$$

α

¯

=
(

α
1

,
…
,

α

n
+
1

)

when $$p>0$$

p
>
0

. Based on this $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-curvilinear summation for sets and the concept of compression of sets, the $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-curvilinear-Brunn–Minkowski inequality for bounded Borel measurable sets and its normalized version are established. Furthermore, by utilizing the hypo-graphs for functions, we enact a brand new proof of $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

Borell–Brascamp–Lieb inequality, as well as its normalized version, for functions containing the special case of the $$L_{p}$$

L
p

Borell–Brascamp–Lieb inequality through the $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-curvilinear-Brunn–Minkowski inequality for sets. Moreover, we propose the multiple power $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-supremal-convolution for two functions together with its properties. Last but not least, we introduce the definition of the surface area originated from the variation formula of measure in terms of the $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-curvilinear summation for sets as well as $$L_{p,\bar{\alpha }}$$

L

p
,

α

¯

-supremal-convolution for functions together with their corresponding Minkowski type inequalities and isoperimetric inequalities for $$p\ge 1,$$

p
≥
1
,

etc.
The $$A_\infty $$ Condition, $$\varepsilon $$-Approximators, and Varopoulos Extensions in Uniform Domains
Authors: Bortz S. , Poggi B. , Tapiola O. , Tolsa X.
Published: May 2024

Suppose that $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^{n+1}$$

Ω
⊂

R

n
+
1

, $$n\ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, is a uniform domain with n-Ahlfors regular boundary and L is a (not necessarily symmetric) divergence form elliptic, real, bounded operator in $$\Omega $$
Ω
. We show that the corresponding elliptic measure $$\omega _L$$

ω
L

is quantitatively absolutely continuous with respect to surface measure of $$\partial \Omega $$

∂
Ω

in the sense that $$\omega _L \in A_\infty (\sigma )$$

ω
L

∈

A
∞

(
σ
)

if and only if any bounded solution u to $$Lu = 0$$

L
u
=
0

in $$\Omega $$
Ω
is $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-approximable for any $$\varepsilon \in (0,1)$$

ε
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. By $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-approximability of u we mean that there exists a function $$\Phi = \Phi ^\varepsilon $$

Φ
=

Φ
ε

such that $$\Vert u-\Phi \Vert _{L^\infty (\Omega )} \le \varepsilon \Vert u\Vert _{L^\infty (\Omega )}$$

‖
u
-
Φ
‖

L
∞

(
Ω
)

≤
ε

‖
u
‖

L
∞

(
Ω
)

and the measure $${\widetilde{\mu }}_\Phi $$

μ
~

Φ

with $$d{\widetilde{\mu }} = |\nabla \Phi (Y)| \, dY$$

d

μ
~

=

|
∇
Φ

(
Y
)

|

d
Y

is a Carleson measure with $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

control over the Carleson norm. As a consequence of this approximability result, we show that boundary $${{\,\textrm{BMO}\,}}$$

BMO

functions with compact support can have Varopoulos-type extensions even in some sets with unrectifiable boundaries, that is, smooth extensions that converge non-tangentially back to the original data and that satisfy $$L^1$$

L
1

-type Carleson measure estimates with $${{\,\textrm{BMO}\,}}$$

BMO

control over the Carleson norm. Our result complements the recent work of Hofmann and the third named author who showed the existence of these types of extensions in the presence of a quantitative rectifiability hypothesis.
Analysis of landslide susceptibility and potential impacts on infrastructures and settlement areas (a case from the southeastern region of Türkiye)
Authors: Gokceoglu Candan , Karakas Gizem , Tunar Özcan Nazlı , Elibuyuk Aziz , Kocaman Sultan
Published: May 2024

Landslides have harmful effects not only on buildings but also on infrastructure and the natural environment. While they are typically triggered by natural events, such as heavy rainfalls and earthquakes, landslides can also be induced by anthropogenic activities, such as excavation and blasting. In certain regions, gigantic paleo-landslides exist, but triggering them is extremely difficult. However, triggering secondary landslides in gigantic paleo-landslides is relatively easy compared to the main corpus. The main purpose of this study was to produce a susceptibility map in a region in southeastern Türkiye and to discuss the impact of petroleum seismological investigation concerning the trigger of the landslides. For this purpose, a landslide inventory was compiled using geospatial data sets and field observations and used for landslide susceptibility mapping with the Random Forest algorithm. The accelerations sourced from blasting were also measured and the run-out distances were determined. A run-out distance map was produced using inverse distance weights. The study presents comprehensive insights by integrating a landslide susceptibility map and run-out distance map. It evaluates the impact of blasting on landslides through in-situ measurements and slope stability analyses. Findings indicate that no triggering effect on landslides was observed if the dynamite quantity remains below 4 kg and the blasting distance exceeds 10 m from the landslide.
Hydrochemistry and isotope hydrology of groundwater and surface water in the Sor and Gebba watershed, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Bayou Wondmyibza Tsegaye , Mohammed Mebruk , Ayenew Tenalem , Mebrahtu Tesfay Kiros , Wohnlich Stefan
Published: May 2024

The Sor and Gebba watershed plays a crucial role in the water resources of the Baro-Akobo River Basin. However, various factors have had a detrimental effect on the watershed. Unplanned groundwater extraction, wetland drainage, surface water pollution, and land use changes have all intensified due to population growth, urbanization, commercial farms, industrial development, poor water resources management, and improvements in living standards. This research utilized major hydrochemical ions and environmentally stable isotopes to elucidate the interaction between groundwater and surface water in the watershed, which are reliable tracers in various hydrologic processes. During the 2020 wet season and 2022 dry season, over 25 meteoric water samples were collected from different locations for hydrochemical and isotopic analysis. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that the dominant water type is Ca–Mg–HCO3−. Among the anions, HCO3− was the most dominant, followed by NO3−, Cl−, and SO42−, and those of cations Ca2+, followed by Na+, Mg2+, and K+. The spatial analysis of environmentally stable isotopes confirmed the interaction between groundwater and surface water in the watershed. The quality of groundwater is primarily influenced by rock-water interaction (Gibb's diagram) and, to some extent, by evaporation (Isotope study). A graph of the water samples closely aligned with the Addis Ababa-local meteoric water line indicates their meteoric origin. However, there was a slight deviation to the left due to the effects of distance and altitude. The isotopic correlation further supported the interaction between different water sources.
Hsp90α and cell death in cancers: a review
Authors: Liu Bin , Qian Daohai
Published: May 2024

Heat shock protein 90α (Hsp90α), an important molecular chaperone, plays a crucial role in regulating the activity of various intracellular signaling pathways and maintaining the stability of various signaling transduction proteins. In cancer, the expression level of Hsp90α is often significantly upregulated and is recognized as one of the key factors in cancer cell survival and proliferation. Cell death can help achieve numerous purposes, such as preventing aging, removing damaged or infected cells, facilitating embryonic development and tissue repair, and modulating immune response. The expression of Hsp90α is closely associated with specific modes of cell death including apoptosis, necrotic apoptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death, etc. This review discusses the new results on the relationship between expression of Hsp90α and cell death in cancer. Hsp90α is frequently overexpressed in cancer and promotes cancer cell growth, survival, and resistance to treatment by regulating cell death, rendering it a promising target for cancer therapy.
The cost of genetic diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts with whole-exome sequencing from a middle-income country perspective: a mixed costing analysis
Authors: Neves Luiza M. , Pinto Márcia , Zin Olivia A. , Cunha Daniela P. , Agonigi Bruna N. S. , Motta Fabiana L. , Gomes Leonardo H. F. , Horovitz Dafne D. G. , Almeida Daltro C. , Malacarne Jocieli , Guida Leticia , Braga Andressa , Carvalho Adriana Bastos , Pereira Eduardo , Rodrigues Ana Paula S. , Sallum Juliana M. F. , Zin Andrea A. , Vasconcelos Zilton F. M.
Published: May 2024

Up to 25% of pediatric cataract cases are inherited. There is sparse information in the literature regarding the cost of whole-exome sequencing (WES) for suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts. Molecular diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts is important for comprehensive genetic counseling. We performed a partial economic evaluation with a mixed costing analysis, using reimbursement data and microcosting approach with a bottom-up technique to estimate the cost of using WES for genetic diagnosis of suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts from the perspective of the Brazilian governmental health care system. One hundred and ten participants from twenty-nine families in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) were included. Costs of consumables, staff and equipment were calculated. Two scenarios were created: (1) The reference scenario included patients from RJ with suspected hereditary pediatric cataracts plus two family members. (2) The alternative scenario considered other genetic diseases, resulting in 5,280 exams per month. Sensitivity analysis was also performed. In the reference scenario, the total cost per exam was 700.09 United States dollars (USD), and in the alternative scenario, the total cost was 559.23 USD. The cost of WES alone was 527.85 USD in the reference scenario and 386.98 USD in the alternative scenario. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the largest costs were associated with consumables in both scenarios. Economic evaluations can help inform policy decisions, especially in middle-income countries such as Brazil.
Sexual and Mental Health in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Exploring the Role of Meaning-Centered Coping
Authors: Pérez-Escobar José Antonio , Carreno David F. , Pérez-Escobar Rosalía , Eisenbeck Nikolett
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the sexual function and mental health of healthcare workers worldwide. However, the extent to which sexual health, including its relational dimension, was affected among different healthcare services and the protective coping strategies employed at that time is currently unclear. The present study aimed to investigate these two issues, exploring for the first time the role of meaning-centered coping on sexual health.

Method

The sample consisted of 109 healthcare workers divided into two groups: a high-exposure group (Intensive Care Unit service, 63 participants) and a low-exposure group (gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics services, 46 participants). One year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants completed an online survey comprised of sociodemographic and COVID-19 exposure variables, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Short Form, and the Meaning-Centered Coping Scale.

Results

(1) High-exposure participants reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms, (2) anxiety, depression and stress were associated with decreased sexual health after the pandemic, (3) High-exposure participants reported a higher decrease in their sexual health, (4) High-exposure workers reported higher levels of meaning-centered coping, and (5) higher levels of meaning-centered coping predicted higher sexual health in both groups.

Policy Implications

Various healthcare services pose distinct risks regarding the detrimental effects of collective health crises on mental and sexual health, and therefore they should be differently treated. The promotion of meaning-centered coping is a sensible policy to improve preparedness in healthcare contexts, especially in vulnerable services and subpopulations.
Digital twins in aircraft production and MRO: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Moenck Keno , Rath Jan-Erik , Koch Julian , Wendt Arne , Kalscheuer Florian , Schüppstuhl Thorsten , Schoepflin Daniel
Published: May 2024

The digital twin (DT) concept, value-adding connecting the real and digital world, has been a rising trend in recent years, while the implementation and observation of challenges are still subject to research. Implementations of holistic Digital Twins of tangible and intangible assets of complex products or processes are often ideal-theoretic; instead, only subsystems and processes are replicated, which digital representations serve specific, meaningful applications. Specifically, with its distinct characteristics, the aviation industry and its production show various future application scenarios, which we use case-driven outline in this work. Therefore, we first summarize common, industry-neutral challenges of implementing Digital Twins and give an overview of aircraft production characteristics. Then, we will outline different fields of utilizing the Digital Twin concept and highlight integrational, organizational, and compliance-related challenges as well as opportunities in the context of aircraft production and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The use cases are located at different aircraft life cycle phases, from production system development, production supplying logistics, and Quality Assurance (QA) up to retrofit.
Preparation and Characterization of Amoxicillin-Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate Nanofibrous Mat: Drug Release Properties, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Çerçi Azize , Demir Elif Sena , Karaca Esra , Güzel Çağla Bozkurt , Osman Bilgen
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to prepare a polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate (PVSA) nanofibrous mat as an amoxicillin (AMOX) delivery system. AMOX was loaded to the PVSA nanofibers during electrospinning, and the AMOX-loaded PVSA (PVSA/AMOX) nanofibrous mat was cross-linked by glutaraldehyde (GA). The PVSA/AMOX nanofibrous mat was characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and mercury porosimetry analyses. The thickness, air permeability, and water vapor transmission rate of the PVSA/AMOX nanofibrous mat were 0.43 ± 0.08 mm, 17.2 ± 4.91 L/m2/s, and 1485 ± 13.6 g/m2/d, respectively, which were suitable for wound dressing applications. The tensile strength was 6.73 ± 0.48 MPa and elongation at a maximum load was 81.9 ± 17.0%, within the ranges of human skin’s values. The total porosity was 59.4%, enabling cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. The PVSA/AMOX nanofibrous mat has high swelling (319 ± 4.2%) and low degradation (2.2 ± 0.1% in 10 days) ratios. The nanofibrous mat cross-linked with 0.25% GA solution for 20 min had a 73.07% cumulative release for 90 min. The drug release kinetics were obeyed to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The nanofibrous mat presented antibacterial activity on S. aureus ATCC 29213 and E. coli ATCC 25922, and there was no cytotoxic effect on the human normal keratinocyte cells, demonstrating the potential for use in wound dressing applications.
Optimal annuitisation, housing and reverse mortgage in retirement in the presence of a means-tested public pension
Authors: Andréasson Johan G. , Shevchenko Pavel V.
Published: May 2024

In this paper we develop a model to find optimal decisions in retirement with respect to the consumption, risky asset allocation, access to annuities, reverse mortgage and the option to scale housing in the presence of a means-tested public pension. To solve the corresponding high-dimensional optimal stochastic control problem, we use the Least-Squares Monte Carlo simulation method. The model is applied in the context of the Australian retirement system. Few retirees in Australia utilise financial products in retirement, such as annuities or reverse mortgages. Since the government-provided means-tested Age Pension in Australia is an indirect annuity stream which is typically higher than the consumption floor, it can be argued that this could be the reason why many Australians do not annuitise. In addition, in Australia where assets allocated to the family home are not included in the means tests of Age Pension, the incentive to over-allocate wealth into housing assets is high. This raises the question whether a retiree is really better off over-allocating into the family home, while accessing home equity later on either via downsizing housing or by taking out a reverse mortgage. Our findings confirm that means-tested pension crowds out voluntary annuitisation in retirement, and that annuitisation is optimal sooner rather than later once retired. We find that it is never optimal to downscale housing when the means-tested pension and a reverse mortgage are available; only when there is no other way to access equity then downsizing is the only option.
Generalized fractional derivatives generated by Dickman subordinator and related stochastic processes
Authors: Gupta Neha , Kumar Arun , Leonenko Nikolai , Vaz Jayme
Published: May 2024

In this article, convolution-type fractional derivatives generated by Dickman subordinator and inverse Dickman subordinator are discussed. The Dickman subordinator and its inverse are generalizations of stable and inverse stable subordinators, respectively. The series representations of densities of the Dickman subordinator and inverse Dickman subordinator are also obtained, which could be helpful for computational purposes. Moreover, the space and time-fractional Poisson-Dickman processes, space-fractional Skellam Dickman process and non-homogenous Poisson-Dickman process are introduced and their main properties are studied.
Natural-derived acetophenones: chemistry and pharmacological activities
Authors: Ahmadpourmir Hamid , Attar Homayoun , Asili Javad , Soheili Vahid , Taghizadeh Seyedeh Faezeh , Shakeri Abolfazl
Published: May 2024

Acetophenones are naturally occurring phenolic compounds which have found in over 24 plant families and also fungi strains. They are exist in both free or glycosides form in nature. The biological activities of these compounds have been assayed and reported including cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant and antityrosinase activities. Herein, we review the chemistry and biological activity of natural acetophenone derivatives that have been isolated and identified until January 2024. Taken together, it was reported 252 acetophenone derivatives in which the genera Melicope (69) and Acronychia (44) were the principal species as producers of acetophenones.

Graphical Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection in children born to HBeAg-positive women confers a low long-term risk for HBsAg-positive infection
Authors: Eilard Anders , Andersson Maria E. , Wejstål Rune , Norkrans Gunnar , Lindh Magnus
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) has been the main cause of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, particularly in East Asia. Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination given directly after birth effectively prevents hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive (overt) HBV infection, but occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) may develop despite adequate prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome in children born to mothers with very high HBV DNA levels with special focus on children discovered in early childhood with OBI.

Methods

One-year and long-term outcome regarding overt and occult HBV infection were analysed in 66 children born to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers, and were compared with one-year outcome in 69 children born to HBeAg-negative mothers. The children were born between 1998 and 2018.

Results

Six children born to HBeAg-positive mothers developed overt chronic HBV infection, in two cases after normal pregnancies and despite HBIG and vaccination, but never when nucleotide analogue treatment was given during pregnancy. OBI with HBV DNA detected in serum in the absence of surface antigen (HBsAg) was observed in four children at the age of 1 year. One of them was transiently HBsAg-positive at the age of 7 years. At long-term follow-up, six children had overt chronic infection, one had OBI and six had previous OBI or positive anti-HBc suggesting resolved unidentified infections.

Conclusion

The results indicate that children born to mothers with high HBV DNA levels have approximately 10% risk to develop OBI despite antiviral treatment, vaccination and HBIG, but that such OBI confers a minimal long-term risk for overt infection, at least in immunocompetent children.