bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of plasma waves driven by runaway electrons in tokamak hot plasmas
Authors: Castaldo C. , Della Volpe L. , Fedele R. , Bin W. , Buratti P. , Cardinali A. , Napoli F. , Marinucci M. , Apruzzese G. , Cianfarani C. , Giovannozzi E. , Tudisco O.
Published: May 2024

The local stability analysis of plasma waves driven by runaway electrons (REs) has been performed considering hot plasma Maxwellian background, with electron and ion temperatures of the order of 1 keV. It is shown that hot plasma waves, namely electron plasma waves (EPWs) and ion Bernstein waves (IBWs) can be driven unstable by RE at their coalescence frequency via Cherenkov resonance by RE with energy distribution peaked at about 8 MeV. A skew-normal distribution is used as a model of the RE energy distribution. The EPW and IBW couples of waves occur between any successive ion-cyclotron harmonics frequencies nf
ci, above the lower hybrid resonance. At their confluence, the perpendicular group velocity vanishes and significant RF emissions are expected. The frequency gap between two successive confluences is ∼f
ci. Groups of RF line emissions, separated by almost constant frequency gap ∼f
ci/2 are detected during various quiescent runaway plasma discharges in the FTU tokamak. The analysis of a specific discharge suggests that the frequencies of the line emissions observed and the frequencies occurring at the EPW-IBW confluences are in reasonable agreement. A possible explanation of the line emissions with ∼f
ci/2 gap in terms of nonlinear mode coupling is proposed.
The status of the back-end card for the JUNO experiment
Authors: Gao Feng , Yang Yifan , Petitjean Pierre-Alexandre , Clerbaux Barbara , Colomer Molla Marta
Published: May 2024

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) aims to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy by detecting antineutrinos from nuclear reactors using a large liquid scintillator volume. The detector employs approximately 20,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes powered and read out by two electronics readout systems: underwater and above water. The back-end card (BEC) is a crucial component of the latter and links 7,000 underwater electronics boxes to the trigger system. 180 BECs have been installed and tested at the JUNO site, including self-tests and combined tests. This paper presents the current status of the BEC.
High intensity beam dynamics assessment and challenges for HL-LHC
Authors: Mounet N. , Tomás R. , Amorim D. , Antuono C. , Biancacci N. , Bartosik H. , Baudrenghien P. , Bruce R. , Buffat X. , Calaga R. , De Maria R. , Droin C. , Giacomel L. , Giovannozzi M. , Iadarola G. , Kostoglou S. , Kurtulus A. , Lindström B. , Mether L. , Métral E. , Papaphilippou Y. , Paraschou K. , Redaelli S. , Rumolo G. , Salvant B. , Sito L. , Sterbini G. , Zannini C.
Published: May 2024

The High Luminosity (HL-LHC) project aims to increase the
integrated luminosity of CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) by an
order of magnitude compared to its initial design. This requires a
large increase in bunch intensity and beam brightness compared to
the first three LHC runs, and hence poses serious collective-effects
challenges, related in particular to electron cloud, instabilities
from beam-coupling impedance, and beam-beam effects. Here, we
present the associated constraints and the mitigation measures
proposed to achieve the baseline performance of the upgraded LHC
machine. We also discuss the interplay of these mitigation measures
with other aspects of the accelerator, such as optics, physical and
dynamic apertures, the collimation system, and crab
cavities. Additional potential sources of intensity limitations are
also briefly discussed.
Coupled dynamic modeling of scrap melting and gas phase reactions in the electric arc furnace process
Authors: Mäkelä I , Visuri V-V , Aula M , Echterhof T
Published: May 2024

Gas phase reactions have a significant effect on the composition and heat content of the off-gas in the electric arc furnace (EAF) process. In this work, a previously developed dynamic scrap melting and heat transfer model was coupled with a gas phase reaction module based on Gibbs energy minimization. The gas phase reaction module retrieves the necessary thermodynamic data from a previously developed thermochemistry module. The gas phase reaction module has been used to improve the description of the gas burners and the freeboard of the EAF. The implementation of the gas phase reaction module has been found to be in good agreement with commercially available software (HSC Sim) for calculations assuming a gas phase equilibrium.
Decreasing the environmental impact of the electric steel making process through implementation of furnace retrofitting solutions
Authors: Kaiser F. , Reichel T. , Echterhof T. , Mier D. , Unamuno I. , Pfeifer H.
Published: May 2024

Steel production in the electric arc furnace is an energy-intensive process and generates a high amount of climate-relevant CO2 emissions. During the last decades, various improvements of the furnace and its operation have been developed and implemented, so that the efficiency of modern steel plants has reached a high level. Due to the standardized process flows and high production volumes, even small improvements in resource efficiency can lead to significant savings and improve the environmental impact of the steel production. This paper presents several optimization activities and retrofitting solutions for the metallurgical sector and in particular for the electric steel route. On the example of a Spanish electric steel plant, a life cycle analysis is carried out to calculate the potential improvements in environmental impacts and compare them with the current state of the art. For this purpose, real process data were collected and transferred to a life cycle assessment model with the use of a material flow analysis. A comparison of the ecological impact categories provides information on which retrofitting solutions can improve the process in the electric arc furnace and ensure a lower environmental impact.
Engineered K-doped ZnO/borneol based hydrogel composite material for led-based photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and evaluation of antimicrobial activity
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Zhang Dandan , Lv Huanzhi , Zhou Zhenjie , Wang Lingnan , Xie Shibing , Zheng Zexiang
Published: May 2024

The significant improvement of decolorization and disinfection technologies has been a hotspot in wastewater reutilization. In this study, we realized a novel construction of K-doped nano-ZnO and borneol based hydrogel composite material (K-ZnO/B-hydrogel) by low-temperature in situ sol–gel growth. The techniques such as fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were applied to recognize the synthesized hydrogel. The results revealed that K-doped ZnO nanoparticles had been uniformly decorated onto the B-hydrogel. Ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra showed that impurity doping of potassium element into ZnO could reduce the band gap, improving the visible light absorption efficiency. Under LED illumination, the photodegrading rate of K-ZnO/B-hydrogel was approximately 2.3 times greater than that of K-ZnO/B-hydrogel on methylene blue (MB) removal. Remarkably, aside from CO2 and H2O, no by-products were generated during the photodegradation process. In addition, the antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) of K-ZnO/B-hydrogel achieved up to 99.9%, which were at least 1.5 times higher than K-ZnO/B-hydrogel. This composite will push ahead with a closed-loop wastewater treatment system for dye and pathogenic microorganism disposal, which combines the excellent adsorption ability of hydrogel and the outstanding photocatalytic ability of ZnO nanoparticles with easy sample handling and separation, and help to eliminate secondary pollution.
Production of complex Fe-Si-Mn-Cr ferroalloy using high-ash coal: a sustainable metallurgical approach
Authors: Makhambetov Ye , Gabdullin S , Zhakan A , Saulebek Zh , Akhmetov A , Zulhan Z , Mukanov S
Published: May 2024

The article presents the results of comprehensive thermodynamic modeling and laboratory tests conducted for smelting a complex ferroalloy of silicon, manganese, and chromium (Fe-Si-Mn-Cr) from chromium, medium-grade manganese ores, and high-ash coals from Kazakhstan. Thermodynamic analysis was performed using HSC Chemistry software to model the Fe-Si-Mn-Cr smelting process over a temperature range of 900 °C–1800 °C. This analysis involved six actual charge compositions with solid reductant (Csolid) consumption ranging from 5 to 20 kg per 100 kg of Cr and Mn ore mixture. The mechanism of the combined carbothermic reduction of Cr, Mn, Si, and Fe was investigated using the Cr-Si-Al-Ca-Mn-Mg-O-C system. According to thermodynamic data, the optimal consumption of Csolid per 100 kg of ore mixture is 17 kg, and the optimal temperature range for smelting ferroalloys is between 1600 and 1700 °C. Laboratory tests were conducted in a high-temperature Tamman furnace at 1700 °C, resulting in experimental samples of the new complex ferroalloy with an average composition of 14.85% Fe, 14.05% Si, 7.55% Mn, 57.54% Cr, and 6.01% C, with P < 0.03% and S < 0.02%. The phase composition included (Cr, Fe, Mn)3Si and carbides Cr23C6 and (Fe, Mn)3C. The resulting alloy is suitable for alloying high-carbon and tool steels.
An assessment of the infrastructural and temporal barriers constraining a near-term implementation of a global stratospheric aerosol injection program
Authors: Smith Wake
Published: May 2024

Models of stratospheric aerosol injection deployment scenarios have often assumed that a global sunscreen could be applied to the Earth on relatively short notice, perhaps in response to a climate emergency. This emergency response framing confuses the timescales associated with the commencement of such a program. Once deployed, stratospheric aerosols could cool the Earth quite quickly, but the most commonly assumed deployment scenarios would require aircraft and other infrastructure that does not currently exist. Given the span required to develop and certify a novel aircraft program and to subsequently build a fleet numbering in the hundreds, scenario builders should assume a roughly two-decade interval between a funded launch decision and the attainment of a target level of cooling.
Catalyst integration within the air electrode in secondary Zn-air batteries
Authors: Labbe Matthew , Ivey Douglas G
Published: May 2024

The air electrode of a Zn-air battery facilitates the O2 reduction and evolution reactions during battery discharge and charge, respectively. These reactions are kinetically sluggish and appropriate catalysts are essential at the air electrode to increase battery efficiency. Precious metals are traditionally used, but increasingly attention has shifted towards non-precious metal catalysts to decrease the cost and increase the practicality of Zn-air batteries. However, loading of the catalyst onto the air electrode is equally as important as catalyst selection. Several methods can be used to deposit catalysts, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Example methods include spray-coating, electrodeposition, and impregnation. These can be categorized as indirect, direct, and hybrid catalyst loading techniques, respectively. Direct and hybrid loading methods generally provide better depth of loading than indirect methods, which is an important consideration for the porous, air-breathing electrode of a Zn-air battery. Furthermore, direct methods are free from ancillary materials such as a binder, required by indirect and hybrid methods, which translates into better cycling stability. This review examines the various techniques for fabricating catalyst-enhanced air electrodes with an emphasis on their contributions to battery performance and durability. More durable Zn-air battery air electrodes directly translate to longer operational lifetimes for practical Zn-air batteries, which is an important consideration for the future implementation of electrochemical energy storage in energy systems and technologies. Generally, direct catalyst loading techniques, which integrate catalyst material directly onto the air electrode structure, provide superior cycling performance to indirect catalyst loading techniques, which distribute an ex-situ synthesized material onto the top layer of the air electrode. Hybrid catalyst loading techniques, which grow catalyst material directly onto nanostructured supports and then integrate them throughout the air electrode architecture, offer a compromise between direct and indirect methods.
Effect of zirconium carbide coating on thermal behavior of heavy duty V12 diesel engine using finite element method
Authors: Zaman Muhammad Farooq , Bukhari Syed Masood Arif , Husnain Naveed , Abbas Zulkarnain , Ayyub Aqib , Najmi Muhammad Furqan , Manan Abdul , Zahid Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Thermal losses and emissions are considered as major contributing factors in decreasing the efficiency of engines and life span of engines. To prevent heat losses and emissions, thermal ceramic coatings are considered as potential contenders. Moreover, ceramic coatings also prevent engine parts from damage due to thermal stresses. In this computational study, the effect of Zirconium Carbide coating on the thermal behavior of V12 engine is explored. Geometry of V12 engine’s piston and cylinder is generated in SolidWorks 2016. After that, piston’s surface and cylinder’s inner walls are coated with Zirconium Carbide ceramic coating and thermal behavior is analyzed using ANSYS Workbench 19.2. Two cases are discussed in this work. In the first case, piston is made of Al-3003 alloy and cylinder walls are made of gray cast iron whereas in the second case, whole assembly is made of Al-3003 alloy. Temperature and heat flux profiles of both the cases are compared with coating and without coating. Maximum temperature is recorded to be at the top of piston head surface. The results show 44.9% increase in maximum temperature for the first case whereas 83.5% increase in the second case. Heat flux results after show reduction after coating. Zirconium Carbide ceramic coatings can act as thermal barrier and prevent engine parts from thermal stresses. Moreover, it provides insulation to cylinder which prevents heat transfer and retains more temperature inside the cylinder which in turn enhances the efficiency.
Introducing a machine learning algorithm for delirium prediction—the Supporting SURgery with GEriatric Co-Management and AI project (SURGE-Ahead)
Authors: Benovic Samuel , Ajlani Anna H , Leinert Christoph , Fotteler Marina , Wolf Dennis , Steger Florian , Kestler Hans , Dallmeier Dhayana , Denkinger Michael , Eschweiler Gerhard W , Thomas Christine , Kocar Thomas D
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a common complication in older patients, with an incidence of 14–56%. To implement preventative procedures, it is necessary to identify patients at risk for POD. In the present study, we aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model for POD prediction in older patients, in close cooperation with the PAWEL (patient safety, cost-effectiveness and quality of life in elective surgery) project.

Methods

The model was trained on the PAWEL study’s dataset of 878 patients (no intervention, age ≥ 70, 209 with POD). Presence of POD was determined by the Confusion Assessment Method and a chart review. We selected 15 features based on domain knowledge, ethical considerations and a recursive feature elimination. A logistic regression and a linear support vector machine (SVM) were trained, and evaluated using receiver operator characteristics (ROC).

Results

The selected features were American Society of Anesthesiologists score, multimorbidity, cut-to-suture time, estimated glomerular filtration rate, polypharmacy, use of cardio-pulmonary bypass, the Montreal cognitive assessment subscores ‘memory’, ‘orientation’ and ‘verbal fluency’, pre-existing dementia, clinical frailty scale, age, recent falls, post-operative isolation and pre-operative benzodiazepines. The linear SVM performed best, with an ROC area under the curve of 0.82 [95% CI 0.78–0.85] in the training set, 0.81 [95% CI 0.71–0.88] in the test set and 0.76 [95% CI 0.71–0.79] in a cross-centre validation.

Conclusion

We present a clinically useful and explainable ML model for POD prediction. The model will be deployed in the Supporting SURgery with GEriatric Co-Management and AI project.
A Combined Approach Using IncobotulinumtoxinA and CPM-Hyaluronic Acid Injections for the Periorbital Complex Improvement: A Pilot Study
Authors: de Sanctis Pecora Carla , Pateo Bruno Vella , Nunes Gisele Jacobino de Barros , Queiroz Abdulay Ezequiel Machado Lanna , da Silveira Bruno Rebelo Lages , Van Loghen Jani
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous reports have objectively demonstrated the efficacy of botulinum toxin for brow elevation. No previous clinical trial has reported a combined approach to botulinum toxin A injection with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in the upper face for periorbital region beautification focusing on eyebrow reshaping.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of IncobotulinumtoxinA injection using the ONE21 technique combined with HA injection (CPM technology) to redefine brow shape and position.

Methods

A prospective pilot study was designed to evaluate the effect of IncobotulinumtoxinA injection using the ONE21 technique—with a preestablished scheme of doses and injection-site distribution—combined with HA injection (CPM technology) periosteally into the palpebromalar groove and subdermally in the anterior temporal region, to redefine brow shape and position. Objective eyebrow measurements were taken by an independent investigator using the Merz Aesthetic Scale (MAS) for brow positioning. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated. Some patients were also assessed using the Vectra System (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, NJ).

Results

Eleven females, aged 29 to 55 years, were included in this prospective pilot study. The totality of patients (11/100%) had at least ≥1-point improvement in the MAS brow positioning. All patients (100%) reported significant aesthetic improvement of their periorbital region and appearance, with 82% of the patients much improved. Mild side effects, such as ecchymosis and transient temporal edema, were reported.

Conclusions

The combined technique improved the appearance of the orbital area by uplifting the lateral eyebrow and creating an almond-shaped eye effect, which characterizes the trending marketing term Foxy eyes. Further studies, including more cases, are needed to obtain a statistically significant outcome.

Level of Evidence: 4
Biology’s transformation: from observation through experiment to computation
Authors: Ouzounis Christos A
Published: May 2024

We explore the nuanced temporal and epistemological distinctions among natural sciences, particularly the contrasting treatment of time and the interplay between theory and experimentation. Physics, an exemplar of mature science, relies on theoretical models for predictability and simulations. In contrast, biology, traditionally experimental, is witnessing a computational surge, with data analytics and simulations reshaping its research paradigms. Despite these strides, a unified theoretical framework in biology remains elusive. We propose that contemporary global challenges might usher in a renewed emphasis, presenting an opportunity for the establishment of a novel theoretical underpinning for the life sciences.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/ouzounis/CLS-emerges Data in Json format, Images in PNG format.
Serum hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenase 1 concentration in pregnant women correlates with pregnancy-associated plasma protein A but does not serve as an independent marker for preeclampsia
Authors: Heinosalo Taija , Saarinen Niina , Biehl Alexander , Rytkönen Kalle T , Villa Pia M , Juhila Juuso , Koskimies Pasi , Laiho Asta , Hämäläinen Esa , Kajantie Eero , Räikkönen Katri , Elo Laura L , Laivuori Hannele , Poutanen Matti
Published: May 2024

Hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) is a steroid synthetic enzyme expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and placental syncytiotrophoblasts. Here, HSD17B1 serum concentration was measured with a validated immunoassay during pregnancy at three time points (12–14, 18–20 and 26–28 weeks of gestation). The concentration increased 2.5-fold (P < 0.0001) and 1.7-fold (P = 0.0019) during the follow-up period for control women and women who later developed preeclampsia (PE), respectively, and a significant difference was observed at weeks 26–28 (P = 0.0266). HSD17B1 concentration at all the three time points positively correlated with serum PAPPA measured at the first time point (first time point r = 0.38, P = 1.1 × 10−10; second time point r = 0.27, P = 5.9 × 10−6 and third timepoint r = 0.26, P = 2.3 × 10−5). No correlation was observed between HSD17B1 and placental growth factor (PLGF). Serum HSD17B1 negatively correlated with the mother’s weight and body mass index (BMI), mirroring the pattern observed for PAPPA. The univariable logistic regression identified a weak association between HSD17B1 at 26–28 weeks and later development of PE (P = 0.04). The best multivariable model obtained using penalized logistic regression with stable iterative variable selection at 26–28 weeks included HSD17B1, together with PLGF, PAPPA and mother’s BMI. While the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was higher than that of the adjusted PLGF, the difference was not statistically significant. In summary, the serum concentration of HSD17B1 correlated with PAPPA, another protein expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, and with mother’s weight and BMI but could not be considered as an independent marker for PE.
111 UTILIZATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE RIGHT ADRENALECTOMY: RECOGNITION OF ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS WITH DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Sengun B , Iscan Y , Yazici Z A , Cem Sormaz I , Aksakal N , Tunca F , Ekenel Hazim Kemal , Senyurek Y G
Published: May 2024

Background

The primary surgical approach for removing adrenal masses is minimally invasive adrenalectomy. Recognition of anatomical landmarks during surgery is critical for minimizing complications. Artificial intelligence-based tools can be utilized to create real-time surgical navigation systems.

Methods

In this experimental feasibility study, intraoperative videos of 20 patients who underwent minimally invasive right adrenalectomy in a tertiary care center between 2011 and 2023 were analyzed and used to develop an artificial intelligence-based anatomical landmark recognition system. Semantic segmentation of the liver, the inferior vena cava (IVC), and the right adrenal gland was performed. Fifty random images per patient during the dissection phase were extracted. The experiments on the annotated images were performed on two state-of-the-art segmentation models named U-Net and SwinUNETR. The dataset was split into training and validation subsets with an 80:20 distribution. The models were trained with the Dice-Cross Entropy loss function, and the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated for the predictions on the validation subset.

Results

Out of 20 videos, 1000 images were extracted, and anatomical landmarks (liver, IVC, and right adrenal gland) were annotated. Randomly distributed 800 and 200 images were selected for the training and the validation subsets, respectively. Our benchmark results show that the transformer-based SwinUNETR model achieved 78.37%, and the U-Net model with the EfficientNet-0 backbone achieved 77.95% DSC scores on a three-region prediction task.

Conclusions

Artificial intelligence-based systems can predict anatomical landmarks with high performance in minimally invasive right adrenalectomy. Such tools can be used to create real-time navigation systems during surgery in the near future.
316 HALF OF THE PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY UNIFOCAL T1B/SMALL T2 NODE NEGATIVE PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA SCHEDULED FOR THYROID LOBECTOMY MAY REQUIRE COMPLETION THYROIDECTOMY IF THE NODAL STATUS IS EVALUATED
Authors: Laurino A , Pennestrì F , Martullo A , Gallucci P , Prioli F , Sessa L , Rossi E D , De Crea C , Raffaelli M
Published: May 2024

Background

Thyroid lobectomy (TL) should be preferred over total thyroidectomy (TT) for small unifocal, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), in the absence of aggressive features. Despite prophylactic central neck dissection is not usually recommended, occult, non-microscopic (>2 mm), nodal metastases (ONM) may occur in clinically node-negative (cN0) PTC, increasing the risk of recurrence.

Methods

Among 4216 patients operated for thyroid malignancies (January 2014-Nomber 2023), 110 (2.6%) with unifocal cT1b/small cT2 (<3 cm) cN0 PTCs were scheduled for TL plus ipsilateral central neck dissection (I-CND). Completion thyroidectomy (CT) was accomplished during the same procedure when frozen section examination (FSE) of removed nodes showed ONM and within 6 months in case of aggressive pathologic features at final pathology.

Results

There were 102 (92.7%) cT1b and 8 (7.3%) cT2 PTC. FSE was positive for ONM in 33 (30%) cases, requiring immediate CT. Median number of removed and metastatic nodes at definitive pathology were 12 and 5, respectively. Multifocality was present in 25 (75.7%) cases, angioinvasion in 25 (75.7%), aggressive variants in 9 (27.3%) and extracapsular extension in 1 (3.0%). Among the remaining 77 patients, 24 (31.2%) were subsequently scheduled for CT, due to ONM/aggressive histopathological features. Overall, 57 (51.8%) patients underwent immediate or delayed CT.

Conclusions

Half of unifocal cT1b/small cT2 (1-3 cm) cN0 PTC scheduled for TL required CT because of ONM/aggressive features. I-CND and FSE evaluation of the removed nodes allow to intraoperatively modulate the extension of resection, ensuring accurate staging and reducing the risk of recurrence and the need for reoperation.
26 TALKING THE TALK AND POSTING THE PAPERS: UNVEILING PUBLISHING PATTERNS IN ESES CONGRESS ABSTRACTS
Authors: Schneider M , Dukaczewska A , van Beek D J , Van den Heede K , Sharma G , Almquist Martin
Published: May 2024

Background

The biannual congresses of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES) have been a valuable platform for presenting research since 2004. However, the publication rate of abstracts presented at ESES congresses is unknown.

Methods

We searched for full publications using titles and authors of abstracts presented orally or as posters at ESES congresses from 2004 to 2018. Abstract factors, such as type of study and number of patients, were investigated in relation to publication rate, journal impact factor, and citation rates of published studies.

Results

Out of 733 abstracts presented at ESES during this period, 207 (28%) were presented orally and 528 (72%) as a poster. The median number of patients included per study was 72 [1-22,580]. Overall, 456 of the abstracts (62%) were published, with a median time of 11.4 months from the ESES congress to publication [range -64.5 - 156]. The median number of citations per published abstract was 21 [range 0-821], the average annual citation rate was 2.3 [0-54], and the median journal impact factor was 2.2 [0-21.3]. Abstracts that were published were more often presented orally and were more often prospective.

Conclusions

While the publication rates of ESES congress abstracts are high, studies involved a limited number of patients. Collaborative efforts to include more patients in prospective studies could increase the publication rate of abstracts and enhance the overall scientific impact of the ESES congresses.
99 THE USE OF THYROID CARTILAGE NEEDLE ELECTRODES DURING INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE MONITORING IN THYROID SURGERY: A MULTI-CENTER RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Balci K , Turk Y , Ozdemir M , Kuczma P , Trésallet C , Wu C W , Huang T Y , Muhammed A S , Muhammad R , Niza S , Harlina N , Buzejic M , Zivaljevic V , Jovanovic M , Makay Ö
Published: May 2024

Background

In previous studies, the use of thyroid cartilage needle electrodes (TCN) was defined as an inexpensive method for intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in thyroid surgery. This multicenter retrospective study aims to determine the effectiveness and reliability of TCN in thyroid surgery.

Methods

Patients operated on between January 2018 and August 2023 from five centers in five countries and two continents were included in this study. Demographic data, indications, type of surgery, IONM recording system, pre-post resection vagus nerve(V1-V2), pre-post resection recurrent laryngeal nerve(R1-R2) amplitudes and latency values, type of loss of signal(LOS), adverse event(AE), intraoperative injury mechanism, postoperative vocal cord examination(VCE) were evaluated. Patients with abnormal preoperative vocal cord examination were excluded.

Results

A total of 2105 patients (3772 nerves at risk) were included [1626 (77.3%) female, 479 (22.7%) males]; within this study, 1112 patients (52.8%) received a diagnosis of malignancy, while 993 (47.2%) were diagnosed with benign conditions. The mean initial vagus amplitude was 1093.74 µV(±861.39). LOS occurred in 57 patients [Type 1 (91.2%), Type 2 (8.8%)] and AE in 36. No false positive LOS occurred. Forty-five(86.5%) of LOS type-1 patients and 4 (80%) of LOS type-2 patients had vocal cord palsy (VCP) during VCE (p< 0.05). In AE patients, there were only two (5.5%) patients who had VCP during VCE (p<0.05). VCP occurred in 34(1.6%) patients, with 9 (0.42%) remaining permanent.

Conclusions

TCN is an inexpensive and feasible alternative to endotracheal tube electrodes and a system with satisfying amplitudes. It can also precisely predict post-operative vocal cord functions.
Threshold Decisions in Social Work: Using Theory to Support Practice
Authors: Turney Danielle , Alfandari Ravit , Taylor Brian J , Ghanem Christian , Helm Duncan , Killick Campbell , Lyons Olive , O’Leary Donna , Ebsen Frank , Bertotti Teresa
Published: May 2024

Decision making is an intrinsic and complex aspect of social work practice, requiring consideration of diverse but connected aspects. Decisions are often required as to whether a situation requires protective state intervention or whether it reaches the criteria for public or charitable services. Such instances of deciding whether or not a situation is ‘on one side of the line or the other’ are referred to in this article as ‘threshold judgements’. This article draws on experiences and material from a range of social work contexts to explore generalisable theory-informed understandings of ‘threshold judgements’ and ‘threshold decisions’ to develop knowledge and skills on this topic. The article outlines signal detection theory and evidence accumulation (‘tipping point’) theory and discusses these as ways to understand the key concepts underpinning threshold decisions in social work. We then argue that although these threshold concepts are a necessary part of decision making in social work, as in many other aspects of life, they are not sufficient. Operationalising such decisions requires some form of sense-making. Naturalistic decision making and heuristic models of judgement are discussed as frameworks for practice which seem to be useful in this context.
The struggle for land by indigenous groups: from conflict to cooperation in Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, Indonesia
Authors: Sutiyo Sutiyo
Published: May 2024

This study discusses the perspective of a positive-sum game in land conflicts involving indigenous groups. It is based on a case study using qualitative methods in the Kasepuhan Ciptagelar, an indigenous group in Indonesia. Findings show the perspective enables collaborative resource management for conflict resolution. Semi-legal agreements reduce uncertainty, prevent violence, and provide opportunities for the group to earn livelihoods along with forest conservation. These are enabled by the principle of mutual respect as the rule in use by all parties. Certain limitations are still associated with the outcomes, which indicate the need for a more equitable, written, and permanent settlement. Decentralizing conflict resolution to the local level can lead to innovative solutions if the interactions among all actors are based on the principle of mutual respect and a commitment to prevent violence.
A framework for tourism value chain ownership in rural communities
Authors: Chambwe Michael , Saayman Andrea
Published: May 2024

Tourism is prevalent in rural areas of South Africa, where natural settings provide attractive opportunities. Despite tourism’s potential to improve societies, many surrounding rural populations struggle with poverty. They have low involvement in tourism activity and need more access to empowerment programmes, and there need to be community-based structures that encourage equitable tourism engagement. This conceptual paper presents a framework for action designed for rural communities’ participation in a business or earning capacity in the local area’s tourism potential. The framework draws on published secondary data sources related to community-based tourism, community involvement, and potential rural community ownership of the tourism value chain. The literature is used to inform the development of our tourism value chain ownership framework, which can be applied in rural communities for poverty reduction and community empowerment.
Zirconium-based metal-organic framework with bis(hydroxyphenyl)anthracene derivative: molecular design, synthesis, crystal structures, and methane adsorption
Authors: Ohmura Tetsushi , Hosokawa Yoichi , Motegi Hirofumi , Mukae Yusuke , Senda Shunsuke , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Tatsumi Kazuyuki , Shichi Akira , Nakamura Hiroshi , Usuki Arimitsu
Published: May 2024

A metal-organic framework (MOF) composed of a zirconium cluster with a bis(hydroxyphenyl)anthracene linker, Zr6O4(OH)4(adhb)6 (adhb: 4,4′-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)bis(2-hydroxybenzoic acid), was designed to achieve methane storage up to 300 g and batch synthesized without using an autoclave. This MOF can adsorb 65.4 cm3STP/cm3 and 4.7w% of methane at 294 K and 9.8 bar due to its large specific surface area of 1,818 m2/g and void fraction of 0.78 cm3/g. Furthermore, an octahedral cage model indicated that the anthracene ring provides a suitable pore entrance and steric hindrance for methane inclusion.
Acclimation of thermal tolerance in juvenile plants from three biomes is suppressed when extremes co-occur
Authors: Harris Rosalie J , Alvarez Philippa R , Bryant Callum , Briceño Verónica F , Cook Alicia M , Leigh Andrea , Nicotra Adrienne B
Published: May 2024

Given the rising frequency of thermal extremes (heatwaves and cold snaps) due to climate change, comprehending how a plant’s origin affects its thermal tolerance breadth (TTB) becomes vital. We studied juvenile plants from three biomes: temperate coastal rainforest, desert and alpine. In controlled settings, plants underwent hot days and cold nights in a factorial design to examine thermal tolerance acclimation. We assessed thermal thresholds (Tcrit-hot and Tcrit-cold) and TTB. We hypothesized that (i) desert species would show the highest heat tolerance, alpine species the greatest cold tolerance and temperate species intermediate tolerance; (ii) all species would increase heat tolerance after hot days and cold tolerance after cold nights; (iii) combined exposure would broaden TTB more than individual conditions, especially in desert and alpine species. We found that biome responses were minor compared to the responses to the extreme temperature treatments. All plants increased thermal tolerance in response to hot 40°C days (Tcrit-hot increased by ~3.5°C), but there was minimal change in Tcrit-cold in response to the cold −2°C nights. In contrast, when exposed to both hot days and cold nights, on average, plants exhibited an antagonistic response in TTB, where cold tolerance decreased and heat tolerance was reduced, and so we did not see the bi-directional expansion we hypothesized. There was, however, considerable variation among species in these responses. As climate change intensifies, plant communities, especially in transitional seasons, will regularly face such temperature swings. Our results shed light on potential plant responses under these extremes, emphasizing the need for deeper species-specific thermal acclimation insights, ultimately guiding conservation efforts.
A Call to Action: Unifying School Social Work Practice Models
Authors: Lucio Robert , Souhrada Emilie , Shayman Emily , Michalczak Hannah
Published: May 2024

School social work (SSW) roles are often surrounded by ambiguity across schools, districts, states, and nationally. The School Social Work Association of America’s National Practice Model and National Evaluation Framework, along with the National Association of Social Workers’ Standards for School Social Work Services are the guidance provided at the national level for practitioners and scholars alike. This study examined each of these pieces to thoroughly understand existing critical components of SSW practice. Comparing and analyzing these critical components across all three resources through systematic content analysis led to findings that illuminate the limited shared components. This call for action—to unify SSW practice models and frameworks in a way to prescribe justice-oriented work—comes from these findings, which indicate that current national-level resources are disjointed, incohesive, and lack focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, which are the foundational values of the social work profession. A unified framework would not only represent the current challenges and needs of SSW practitioners, but would also help establish clear roles, responsibilities, and boundaries for SSW practice.
Environmental impact of dietary patterns in 10 European countries; a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative dietary surveys
Authors: Alves Ricardo , Perelman Julian , Chang Kiara , Millett Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background

Changing dietary patterns is essential to reducing the substantial environment impact of agriculture and food production systems. We performed a cross-country comparison of dietary patterns and their associated environmental impact in Europe, including by sociodemographic factors.

Methods

We analyzed pooled cross-sectional dietary records collected during 2010–18 from 10 European countries using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Database (16 508 adults; aged 18–79 years). Each food consumed was mapped to the corresponding environmental impact data using the SHARP Indicators Database, which provides greenhouse gas emission (GHGE) and land use (LU) values of approximately 900 foods. Total diet-associated environmental impact was calculated for each person and averaged across multiple days. Multivariable linear regression models were used to compare diet-associated GHGE and LU between population subgroups (gender, age, education and diet type) with country-level fixed effects.

Results

The mean dietary GHGE and LU per capita ranged from 4.0 kgCO2/day and 5.0 m2*year/day in Spain to 6.5 kgCO2eq/day and 8.2 m2*year/day in France. Diet-related GHGE and LU (per kg/food) were lower among females (2.6 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.08, P < 0.01; 3.2 m2*year/day, B = −0.11, P < 0.01), older population aged 66–79 (2.6 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.03, P < 0.01; 3.4 m2*year/day, B = −0.4, P < 0.01), people following vegetarian diets (1.7 kgCO2eq/day, B = −0.07, P < 0.01; 2.0 m2*year/day, B = −0.07, P < 0.01), and higher among individuals with secondary education (2.7 kgCO2eq/day, B = 0.05, P < 0.01; 3.6 m2*year/day, B = −0.05, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Environmental footprints vary substantially across countries, dietary patterns and between different sociodemographic groups in Europe. These findings are crucial for the development of country-specific food policies aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable diets.
Ultraviolet signaling in a butterfly is preferred by females and conveys male genetic quality
Authors: Wedell Nina , Kemp Darrell J
Published: May 2024

Indicator models of sexual selection posit that females choose males on the basis of traits that reveal male genetic quality and thereby enjoy increased offspring production. Here, we report that females of the butterfly Eurema hecabe receive indirect benefits from choosing males based on their ultraviolet (UV) wing coloration, a heritable and condition-dependent trait in this species. We first used a large laboratory-bred pedigree to demonstrate a per-family association between inbreeding and male UV trait value. Females exerted choice for UV-bright males within this protocol, and the average male UV trait value increased over six consecutive generations, presumably due to such selection and despite an increasing rate of pedigree-wide inbreeding. We then experimentally imposed a standard strength of inbreeding upon lines of divergent male UV trait values. Inbreeding depressed the siring performance of low UV treatment males more severely and resulted in a marginal reduction of their UV brightness, which rebounded sharply following subsequent outcrossing. These findings are consistent with the ornament-based signaling of genetic quality as a function of underlying individual-level mutational load.
Widespread changes in gene expression accompany body size evolution in nematodes
Authors: Woodruff Gavin C , Willis John H , Johnson Erik , Phillips Patrick C
Published: May 2024

Body size is a fundamental trait that drives multiple evolutionary and ecological patterns. Caenorhabditis inopinata is a fig-associated nematode that is exceptionally large relative to other members of the genus, including Caenorhabditis elegans. We previously showed that C. inopinata is large primarily due to postembryonic cell size expansion that occurs during the larval-to-adult transition. Here, we describe gene expression patterns in C. elegans and C. inopinata throughout this developmental period to understand the transcriptional basis of body size change. We performed RNA-seq in both species across the L3, L4, and adult stages. Most genes are differentially expressed across all developmental stages, consistent with C. inopinata's divergent ecology and morphology. We also used a model comparison approach to identify orthologues with divergent dynamics across this developmental period between the 2 species. This included genes connected to neurons, behavior, stress response, developmental timing, and small RNA/chromatin regulation. Multiple hypodermal collagens were also observed to harbor divergent developmental dynamics across this period, and genes important for molting and body morphology were also detected. Genes associated with transforming growth factor β signaling revealed idiosyncratic and unexpected transcriptional patterns given their role in body size regulation in C. elegans. This widespread transcriptional divergence between these species is unexpected and maybe a signature of the ecological and morphological divergence of C. inopinata. Alternatively, transcriptional turnover may be the rule in the Caenorhabditis genus, indicative of widespread developmental system drift among species. This work lays the foundation for future functional genetic studies interrogating the bases of body size evolution in this group.
Cooperative geophysical inversion integrated with 3-D geological modelling in the Boulia region, QLD
Authors: Rashidifard Mahtab , Giraud Jérémie , Lindsay Mark , Jessell Mark
Published: May 2024

Reconciling rock unit boundary geometry is crucial for geological and geophysical studies aiming to achieve a comprehensive 3-D subsurface model. To create a unified 3-D parametrization suitable for both geological modelling and geophysical inversion, an integrated approach utilizing implicit modelling is essential. However, a key challenge lies in encapsulating all pertinent information within the 3-D model, ensuring compatibility with the utilized data sets and existing constraints. In this study, we present a workflow that enables the generation of an integrated 3-D subsurface model primarily using gravity and reflection seismic data sets. Our approach involves a cooperative geophysical inversion workflow, which incorporates the inverted model from the reflection seismic data while leveraging sparse petrophysical information. Despite advances in integrated modelling, the incorporation of implicit modelling approaches in cooperative inversion workflows remains unexplored. In our gravity inversion process, we use a generalized level set method to refine the boundaries of rock units in the prior model. We integrate the inverted model, derived from seismic and other sparse petrophysical data sets, to create a comprehensive 3-D prior model. To enhance the integration of reflection seismic data sets in the level set inversion, we introduce a weighting uncertainty matrix containing constraint terms. This step refines the model's accuracy and ensures greater consistency. Finally, we search for any missing rock units within inverted model through nucleation investigations. The introduced methodology has undergone successful testing in the Boulia region (Southern Mount Isa, Queensland), utilizing two 2-D reflection seismic profiles and regional gravity data sets. This study primarily aims to reconstruct the geometry of major structures within the basement units and the basin at a regional scale. By combining seismic profiles and gravity data sets with constraining information, we are able to create a 3-D model of the area that accurately represents distinct rock units and their boundary geometries. Additionally, relevant legacy data sets and prior modelling results from the region have been incorporated and refined, ensuring that the final model aligns with all available knowledge about the area.
The palaeomagnetic field recorded in Eyjafjarðardalur basalts (2.6–8.0 Ma), Iceland: are inclination-shallowing corrections necessary in time-averaged field analysis?
Authors: Muxworthy Adrian R , Riishuus Morten S , Supakulopas Radchagrit , Niocaill Conall Mac , Barfod Dan N , Døssing Arne , Turner Kathryn , Cych Brendan
Published: May 2024

The geocentric axial dipole (GAD) hypothesis is key to many palaeomagnetic applications, for example plate-tectonic reconstructions; however, the validity of this hypothesis at high latitudes is not fully resolved. To address this, in this paper we determined the palaeomagnetic directional data of 156 lava units in Eyjafjarðardalur, Iceland, with the aim of determining the validity of the GAD hypothesis at high latitudes using time-averaged field (TAF) analysis. In addition to the palaeomagnetic directional data, we constructed an age model for the sequences using new 40Ar/39Ar dates, magnetostratigraphy and field data. The sequence age range is 2.6–8.0 Ma. We show that the mean virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) for our data does not agree with the GAD theory at 95 per cent confidence, when only the standard tilt and tectonic corrections are made; however, when inclination-shallowing processes are accounted for, for example thermoremanence (TRM) anisotropy and refraction effects, the mean VGP can align with GAD at 95 per cent confidence. These inclination-shallowing processes are shown to reduce the inclination by up to 14° for some of the basaltic units. Applying the inclination-shallowing correction also reduces VGP dispersion to levels that agree with global model predictions. We propose that much of the scatter within the palaeomagnetic directional databases are due to inclination-shallowing process effects, which become more important as the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensity is high, for example >2 A m−1. We propose that inclination-shallowing processes can be identified and corrected for by examining the NRM intensity and dispersion.