bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Still-Moving: Customized Video Generation without Customized Video Data
Authors: Chefer Hila , Zada Shiran , Paiss Roni , Ephrat Ariel , Tov Omer , Rubinstein Michael , Wolf Lior , Dekel Tali , Michaeli Tomer , Mosseri Inbar
Published: November 2024

Customizing text-to-image (T2I) models has seen tremendous progress recently, particularly in areas such as personalization, stylization, and conditional generation. However, expanding this progress to video generation is still in its infancy, primarily due to the lack of customized video data. In this work, we introduce Still-Moving, a novel generic framework for customizing a text-to-video (T2V) model, without requiring any customized video data. The framework applies to the prominent T2V design where the video model is built over a T2I model (e.g., via inflation). We assume access to a customized version of the T2I model, trained only on still image data (e.g., using DreamBooth). Naively plugging in the weights of the customized T2I model into the T2V model often leads to significant artifacts or insufficient adherence to the customization data. To overcome this issue, we train lightweight
Spatial Adapters
that adjust the features produced by the injected T2I layers. Importantly, our adapters are trained on
"frozen videos"
(i.e., repeated images), constructed from image samples generated by the customized T2I model. This training is facilitated by a novel
Motion Adapter
module, which allows us to train on such static videos while preserving the motion prior of the video model. At test time, we remove the Motion Adapter modules and leave in only the trained Spatial Adapters. This restores the motion prior of the T2V model while adhering to the spatial prior of the customized T2I model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on diverse tasks including personalized, stylized, and conditional generation. In all evaluated scenarios, our method seamlessly integrates the spatial prior of the customized T2I model with a motion prior supplied by the T2V model.
Bijective Volumetric Mapping via Star Decomposition
Authors: Hinderink Steffen , Brückler Hendrik , Campen Marcel
Published: November 2024

A method for the construction of bijective volumetric maps between 3D shapes is presented. Arbitrary shapes of ball-topology are supported, overcoming restrictions of previous methods to convex or star-shaped targets. In essence, the mapping problem is decomposed into a set of simpler mapping problems, each of which can be solved with previous methods for discrete star-shaped mapping problems. Addressing the key challenges in this endeavor, algorithms are described to reliably construct structurally compatible partitions of two shapes with constraints regarding star-shapedness and to compute a parsimonious common refinement of two triangulations.
SGEdit: Bridging LLM with Text2Image Generative Model for Scene Graph-based Image Editing
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Chen DongDong , Liao Jing
Published: November 2024

Scene graphs offer a structured, hierarchical representation of images, with nodes and edges symbolizing objects and the relationships among them. It can serve as a natural interface for image editing, dramatically improving precision and flexibility. Leveraging this benefit, we introduce a new framework that integrates large language model (LLM) with Text2Image generative model for scene graph-based image editing. This integration enables precise modifications at the object level and creative recomposition of scenes without compromising overall image integrity. Our approach involves two primary stages: 1) Utilizing a LLM-driven scene parser, we construct an image's scene graph, capturing key objects and their interrelationships, as well as parsing fine-grained attributes such as object masks and descriptions. These annotations facilitate concept learning with a fine-tuned diffusion model, representing each object with an optimized token and detailed description prompt. 2) During the image editing phase, a LLM editing controller guides the edits towards specific areas. These edits are then implemented by an attention-modulated diffusion editor, utilizing the fine-tuned model to perform object additions, deletions, replacements, and adjustments. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate that our framework significantly outperforms existing image editing methods in terms of editing precision and scene aesthetics. Our code is available at https://bestzzhang.github.io/SGEdit.
VOODOO XP: Expressive One-Shot Head Reenactment for VR Telepresence
Authors: Tran Phong , Zakharov Egor , Ho Long-Nhat , Karmanov Adilbek , Bermudez Venegas Ariana , Goldwhite McLean , Agarwal Aviral , Hu Liwen , Tran Anh , Li Hao
Published: November 2024

We introduce VOODOO XP: a 3D-aware one-shot head reenactment method that can generate highly expressive facial expressions driven by an input video from a single 2D portrait. Our approach is real-time, view-consistent, and can be instantly used without calibration or fine-tuning. We demonstrate our solution in a monocular video setting and an end-to-end VR telepresence system for two-way communication. Compared to 2D head reenactment methods, 3D-aware approaches aim to preserve the identity of the subject and ensure view-consistent facial geometry for novel camera poses, which makes them suitable for immersive applications. While various facial disentanglement techniques have been introduced, cutting-edge 3D-aware neural reenactment techniques still lack expressiveness and fail to reproduce complex and fine-scale facial expressions. We present a novel cross-reenactment architecture that directly transfers the driver's facial expressions to transformer blocks of the input source's 3D lifting module. We show that highly effective disentanglement is possible using a new multi-stage self-supervision approach. It relies on a coarse-to-fine training strategy, which is combined with explicit face neutralization and 3D lifted frontalization during its initial training stage. We further integrate our novel head reenactment solution into an accessible high-fidelity VR telepresence system, where any person can instantly build a personalized neural head avatar from any photo and bring it to life using the headset. Furthermore, our proposed method demonstrates state-of-the-art expressiveness and likeness preservation on diverse subjects and capture conditions.
Appearance Modeling of Iridescent Feathers with Diverse Nanostructures
Authors: Yu Yunchen , Weidlich Andrea , Walter Bruce , d'Eon Eugene , Marschner Steve
Published: November 2024

Many animals exhibit structural colors, which are often iridescent, meaning that the perceived colors change with illumination conditions and viewing perspectives. Biological iridescence is usually caused by multilayers or other periodic structures in animal tissues, which selectively reflect light of certain wavelengths and often result in a shiny appearance---which almost always comes with spatially varying highlights, thanks to randomness and irregularities in the structures. Previous models for biological iridescence tend to each target one specific structure, and most models only compute large-area averages, overlooking spatial variation in iridescent appearance.

In this work, we build appearance models for biological iridescence using bird feathers as our case study, investigating different types of feathers with a variety of structural coloration mechanisms. We propose an approximate wave simulation method that takes advantage of quasi-regular structures while efficiently modeling the effects of natural structural irregularities. We further propose a method to distill our simulation results into distributions of BRDFs, generated using noise functions, that preserve relevant statistical properties of the simulated BRDFs. This allows us to model the spatially varying, glittery appearance commonly seen on feathers. Our BRDFs are practical and efficient, and we present renderings of multiple types of iridescent feathers with comparisons to photographic images.
An Eulerian Vortex Method on Flow Maps
Authors: Wang Sinan , Deng Yitong , Deng Molin , Yu Hong-Xing , Zhou Junwei , Chen Duowen , Komura Taku , Wu Jiajun , Zhu Bo
Published: November 2024

We present an Eulerian vortex method based on the theory of flow maps to simulate the complex vortical motions of incompressible fluids. Central to our method is the novel incorporation of the flow-map transport equations for
line elements
, which, in combination with a bi-directional marching scheme for flow maps, enables the high-fidelity Eulerian advection of vorticity variables. The fundamental motivation is that, compared to impulse

m

, which has been recently bridged with flow maps to encouraging results, vorticity

ω

promises to be preferable for its numerical stability and physical interpretability. To realize the full potential of this novel formulation, we develop a new Poisson solving scheme for vorticity-to-velocity reconstruction that is both efficient and able to accurately handle the coupling near solid boundaries. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach with a range of vortex simulation examples, including leapfrog vortices, vortex collisions, cavity flow, and the formation of complex vortical structures due to solid-fluid interactions.
Single- and Multi-Depot Optimization for UAV-Based IoT Data Collection in Neighborhoods
Authors: Betti Sorbelli Francesco , Ghobadi Sajjad , Pinotti Cristina M.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we investigate the problem of deploying the minimum number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and determining their flying tours to collect data from all Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. We study this problem in a scenario with neighborhoods where a UAV can collect data from an IoT sensor if the distance between them is less than the wireless communication range of the IoT sensor. Since UAVs are powered by batteries with a limited amount of energy, we assume that the total energy consumed during the flying tour of each UAV is bounded by a given budget. We present the
Minimum rooted drone Deployment Problem with Neighborhoods
(MDPN), which is NP-hard, and propose two approximation algorithms for the single-depot case, where one of them is a bi-criteria approximation algorithm that returns a solution whose tour’s cost is violated by a factor of 1 + ε. Furthermore, we extend these two algorithms to the multi-depot scenario. Finally, we evaluate our algorithms in three different scenarios: the ideal one where the communication range is a circle and the data transfer rate is constant, and two more realistic scenarios where we introduce some degree of irregularity in the communication range and a non-constant rate in data transfer.
Peripheral antitussives affect temporal features of tracheobronchial coughing in cats
Authors: Poliacek Ivan , Veterník Marcel , Martvon Lukas , Simera Michal , Cibulkova Lucia , Kotmanova Zuzana , Berikova Denisa , Bolser Donald C.
Published: November 2024

In a study on anesthetized cats, peripherally acting antitussives 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid (3APPi) and levodropropizine (Levo) significantly reduced cough number and expiratory efforts, with Levo also reducing inspiratory efforts. Both antitussives altered the cough motor pattern, extending various cough phases. 3APPi shortened diaphragm-abdominal activity overlap, whereas Levo decreased the respiratory rate. These changes contrast with those induced by centrally acting antitussives.
Advances in Optimizing Mechanical Performance of 3D‐Printed Polymer Composites: A Microstructural and Processing Enhancements Review
Authors: Jaganathan Sivakumar , Kandasamy Raju , Venkatachalam Ravikumar , Gunalan Muthu , Dhairiyasamy Ratchagaraja
Published: November 2024

This review investigates the recent advancements aimed at optimizing the mechanical performance of three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed polymer matrix composites (PMCs), motivated by the need to overcome the inherent limitations of additive manufacturing (AM) in achieving desired mechanical properties. The study focuses on two primary areas: (1) microstructural refinements through strategic control of parameters such as reinforcement type, size, orientation, and interfacial properties and (2) processing enhancements involving the modification of build parameters, material formulations, and posttreatments. The review systematically analyzes the interdependencies between microstructure‐property relationships and processing‐performance characteristics. Key findings include an improvement of up to 50% in strength and toughness through optimized microstructure and printing techniques, which are compared with results from other studies that reported a maximum of 30%–40% improvement under similar conditions. The review also highlights the successful application of these approaches in various case studies, demonstrating their potential to substantially enhance the dimensional control and functional properties of 3D‐printed PMCs, making them suitable for diverse applications ranging from aerospace components to flexible sensors. Despite these advancements, challenges such as performance consistency, part quality, and scalability remain, emphasizing the need for continued research to fully exploit the potential of 3D‐printed PMCs.
Simple Imaging System for Label‐Free Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Resource‐Limited Settings
Authors: Douarre Clément , David Dylan , Fangazio Marco , Picard Emmanuel , Hadji Emmanuel , Vandenberg Olivier , Barbé Barbara , Hardy Liselotte , Marcoux Pierre R.
Published: November 2024

Fast, accurate, and affordable bacterial identification methods are paramount for the timely treatment of infections, especially in resource‐limited settings (RLS). However, today, only 1.3% of the sub‐Saharan African diagnostic laboratories are performing clinical bacteriology. To improve this, diagnostic tools for RLS should prioritize simplicity, affordability, and ease of maintenance, as opposed to the costly equipment utilized for bacterial identification in high‐income countries, such as matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). In this work, we present a new high‐throughput approach based on a simple wide‐field (864 mm2) lensless imaging system allowing for the acquisition of a large portion of a Petri dish coupled with a supervised deep learning algorithm for identification at the bacterial colony scale. This wide‐field imaging system is particularly well suited to RLS since it includes neither moving mechanical parts nor optics. We validated this approach through the acquisition and the subsequent analysis of a dataset comprising 252 clinical isolates from five species, encompassing some of the most prevalent pathogens. The resulting optical morphotypes exhibited intra‐ and interspecies variability, a scenario considerably more akin to real‐world clinical practice than the one achievable by solely concentrating on reference strains. Despite this variability, high identification performance was achieved with a correct species identification rate of 91.7%. These results open up some new prospects for identification in RLS. We released both the acquired dataset and the trained identification algorithm in publicly available repositories.
Addressing Knee Osteoarthritis Pathology Through Platelet‐Rich Plasma Treatment: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vlad Silviu Valentin , Ghitea Timea Claudia , Manole Felicia , Nutiu Alexandru–Stefan , Lupsa Alex Octavian , Ghiurau Nicu Adrian , Blaga Florin Nicolae
Published: November 2024

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is gaining popularity across various medical fields, including orthopedics, for its potential in tissue regeneration and wound healing. As intra‐articular treatments evolve, PRP has emerged as a promising option for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an update on the current applications of PRP in treating knee osteoarthritis and its clinical implications in orthopedic and sports medicine. We reviewed 180 eligible studies, and our findings suggest that PRP injections significantly improve knee joint function compared to alternative treatments. The use of PRP across various medical fields has been growing in popularity recently. PRP is a biological product derived from the plasma portion of a patient’s own blood, containing a higher concentration of platelets than normal. Its potential for tissue regeneration and wound healing has drawn significant attention from orthopedic surgeons, especially as intra‐articular treatment options continue to evolve. The benefits of PRP in treating various osteoarticular conditions have sparked considerable interest within the orthopedic community, particularly for managing knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the current applications of PRP in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and to offer clinical insights into its use in orthopedic and sports medicine practices. We reviewed 180 relevant titles and abstracts that met the inclusion criteria. Compared to other treatment options, PRP injections significantly enhance knee joint function.
On an Euler–Abel Type Transform of Trigonometric Series
Authors: Berisha N. Sh. , Berisha F. M. , Sadiku M.
Published: November 2024

In the paper, we give several limit case Euler–Abel type transforms for alternating cosine and sine series. Making use of a property of the operator of generalized difference, applied in the transforms, we give transforms for nonalternating series, which are stronger than similar transforms for alternating series given earlier.

MSC2020 Classification: Primary 65B10, Secondary 42A38, 40A25, 40A05
Chaotic Image Encryption Scheme Based on Improved Z‐Order Curve, Modified Josephus Problem, and RNA Operations: An Experimental Li‐Fi Approach
Authors: Fotso S. B. Nono , Talla Mbé J. H. , Atchoffo W. N. , Nzeukou A. C. , Ndjiongue A. R.
Published: November 2024

Image encryption schemes are predominantly software‐based. Only a select few have been implemented in real‐life communication systems. This paper introduces a novel chaotic image encryption scheme based on a modified Z‐order curve, a modified Josephus problem, and an improved Vigenère cipher–based ribonucleic acid (RNA) operation. It is implemented and assessed within a light‐fidelity (Li‐Fi) infrastructure, comprising two core components: software and hardware. The software component manages data encryption and decryption, while the hardware ensures efficient data transmission. The proposed encryption scheme starts with a pixel‐level permutation based on an improved Z‐order curve, applicable to rectangular images, optimizing efficiency and increasing permutation ability. This is followed by a bit‐level permutation using a modified Josephus problem, which enhances the diversity of generated sequences and introduces additional dislocation effects. Subsequently, a Vigenère cipher–based RNA operation serves for diffusion alongside basic RNA operations and the cipher block chaining (CBC) mode. Theoretical analyses and experimental findings demonstrate that the proposed encryption scheme is highly robust, outperforming several existing cryptosystems. Moreover, owing to its successful implementation, the proposed encryption scheme signifies a compelling stride toward bolstering secure visible light communication systems.
Characteristics of a CCL21 Gene–Modified Dendritic Cell Vaccine Utilized for a Clinical Trial in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Oh Michael S. , Dumitras Camelia , Salehi-Rad Ramin , Tran Linh M. , Krysan Kostyantyn , Lim Raymond J. , Jing Zhe , Tappuni Shahed , Lisberg Aaron , Garon Edward B. , Dubinett Steven M. , Liu Bin
Published: November 2024

The treatment of non–small cell lung cancer has made major strides with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors; however, there remains a significant need for therapies that can overcome immunotherapy resistance. Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines have been proposed as a therapy that can potentially enhance the antitumor immune response. We have embarked on a phase I clinical trial of a vaccine consisting of monocyte-derived DCs (moDC) modified to express the chemokine C–C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21-DC) given in combination with pembrolizumab. In this study, we report a comprehensive characterization of this CCL21-DC vaccine and interrogate the effects of multiple factors in the manufacturing process. We show that the cellular makeup of the CCL21-DC vaccine is heterogeneous because of the presence of passenger lymphocytes at a proportion that is highly variable among patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing of vaccines revealed further heterogeneity within the moDC compartment, with cells spanning a spectrum of DC phenotypes. Transduction with a CCL21-containing adenoviral vector augmented CCL21 secretion by moDCs, but otherwise had a minimal effect on vaccine characteristics. A single freeze–thaw cycle for stored vaccines was associated with minor alterations to the DC phenotype, as was the use of healthy donors rather than patient autologous blood. Our results highlight important considerations for the production of DC vaccines and identify underexplored factors that may affect their efficacy and immunologic impact.
Enhancing Genetic Insight: Chromosomal Microarray Enhances Understanding of Genetics in Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Authors: Erkan Dilsu Dicle , Soğukpınar Merve , Ürel Demir Gizem , Utine Gülen Eda , Şimşek-Kiper Pelin Özlem
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is characterized by distinctive craniofacial features, growth deficiencies, and broad thumbs and halluces. Most diagnoses are made through sequence analysis of the CREBBP or EP300 genes. Here we focused on two cases diagnosed through chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), highlighting the significance of genetic variations in RSTS. Case Presentation: After detailed clinical examinations and genetic evaluations of 2 patients with suspected RSTS, CMA was conducted to identify copy number variations. CMA revealed a 128-kb deletion in the CREBBP gene in case 1 presenting with dysmorphic features and growth delays. Case 2, a 14-month-old girl with global developmental delay and similar dysmorphic features, was found to have a 1,467-kb deletion encompassing part of the EP300 gene. Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of CMA as a critical diagnostic tool for RSTS, particularly in cases where sequence analysis fails to identify pathogenic variants. The identification of significant deletions in the CREBBP and EP300 genes through CMA not only confirms the diagnosis of RSTS but also expands our understanding of the genetic complexity of the syndrome. Since CMA is already included as part of the diagnostic evaluation for RSTS, these findings further emphasize its value in ensuring accurate diagnosis and improving the management of this rare condition.
Severely Hyperammonemic Acute Liver Failure due to Paracetamol Overdose: The Impact of High-Intensity Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Chaba Anis , Warrillow Stephen Joseph , Fisher Caleb , Spano Sofia , Maeda Akinori , Phongphithakchai Atthaphong , Pattamin Nuttapol , Hikasa Yukiko , Kitisin Nuanprae , Warming Scott , Michel Claire , Eastwood Glenn M. , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced acute liver failure (ALF) with severe hyperammonemia (ammonia >100 µmol⋅L−1) is a life-threatening condition. A strategy based on high-intensity continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) without early (up to day seven) transplantation may enable clinicians to safely identify which patients can recover and survive and which patients require transplantation. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with severely hyperammonemic paracetamol-induced ALF. The primary outcome was early transplant-free survival. Results: We studied 84 patients (median age: 38; female sex: 79 [85%]) over a 12-year period (median ammonia level at ICU admission: 153 µmol⋅L−1; median peak aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 10,029 U⋅L−1; median lactate: 5.0 mmol⋅L−1; and median INR: 4.4) and 55 (65%) with King’s College criteria for transplantation. Overall, 87% received high-intensity CRRT (92% in 2020–2023). Median CRRT intensity was 54 mL⋅kg−1⋅hr−1 within the first 48 h and increased by 1.8 mL⋅kg−1⋅hr−1 per year during the study period (p = 0.002). Transplant-free survival to day 7 was 86% in 2011–2023 and 96% in 2020–2023. Overall, only 4 patients were transplanted and only 1 (4%) in 2020–2023. On multivariable Cox analysis, factors independently associated with failure to achieve day seven transplant-free survival were higher APACHE III score (HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08), higher lactate (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44), and lower platelet count at ICU admission (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.93) and the median effluent dose applied within the first 48 h of ICU admission (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.98). Conclusions: Early transplant-free survival is achievable in most patients with paracetamol-induced ALF and severe hyperammonemia with a treatment based on high-intensity CRRT. Such transplant-free survival increased over time together with increased CRRT dose.
Unveiling the Cost-Effectiveness of Chlamydia Screening Strategies: a Systematic Review
Authors: Mata Emídio , Angélico-Gonçalves António , Leite Ana Rita , Queiroz Almeida Diogo
Published: November 2024

Background: Cost-effectiveness analyses of preventive screening strategies are paramount for public health to ensure the effective resource use, especially for sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, which lead to significant Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) loss.
Summary: This study systematically reviewed EMBASE, PubMed and SCOPUS databases, from inception to October 2022, Chlamydia infection screening strategies' cost-effectiveness studies analyzing Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of QALYs versus no screening. Out of 487 studies, six were included, each employing distinct screening approaches, assumptions, and prevalence and incidence rates. The ICERs varied from $2,350/QALY gained with annual screening of women aged 15 to 24 years to €117,529 /QALY gained with women and men screening (age 16-29).
Key Messages: The results underscore the impact of the different assumptions on ICERs and highlights the importance of precise epidemiology on Chlamydia infections. Studies characterizing the local population are crucial for accurate cost-effectiveness analysis and public health policy formulation.
NSAID Allergy Labels Associated With Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Stroke
Authors: Tsui Cheryl C.W. , Mak Hugo W.F. , Leung William C.Y. , Teo Kay Cheong , Wong Yuen Kwun , Chiang Valerie , Lau Gary K.K. , Li Philip H.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Mislabeled drug allergy can restrict future prescriptions and medication use, but its prevalence and impact among patients with stroke remain unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of the most commonly labeled drug allergies, their accuracy, and their impact among patients with stroke.

METHODS:

In this combined longitudinal and cross-sectional study, we compared the prevalence of allergy labels among the general population and patients with ischemic stroke between 2008 and 2014 from electronic health care records in Hong Kong. Outcomes between patients with stroke with or without the most prevalent labels (ie, NSAID) were compared. Rate of mislabeled NSAID allergy was confirmed by provocation testing.

RESULTS:

Compared with the general population (n=702 966), patients with stroke had more labels (n=235) to cardiovascular and hematopoietic system (prevalence, 19.5% versus 9.2%; odds ratio [OR], 2.4 [95% CI, 1.74–3.32];
P
<0.001) and radiographic and diagnostic agents (prevalence, 4.2% versus 0.9%; OR, 4.82 [95% CI, 2.56–9.08];
P
<0.001). The most common labels were to NSAID (prevalence, 1.8%). Patients with NSAID allergy labels were significantly less likely to be prescribed aspirin after acute stroke (OR, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.09–0.60];
P
=0.003) and on follow-up (OR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.08–0.56];
P
=0.002). The median duration of follow-up was 6.7 years (6499±2.49 patient-years). Patients with stroke with NSAID allergy labels also experienced significantly higher mortality (OR, 7.44 [95% CI, 2.44–23.18];
P
<0.001), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 9.35 [95% CI, 1.95–44.86];
P
=0.005), and major adverse cardiovascular events (OR, 6.09 [95% CI, 2.00–18.58];
P
=0.001) in the poststroke period. Patients with NSAID allergy labels (who remained alive and could consent) were referred for allergist assessment and offered drug provocation testing. The majority (80%; 4/5) had negative provocation tests and were delabeled.

CONCLUSIONS:

NSAID allergy labels were significantly more prevalent among patients with stroke, associated with excessive mortality, peripheral vascular disease, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Given the high rate of mislabeled allergies, multidisciplinary neuro-allergy interventions could have the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Chapter 1: On the Dismissal of the MSPI Action by the General Court of the EU (Case T-158/21)
Authors: Malkmus Moritz
Published: November 2024

In its judgment of 9 November 2022, the General Court (GC) of the European Union fully upheld the European Commission’s Communication setting out the reasons for not adopting any of the (legislative) proposals put forward by the Minority SafePack Initiative (MSPI). This paper argues that several MSPI proposals do indeed tie in with existing EU competences and would lead to a significant extension of the protection of persons belonging to minorities within the Union. However, given the Commission’s wide discretion in responding to European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECI) and the limited standard of judicial review in this regard, it will be difficult to challenge the Commission’s dismissive response even on appeal. This does not necessarily mean the end of the initiative. The validity of its proposals under EU law is visibly consolidating and even the outcome of the appeal proceedings would not prejudice seeking to implement them by other (political) means. This paper provides a legal assessment of the above-mentioned first instance decision.
Chapter 2: Twenty-Five Years of Minority Rights Monitoring in Ukraine
Authors: Craig Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

The war in Ukraine is the most high-profile war in Europe since the adoption and subsequent consolidation of European minority rights standards developed in the 1990s. Using a chronological approach, this contribution uses the case study of Ukraine to illustrate significant ongoing challenges to the realisation of minority rights and to the monitoring work under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, as well as ongoing contestation and debate over its interpretation and application in specific contexts. It thereby clearly demonstrates the problems of seeing minority rights protection as a linear process of progression and socialisation rather than an ongoing process of negotiation that constantly needs to be adapted to current political realities. This is crucial to discussions not just over the future of minority rights in Ukraine but also to the future work of the Framework Convention Advisory Committee.
Chapter 3: National Minority Civil Society Organizations in Wartime
Authors: Haertel Kateryna
Published: November 2024

This article examines how the war in Ukraine has impacted the work of the civil society organizations of national minorities (hereinafter CSOs). The author looks into the operational specifics of three such CSOs during the first year of the war. Each organization represents a different ethnic group (i.e. Bulgarians, Hungarians, and Romanians), and is located in multi-ethnic regions of Ukraine, i.e. Odesa, Zakarpattia (or Transcarpathia, which is an alternative name for the region), and Chernivtsi respectively. Before the war, the CSOs focused on the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultures. Through desk research and interviews with the organizations’ representatives, the author attempts to answer the following sub-questions: have the organizations managed to continue working? What were their activities? Was it at all possible to promote ethnic cultures in wartime? Which risks and opportunities for their operation resulted from the war? The key finding is that the CSOs did shift their focus from the traditional realm of cultural affairs to humanitarian work. With the former activities not interrupted fully, the organizations have combined the implementation of duties from both realms, de facto operating on a wider mandate. Being a consequence of the CSOs’ ad hoc work in times of crisis, such extended engagement inter alia posed some additional opportunities for amplifying minorities’ influence in decision-making. A wider mandate is, therefore, examined by the author through the lens of its added value for improving the situation of minorities’ effective participation in public and political life in Ukraine. Inter alia, the study aims at documenting the contribution made by national minority CSOs in resisting Russia’s war of aggression.
Chapter 9: Advancing Social and Economic Rights of European Minorities from the Perspective of International Law—International Developments in 2022
Authors: Berdiqulov Aziz
Published: November 2024

In 2022, the reports by UN bodies and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages monitoring findings indicated that the social and economic rights of national minorities were not yet fully implemented. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was featured in several reports and strategy documents since experts were still tracing the disproportionate effects of the disease on minority communities. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia sparked high-level discussions about the intersection of ethnic conflict and inequality, while several initiatives at the EU level were developed to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.
Chapter 10: Cultural Activities and Facilities, Including the Media, in the Context of the Rights of European Minorities—International Developments in 2022
Authors: Riekkinen Mariya
Published: November 2024

This report overviews the central 2022 international developments related to cultural activities and facilities as well as the media, or more broadly implementing the freedom of expression, in the context of the rights of European minorities. The ECtHR cases of Basu v. Germany and Muhammad v. Spain are among the highlights, since they elaborate on ethnic profiling during identity checks by the police. The adoption of General Comment No. 26 (2022) on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the UN CESCR Committee and the General Recommendation No. 39 (2022) on the rights of Indigenous Women and Girls by the CEDAW Committee is also commented on as among the most significant advancements in 2022.
Freedom of Association in South Africa
Authors: Nankan Sahara
Published: November 2024

This article examines, as a foundational touchstone, the ways in which the South African Constitutional Court has interpreted the nature, scope and rationales that undergird the right to freedom of association enshrined under Section 18 of the Constitution. It is divided into two inter-linked thematic parts. Part i. outlines the socio-legal and historical development of the right, its nature and scope understood within a unique constitutional framing: its positive and negative elements, applicability of international law, comparative case law, and justifiable limitations. Part ii. then highlights some of the key rationales for respecting, protecting and promoting freedom of association, in particular, on the interplay between collective interests, group rights and individual liberty within the wider purposes of ensuring harmonious and coherent democratic pluralism. It seeks to inform, demystify and map the common threads and key underpinnings of the Court’s highly interpretative approach and provides plenty of room for further exploration, reflection and analysis.
Is Meritocracy Not So Bad After All? Educational Expansion and Intergenerational Mobility in 40 Countries
Authors: van de Werfhorst Herman G.
Published: November 2024

In the face of continued socioeconomic inheritance, the belief that the simple expansion of educational opportunities will create meritocratic societies has been met with skepticism. It is well documented that within expanding educational systems, class-advantaged families attempt to secure further advantages for their offspring. Conversely, for many, the modernist belief that educational expansion is a means to achieving a fairer society remains compelling. Studying trends in intergenerational occupational mobility in 40 countries from four continents, I examine whether educational expansion enhances occupational mobility, and whether such trends are counteracted by heightened persistence between social origin and destination within education groups. The results indicate that educational expansion over time, and the policies supporting it, are linked to improved intergenerational occupational mobility. Furthermore, this increased mobility through expanded educational opportunities is not negated by a strengthening of within-education elite persistence in occupational status, suggesting that occupational mobility patterns can genuinely change through educational expansion. The modernist ideology around educational expansion as a driver of social mobility may warrant renewed attention.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and a Convolutional Neural Network Model for Predicting Total Iron Content in Iron Ores
Authors: Jin Yue , Liu Shu , Min Hong , Yan Chenglin , Su Piao , Huang ZhuoMin , An Yarui , Li Chen
Published: November 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid method for detecting total iron (TFe) content in iron ores. However, accuracy and measurement error of univariate regression analysis in LIBS are limited due to factors such as laser energy fluctuations and spectral interference. To address this, multiple regression analysis and feature selection/extraction are needed to reduce redundant information, decrease the correlation between variables, and quantify the TFe content of iron ores accurately. Overall, 339 batches of iron ore samples from five countries were obtained from the ports of China during the discharging, and 2034 representative spectra were collected. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model for total iron content prediction in iron ores is established. The performance of variable importance random forest (VI-RF), variable importance back propagation artificial neural network (VI-BP-ANN), and CNN-assisted LIBS in predicting the TFe content of iron ores was compared. Coefficient of determination ( R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean relative error (MRE), and modeling time were selected for model evaluation. The result shows that variable importance significantly enhances the quantitative accuracy and reduces modeling time compared to traditional BP-ANN and RF models. Moreover, the CNN model outperformed manual feature selection methods (VI-BP-ANN and VI-RF), exhibiting the shortest modeling time, highest R2, lowest RMSE, and MRE. CNN model's unique characteristics, such as weight sharing and local connection, make it well suited for analyzing high-dimensional LIBS data in multivariate regression analysis. Our approach demonstrates the effectiveness of machine learning and deep learning approaches in improving the accuracy of LIBS for TFe content prediction in iron ores. CNN-assisted LIBS method holds great potential for practical applications in the mining industry.
Social Support Protects Against the Negative Psychological Impacts of Death Anxiety, and Depression on Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients
Authors: Aliche Chinenye Joseph , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday , Uche Precious Nneoma
Published: November 2024

People living with cancer may experience death anxiety and depression which may impact their experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Social support is a psychosocial resource that protects against negative psychological outcome. Although a direct association among these variables exist, little is known about their interactive effect. Dwelling on the buffering hypothesis, this study examined the role of social support in the association of death anxiety and PTG. We further investigated whether depression-PTG relationship would be moderated by social support. Cancer patients ( N = 412) were randomly selected from two healthcare institutions. Participants completed relevant self report measures, and data were analyzed using Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results showed that social support buffered the effect of death anxiety on PTG. The relationship between depression and PTG was also moderated by social support. Interventions to facilitate PTG should target social support network of patients due to its potentials in buffering the effect of death-related anxiety and depression on patients’ PTG.
A Latin American view of lived religion proposal
Authors: PEREIRA ARENA Valentina
Published: November 2024

In Latin American social studies, the lived religion approach has emerged as a fresh perspective for examining individuals’ tangible interactions with the sacred in their daily lives. Through a qualitative systematic review, this article sheds light on the academic production utilising the lived religion framework to unravel Latin American spirituality. By navigating thematic nuances and scholars’ critical findings, this study reveals the contributions of the lived religion approach within the Latin American context, exploring scholars’ motivations for its adoption. Amid this exploration, a central question arises: Is lived religion genuinely innovative for Latin American religious studies? This article aims to critically assess the incorporation of the lived religion approach in Latin American literature, examining its motivations and contributions to the perspective of lived religion from the Global South.
Partisan Prejudice: The Role of Beliefs About the Unchanging Nature of Ideology and Partisans
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L. , Burnette Jeni L. , Moore Meghan
Published: November 2024

Although there is a tendency to think all forms of essentialism—the belief that characteristics are inherent and unchangeable—are similar, some theories suggest different foundations and outcomes. We investigated if belief systems about the stability of political ideology (trait essentialism) and the fundamental nature of partisans (social essentialism) predict prejudice in opposite ways and if they do so via differential relations with blame. Across six studies ( N = 2,231), we found that the more people believe the trait of political ideology is fixed (trait essentialism), the more they think that Republicans and Democrats are inherently different (social essentialism). Crucially, despite this positive correlation, trait essentialism was negatively linked to partisan prejudice and social essentialism was positively linked. The essentialism to prejudice links were driven, in part, by differential associations with blame attributions. Media messaging robustly influenced both types of essentialist thinking, with implications for prejudice.
Facing the era of generative artificial intelligence: Strategies of information and digital literacy in Chinese studies
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhang Cecilia , Khamo  , Ye Shuqi
Published: November 2024

Since 30 November 2022, when OpenAI launched ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence has emerged as a subject of growing prominence. Various academic divisions, including academic librarianship, are closely monitoring the potential impact of generative artificial intelligence on their respective futures. Esteemed librarian associations such as the Council on East Asian Libraries have actively utilized industry-wide conventions to foster scholarly conversations, discussions, and debates regarding the influence of generative artificial intelligence on librarianship. This project draws inspiration from such discourse and is conducted by four Chinese and East Asian studies librarians from four prestigious American universities. Based on extensive first-hand experiments, they conclude that amidst the opportunities and challenges presented by generative artificial intelligence, the specialized expertise and knowledge possessed by area studies specialists is increasingly significant in shaping its implications for their field.
A nonlinear reduced-order model evaluated with a comprehensive index for dual-excitation flow separation control
Authors: Lu Weiyu , Gui Keyu , Deng Qiulin
Published: November 2024

Single periodic excitation is widely used in unsteady flow separation control. However, in some two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) flow separation scenarios, dual excitations are necessary or advantageous. Referring to dual-excitation flow separation control, a nonlinear reduced-order model is established in this study to describe the interaction between dual external excitations with the internal flow instability of the separated flow and to provide physical insight into flow control mechanisms. The model is based on the Navier-Stokes equation, flow images of typical 2D or 3D flow separation, and the Stuart–Landau model. Additionally, a comprehensive index is proposed to evaluate flow control performance reflected by the reduced-order model, which accounts for flow losses from time-averaged and fluctuating flow, thus providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the model characteristics. Furthermore, we compare the results of the model to some numerical and experimental results of typical 2D and 3D flow separation control with dual excitations. The agreement of the model results and the numerical and experimental results verify the reduced-order model and its comprehensive index to a certain degree.
A rare case of late-onset spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation presenting as adult-onset monogenic lupus
Authors: Firat Senturk Esra , Ayvaz Bilal Berke , Firtina Sinem , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: November 2024

Background

Spondyloenchondrodysplasia is classified as an interferonopathy resulting from recessive mutations in the ACP5 gene and manifests with various clinical features, including distinctive skeletal dysplasia, neurological abnormalities, immune dysfunction resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren’s syndrome. While SLE is typically considered multifactorial and more prevalent in adulthood, a subset of approximately 10%–25% of childhood cases arise from monogenic form. Among these, spondyloenchondrodysplasia accounts for only a rare fraction of monogenic lupus cases, with only 22 reported instances in the literature.

Case Report

This paper presents a new case of spondyloenchondrodysplasia-immune dysregulation (SPENCDI) in an adult patient born to nonconsanguineous parents. The patient was diagnosed with SPENCDI and exhibited immune neutropenia, anti-dsDNA positivity, platyspondyly, immune deficiency, and a homozygous variant (c.155 A > C, p. Lys52Thr) in the ACP5 gene, previously classified as pathogenic. Notably, the patient achieved successful clinical management through the initiation of baricitinib treatment, a Janus kinase inhibitor.

Conclusion

SPENCDI represents an uncommon cause of SLE in adulthood. Clinicians should be vigilant of underlying Mendelian inheritance when encountering patients with associated features. While treatments for both Mendelian and non-Mendelian SLE are similar, Janus kinase inhibitors like baricitinib show potential for managing interferon-signature monogenic SLE cases.