bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pursuit of welfare efficiency: when institutional structures turn ‘less’ into ‘more’
Authors: Steinbacher Christina
Published: May 2024

Addressing current socio-economic crises strains public budgets and may threaten fiscal sustainability. Particularly in the welfare sector, where high expenditures meet poor controllability, efficient resource usage is essential to ensure future governments’ capability to act while alleviating current problems. Consequently, this paper asks: why are some countries more efficient in translating social expenditure into welfare outcomes? To answer this question, it is argued that efficiency is a matter of institutional structures and their vertical policy-process integration (VPI): efficiency depends on institutional structures’ capability to (1) ensure policymakers’ responsibility and to (2) provide coordinated feedback, thus pushing for considerate and informed resource use. Analysing the effect of VPI on the relationship between welfare efforts and social outcomes in 21 OECD countries over three decades, the results show that VPI can not only turn ‘less’ into ‘more’, but it also compensates for performance losses in the face of spending cuts.
The State as a Marketizer vs. the Marketization of the State: Two Organizational Models of Public Sector Corporatization
Authors: Fleischer Julia , Danielsen Ole A. , Neby Simon , Nykvist Rasmus
Published: May 2024

Governments engage in corporatization by creating corporate entities or reorganizing existing ones. These corporatization activities reflect an interplay between political agency and environmental pressures, including (changing) notions of state-market relations. This paper discusses two ideal-typed organizational models of corporatization: the state as a marketizer and the marketization of the state. Whereas the first emphasizes the role of political design and agency in corporatization, the second emphasizes the role of (actors in) the environment for corporatization. Both models are assessed across five corporatization episodes in Norway and Sweden, where we also demonstrate the interplay between political agency and environmental pressure.
Understanding bark beetle outbreaks: exploring the impact of changing temperature regimes, droughts, forest structure, and prospects for future forest pest management
Authors: Singh Vivek Vikram , Naseer Aisha , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Trubin Aleksei , Zabihi Khodabakhsh , Roy Amit , Jakuš Rastislav , Erbilgin Nadir
Published: May 2024

Climate change has increased the susceptibility of forest ecosystems, resulting in escalated forest decline globally. As one of the largest forest biomasses in the Northern Hemisphere, the Eurasian boreal forests are subjected to frequent drought, windthrow, and high-temperature disturbances. Over the last century, bark beetle outbreaks have emerged as a major biotic threat to these forests, resulting in extensive tree mortality. Despite implementing various management strategies to mitigate the bark beetle populations and reduce tree mortality, none have been effective. Moreover, altered disturbance regimes due to changing climate have facilitated the success of bark beetle attacks with shorter and multivoltine life cycles, consequently inciting more frequent bark beetle-caused tree mortality. This review explores bark beetle population dynamics in the context of climate change, forest stand dynamics, and various forest management strategies. Additionally, it examines recent advancements like remote sensing and canine detection of infested trees and focuses on cutting-edge molecular approaches including RNAi-nanoparticle complexes, RNAi-symbiotic microbes, sterile insect technique, and CRISPR/Cas9-based methods. These diverse novel strategies have the potential to effectively address the challenges associated with managing bark beetles and improving forest health in response to the changing climate.
The Europa Thermal Emission Imaging System (E-THEMIS) Investigation for the Europa Clipper Mission
Authors: Christensen Philip R. , Spencer John R. , Mehall Greg L. , Patel Mehul , Anwar Saadat , Brick Matthew , Bowles Heather , Farkas Zoltan , Fisher Tara , Gjellum David , Holmes Andrew , Kubik Ian , Larson Melora , Levy Alan , Madril Edgar , Masini Paolo , McEwen Thomas , Miner Mark , Nickles Neal , O’Donnell William , Ortiz Carlos , Osterman David , Pelham Daniel , Rudeen Andrew , Saunders Tyler , Woodward Robert , Abramov Oleg , Hayne Paul O. , Howett Carly J. A. , Mellon Michael T. , Nimmo Francis , Piqueux Sylvain , Rathbun Julie A.
Published: May 2024

The Europa Thermal Emission Imaging System (E-THEMIS) on the Europa Clipper spacecraft will investigate the temperature and physical properties of Europa using thermal infrared (TIR) images in three wavelength bands centered from 7-14 μm, 14-28 μm and 28-80 μm. E-THEMIS will map >80% of the surface Europa at multiple times of day at a resolution of 8-km per pixel, ∼32% percent of the surface at ≤1 km/pixel resolution, and ∼6% percent at ≤100 m/pixel resolution. The specific objectives of the investigation are to 1) understand the formation of surface features, including sites of recent or current geologic activity, in order to understand regional and global processes and evolution and 2) to identify safe sites for future landed missions. E-THEMIS uses an uncooled microbolometer detector array for the IR focal plane. The E-THEMIS focal plane has 920 cross-track pixels (896 active) and 140 along-track pixels in each of the three spectral bands. The image data are collected at 14-bits per pixel at a frame rate of 60 Hz. The instrument can operate in framing mode, where full frame images are collected, and optionally co-added in time, in each band, or in time-delay-integration (TDI) mode where consecutive rows from each band are offset spatially to remove the spacecraft motion and then summed. In addition, the data in each band can be spatially aggregated from 2 × 2 to 5 × 5 pixels. These modes will be varied throughout each Europa flyby to optimize the data precision while fitting within the E-THEMIS data allocation. The expected temperature precision, measured as the noise equivalent spectral radiance, is 1.2 K at scene temperatures ≥90 K for a TDI of 16 with 4 × 4 pixel coaggregation in Band 2. The absolute accuracy at 90 K is 2−3 K in Band 2. E-THEMIS is an all-reflective, three-mirror anastigmat telescope with a 6.45-cm effective aperture and a speed of f/1.34 cross-track and 1.92 along-track. The mass of instrument Sensor Assembly, mounted on the spacecraft nadir deck, is 11.4 kg, the vault electronics are 1.8 kg, and the two are connected through a 3.1 kg harness. The Sensor volume is 23.7 cm x 31.8 cm x 29.8 cm. E-THEMIS consumes an average operation power of 34.8 W at 28 V. E-THEMIS was developed by Arizona State University with Raytheon Vision Systems developing the microbolometer focal plane assembly and Ball Aerospace developing the electronics. E-THEMIS was integrated, tested, and radiometrically calibrated on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, AZ.
Co-ensiled rice straw with whole sugar beet and its effect on the performance of lactating cows
Authors: Abo-Donia Fawzy Mohamed , Elsheikh Hanim Abdelrahman , Esh Ayman Mohamed Hosny , El-Shora Mohamed Ahmed Hassan , Eldiahy Yasser Mabrouk Mandour
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effect of co-ensiled rice straw (RS) with whole sugar beet (SB) on lactating cows’ performance. Ensiled rice straw (ERS) as control (CGS) was incorporated with immersed corn grains (CG) for 24 h, while the 2nd and 3rd ensiled RS (LSB and HSB) contained SB substituted of 50 and 100% of CG on an energy basis (total digestible nutrients, TDN), respectively. In the experimental diets, D1, D2, and D3, which include CGS, LSB, and HSB provided ad-libitum, respectively, while a concentrated feed mixture (2% of body weight) was offered. The population of lactic acid bacteria was slightly higher with fed HSB, relative to LSB and CGS. The OM, CP, EE, NFC, and TCH contents of CGS were slightly higher than LSB and HSB, while the opposite happened with the aNDFom, and ADFom contents. The digestibility of DM, OM, aNDFom, and ADFom of the D3 group was higher (P < 0.05) than in D1 and D2. The D3 recorded the highest values (P < 0.05) of silage consumption, and palatability. Milk production, fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were (P < 0.05) higher for cows fed D3 compared with D1 and D2. Fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were trending on the same track. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of cows fed diet D3 was better than cows fed D1 diet. The level of glucose in the blood increased (P < 0.05) significantly with feeding on HSB than LSB, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to CGS. In conclusion, co-ensiling of RS with the whole SB plant consider a good method to improve its nutritional value.
RMS-FlowNet++: Efficient and Robust Multi-scale Scene Flow Estimation for Large-Scale Point Clouds
Authors: Battrawy Ramy , Schuster René , Stricker Didier
Published: May 2024

The proposed RMS-FlowNet++ is a novel end-to-end learning-based architecture for accurate and efficient scene flow estimation that can operate on high-density point clouds. For hierarchical scene flow estimation, existing methods rely on expensive Farthest-Point-Sampling (FPS) to sample the scenes, must find large correspondence sets across the consecutive frames and/or must search for correspondences at a full input resolution. While this can improve the accuracy, it reduces the overall efficiency of these methods and limits their ability to handle large numbers of points due to memory requirements. In contrast to these methods, our architecture is based on an efficient design for hierarchical prediction of multi-scale scene flow. To this end, we develop a special flow embedding block that has two advantages over the current methods: First, a smaller correspondence set is used, and second, the use of Random-Sampling (RS) is possible. In addition, our architecture does not need to search for correspondences at a full input resolution. Exhibiting high accuracy, our RMS-FlowNet++ provides a faster prediction than state-of-the-art methods, avoids high memory requirements and enables efficient scene flow on dense point clouds of more than 250K points at once. Our comprehensive experiments verify the accuracy of RMS-FlowNet++ on the established FlyingThings3D data set with different point cloud densities and validate our design choices. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our model has a competitive ability to generalize to the real-world scenes of the KITTI data set without fine-tuning.
Mapping the enhancing effects of additive manufacturing technology adoption on supply chain agility
Authors: Naghshineh Bardia
Published: May 2024

Given the proclaimed importance of additive manufacturing (AM) for generating agile supply chains, this study draws on the dynamic capabilities view to investigate the enhancing effects of adopting this digital technology on supply chain agility (SCA). To this end, relevant pieces of evidence are systematically gathered from a sample of 101 high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles at the intersection of AM technology and supply chain management.This information is then analyzed and synthesized to holistically map the features of AM technology adoption that enhance SCA. As a result, 42 features of AM technology adoption are identified that enhance thirteen different dimensions of SCA. The derived map explicitly indicates which features of AM technology adoption enhance which dimensions of SCA. Hence, this map can be used as a strategic tool by managers and policymakers who wish to explore different ways of enhancing SCA via AM technology adoption. This would, in turn, enable the adopting firm to deal with erratic business environments and dynamic supply chains in an agile manner, and therefore gain a competitive advantage. Moreover, based on the identified “white space” in the derived map, multiple questions are put forward that form a research agenda for future research.
Fundamental properties and sustainable applications of the natural zeolite clinoptilolite
Authors: Grifasi Nadia , Ziantoni Bianca , Fino Debora , Piumetti Marco
Published: May 2024

This review explores a set of sustainable applications of clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite abundant around the world in different localities. Thanks to its physico-chemical properties this material is extremely versatile for several applications, ranging from environmental catalysis and CO2 removal to industrial and agricultural wastewater purification, aquaculture, animal feeding, and food industry but also medical applications and energy storage systems. Due to the presence of cations in its framework, it is possible to tune the material’s features making it suitable for adsorbing specific compounds. Thus, this review aims to provide insight into developing new technologies based on the use of this material that is sustainable, not harmful for humans and animals, naturally abundant, and above all cost-effective. Furthermore, it is intended to promote the use of natural materials in various areas with a view to sustainability and to reduce as far as possible the use of chemicals or other materials whose synthesis process can have a polluting effect on the environment.

Graphical abstract
Encapsulated Opuntia spp. fruit powder as a natural colorant in biscuit filling cream
Authors: Protonotariou S. V. , Chaloulos P. , Mandala I. G.
Published: May 2024

The aim of the present study was to assess the utilization of prickly pear (PP) powder obtained by spray drying of juice (Opuntia spp., purple cultivar), in a sandwich biscuit filling cream, incorporating different concentrations from 0.5 to 10% (w/w). Cream viscosity profiles did not differ according to PP concentration Color saturation was achieved at 6% PP. In the final recipe, 2% of the PP powder was added in the cream, as was determined by sensory evaluation. Commercial sandwich biscuit with cream containing strawberry powder (SP) was also evaluated as reference. Semi trained assessors concluded that SP and PP filling creams had similar sweetness but different dominant color attributes: light pink and purple, approximating strawberry, and passion fruit respectively. When a cluster analysis was performed, two clusters of consumers were revealed with clear color choice, in favor of PP. A clustering of all parameters measured revealed that objective color parameters, were clustered together only with some cream sensorial attributes detected by semi trained assessors. Hue angle was the only color attribute that was highly correlated to consumer acceptance. PP cream and sandwich biscuit were highly acceptable indicating the potential of using PP as natural colorant.

Graphical abstract
Combination therapy of beta-blockers and digoxin is associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the GLORIA–AF registry
Authors: Lam Steven Ho Man , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Olshansky Brian , Chao Tze-Fan , Huisman Menno V. , Lip Gregory Yoke Hong
Published: May 2024

The effect of digoxin and beta-blockers on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality remains unclear. The study aimed to determine differences in cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and death rates among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were prescribed with beta-blockers, digoxin or combination therapy. Data from phase II/III of the prospective Global Registry on Long-Term Oral Anti-thrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA–AF) were analysed. The risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) and death among patients with different prescriptions using COX proportional hazard regression was considered. Propensity score (PS) matching and weighting were further used to adjust for potential confounders of prescription use. A total of 14,201 patients [median age: 71.0 (IQR 64.0–77.0) years; 46.2% female] were recruited. After a median follow-up of 3.0 (IQR 2.4–3.1) years, 864 MACE, and 988 all-cause deaths were recorded. The incidence rate (IR) of MACE was 22.4 (95%CI 21.0–24.0) per 1000 person-years, while the IR of all-cause death was 25.4 (95%CI 23.8–27.0) per 1000 person-years. After multivariate adjustment with Cox regression, the risk of MACE (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.68) and the risk of all-cause death (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.04–1.57) were significantly higher in the combination therapy group, compared to the beta-blockers alone group. The risks of MACE and all-cause death remained significant in both PS matched and PS weighted cohort Among AF patients, combination therapy of beta-blockers and digoxin was associated with higher risks of MACE and all-cause death compared to beta-blockers alone.
Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Tumors: What are the Current Applications?
Authors: Chan Po Ling Catherine , Wong Eddy Wai Yeung , Chan Jason Ying Kuen
Published: May 2024

Background

The journey from radical treatments to the precision of robotic surgery underscores a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care in the field of head and neck oncology.

Purpose of review

This article provides a comprehensive overview that not only informs but also stimulates ongoing discourse and investigation into the optimization of patient care through robotic surgery. The literature on current robotic applications within head and neck region was systematically reviewed.

Recent findings

Thirty-four studies with a total of 1835 patients undergoing robotic surgery in head and neck region were included. Clinical staging, histological types, operative duration, postoperative complications, functional recovery and survival outcomes were compared and evaluated.

Clinical outcomes have shown promising results and thus the indication on the robotic usage has no longer been limited to oropharyngeal region but from skull base to neck dissection. The latest advancement in robotic surgery further refines the capabilities of surgeons into previously difficult-to-access head and neck regions and heralds a new era of surgical treatment for head and neck oncology.
Effects of metformin on the glucose regulation, lipid levels and gut microbiota in high-fat diet with streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zhou Jian , Ban Qingfeng , Zhang Mei , Ban Bo
Published: May 2024

Objective

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, regulates blood glucose by affecting gut microbiotas. However, the potential mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin on glucose regulation, lipid levels, and the gut microbiota in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by a high-fat diet with streptozotocin.

Research design methods

Thirty Wistar rats was using in this experiment. T2DM rats were administered 300 mg/kg metformin for 8 weeks. The glucose regulation, lipid levels, organ coefficients, and gut microbiotawere measured by 16S rDNA.

Result

The metformin-gavaged rats exhibited significant improvements in blood glucose and serum lipid levels, accompanied by alterations in short-chain fatty acid levels and the intestinal microbiota (p < 0.05). In the diabetic rats, metformin potentially increased specific probiotics, thus improving the hypoglycaemic effects of the oral anti-diabetic drug. Further, damage to the liver and kidney was effectively alleviated in the metformin-gavaged rats.

Conclusion

This study’s findings demonstrate that metformin exerts a positive anti-diabetic effect in HFD- and STZ-induced T2DM rats. These findings potentially provide a basis for the recommended use of metformin as a reliable oral drug for T2DM owing to its positive effect on the intestinal microbiota.
Vector bundles without intermediate cohomology and the trichotomy result
Authors: Ottaviani Giorgio
Published: May 2024

Horrocks (Proc London Math Soc 14:689-713, 1964) that vector bundles on $${\mathbb P}^n$$

P

n

without intermediate cohomology split as direct sum of line bundles. This result has been the starting point of a great research activity on other varieties, showing interesting connections with derived categories and other areas. We follow some paths into this fascinating story, which has classical roots. The story has a culmination with the trichotomy result (finite/tame/wild) for arithmetically Cohen Macaulay (ACM) varieties obtained by Faenzi and Pons-Llopis in 2021. This is an expanded version of the talk given at the conference“Homemade Algebraic Geometry”in July 2023 at Alcalá de Henares celebrating Enrique Arrondo’s 60th birthday.
Converging and Diverging Cerebellar Pathways for Motor and Social Behaviors in Mice
Authors: van der Heijden Meike E
Published: May 2024

Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies has shown that the cerebellum contributes to cognitive functions, including social behaviors. Now that the cerebellum’s role in a wider range of behaviors has been confirmed, the question arises whether the cerebellum contributes to social behaviors via the same mechanisms with which it modulates movements. This review seeks to answer whether the cerebellum guides motor and social behaviors through identical pathways. It focuses on studies in which cerebellar cells, synapses, or genes are manipulated in a cell-type specific manner followed by testing of the effects on social and motor behaviors. These studies show that both anatomically restricted and cerebellar cortex-wide manipulations can lead to social impairments without abnormal motor control, and vice versa. These studies suggest that the cerebellum employs different cellular, synaptic, and molecular pathways for social and motor behaviors. Future studies warrant a focus on the diverging mechanisms by which the cerebellum contributes to a wide range of neural functions.
Versatile 3D-printed fin-ray effect soft robotic fingers: lightweight optimization and performance analysis
Authors: Srinivas Gidugu Lakshmi , Javed Arshad , Faller Lisa Marie
Published: May 2024

Fin ray soft robotic fingers are inspired by the structure and movement of fish fins, enabling flexible and adaptive grasping capabilities. Addressing the challenges of resource efficiency in terms of reduced energy consumption and material expense, this work focuses on further optimizing inherently low-energy fin-ray fingers towards lightweight design. Soft grippers are used frequently in dynamically changing environments and have become inevitable in handling tasks for delicate objects. However, these grippers generally show limited performance and payload-carrying capacity in high-force application scenarios. To address these limitations, topology optimization technique is used here to obtain both gripping capabilities and high factor of safety (FOS) of fingers. The performance of various structures of fin-ray and optimized fingers are analyzed: rectangular, trapezoidal, straight struts, and inclined struts for angles + 45°, − 45°. The topologically optimized structure has 15.2% less mass compared to considered fin-ray finger’s average mass. The deflection coefficient (Cd) is calculated to select the best structure of the fingers based on grasping scenario, and its value should be minimum. The straight strut finger with thickness of t = 2 mm shows best wrapping capabilities compared to all fingers with Cd = 0.1574. The topologically optimized finger’ Cd = 0.1896 at volume fraction of 0.1. Even though the Cd is slightly higher, its FOS is 1.71 times higher. An experimental setup is developed to validate the simulation results with the help of a UR3e robotic arm and an AXIA80 force sensor. The grasping demonstration of soft robotic gripper is performed on various objects: coffee cup and wooden block.
Establishing an optimal diagnostic criterion for respiratory sarcopenia using peak expiratory flow rate
Authors: Do Yerim , Lim Youngeun , Kim Jiyoun , Lee Haneul
Published: May 2024

Background

The skeletal muscle changes as aging progresses, causing sarcopenia in the older adult population, which affects the respiratory muscles’ mass, strength, and function. The optimal cut-off point of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for respiratory sarcopenia (RS) diagnosis in accordance with sarcopenia identification is needed.

Aim

To establish an optimal cut-off point of PEFR for RS diagnosis in community-dwelling Asian older women.

Methods

Sarcopenia diagnostic indicators were evaluated according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS) criteria. The respiratory parameters composed of respiratory muscle strength and respiratory function were evaluated by assessing maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), percent predicted forced vital capacity (Pred FVC), and PEFR.

Results

A total of 325 community-dwelling older women were included in this study. PEFR was negatively associated with RS (OR: 0.440; 95% CI: 0.344–0.564). The area under the curve (AUC) of PEFR was 0.772 (p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point of PEFR for RS diagnosis was 3.4 l/s (sensitivity, 63.8%; specificity, 77.3%). Significant differences were found between the robust, possible sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and RS groups in terms of both sarcopenia diagnostic indicators and respiratory parameters (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The cut-off point of PEFR can be used as a reasonable standard for RS diagnosis. This study finding can serve as a cornerstone for developing concrete criteria of RS in older women, supporting clinical judgment, which is crucial for providing appropriate treatment through accurate diagnosis.
Cognitive trajectories preluding the onset of different dementia entities: a descriptive longitudinal study using the NACC database
Authors: Liampas Ioannis , Dimitriou Nefeli , Siokas Vasileios , Messinis Lambros , Nasios Grigorios , Dardiotis Efthimios
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe the 10-year preclinical cognitive trajectories of older, non-demented individuals towards the onset of the four most prevalent types of dementia, i.e., Alzheimer’s disease(AD), Lewy body(LBD), vascular(VD) and frontotemporal dementia(FTD).

Methods

Our analysis focused on data from older (≥ 60years) NACC (National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center) participants. Four distinct presymptomatic dementia groups (AD-LBD-VD-FTD) and a comparison group of cognitively unimpaired(CU) participants were formed. Comprehensive cognitive assessments involving verbal episodic memory, semantic verbal fluency, confrontation naming, mental processing speed – attention and executive function – cognitive flexibility were conducted at baseline and on an approximately yearly basis. Descriptive analyses (adjusted general linear models) were performed to determine and compare the yearly cognitive scores of each group throughout the follow-up. Exploratory analyses were conducted to estimate the rates of cognitive decline.

Results

There were 3343 participants who developed AD, 247 LBD, 108 FTD, 155 VD and 3398 composed the CU group. Participants with AD performed worse on episodic memory than those with VD and LBD for about 3 to 4 years prior to dementia onset (the FTD group documented an intermediate course). Presymptomatic verbal fluency and confrontation naming trajectories differentiated quite well between the FTD group and the remaining dementia entities. Participants with incident LBD and VD performed worse than those with AD on executive functions and mental processing speed-attention since about 5 years prior to the onset of dementia, and worse than those with FTD more proximally to the diagnosis of the disorder.

Conclusions

Heterogeneous cognitive trajectories characterize the presymptomatic courses of the most prevalent dementia entities.
The investigation of effect on foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults with general surgery, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Saltan Asuman , Mert Selda , Topbaş Önder , Aksu Beyza
Published: May 2024

Objective

Foot massage is known to be effective on the emotional state (anxiety, depression, etc.) in the postoperative period. However, studies on its effect on functional level are insufficient.

Aim

The study aimed to investigate the impact of foot plantar massage on functional recovery in older adults undergoing general surgery, employing a randomized clinical trial design.

Methods

A total of 70 older adults aged 65 years and above who underwent abdominal surgery were included. Various assessments were conducted, including pain levels (Visual Analogue Scale), fear of mobility (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia), functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), balance (Berg Balance Scale), basic mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index), mental function status (Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination), and delirium (Nu-DESC).

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed in some assessment parameters within the groups during the 2nd and 3rd measurement times, with the intervention group demonstrating significant mean differences.

Discussions

The literature underscores the increase in kinesiophobia scores post-general/abdominal surgery in older adults, emphasizing the importance of evaluating functional level and kinesiophobia to expedite discharge processes and potentially plan early post-discharge rehabilitation to mitigate readmissions for functional reasons.

Conclusions

Ultimately, foot massage was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia, improving balance, mobility, daily living skills, and mental status in older adults post-abdominal surgery, thereby advocating for the facilitation of post-discharge rehabilitation programs or the reduction of readmission rates.

The clinical trials number

NCT05534490.
The Multi-Scalar Inequities of Climate Adaptation Finance: A Critical Review
Authors: Venner Kayin , García-Lamarca Melissa , Olazabal Marta
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

Following a multi-scalar analytical approach, this critical literature review explores the factors that determine adaptation finance accessibility and allocation with particular attention to how the needs of climate-vulnerable communities are considered.

Recent Findings

Our review reveals that climate vulnerability is not a primary determinant in the accessibility and allocation of climate adaptation finance at inter-state, sub-national and local scales. Instead, factors such as institutional capacities and financial and political interests exert significant influence. This leads to maladaptation and multi-scalar inequities where climate finance favours relatively resilient groups across scales with less support for more vulnerable populations.

We argue that finance does not trickle down, but “ripples” within a climate finance arena – where we define the latter as a messy space of competition, negotiation and collaboration. To unlock equitable adaptation finance patterns, future research should focus on the multi-scalar configurations of adaptation finance beyond the international level and consider local and regional territorial and scalar politics.
3D facial animation driven by speech-video dual-modal signals
Authors: Ji Xuejie , Liao Zhouzhou , Dong Lanfang , Tang Yingchao , Li Guoming , Mao Meng
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the applications of digital humans have become increasingly widespread. One of the most challenging core technologies is the generation of highly realistic and automated 3D facial animation that combines facial movements and speech. The single-modal 3D facial animation driven by speech typically ignores the weak correlation between speech and upper facial movements as well as head posture. In contrast, the video-driven approach can perfectly solve the posture problem while obtaining natural expressions. However, mapping 2D facial information to 3D facial information may lead to information loss, which make lip synchronization generated by video-driven methods is not as good as the speech-driven methods trained on 4D facial data. Therefore, this paper proposes a dual-modal generation method that uses speech and video information to generate more natural and vivid 3D facial animation. Specifically, the lip movements related to speech are generated by speech-video information, while speech-uncorrelated postures and expressions are generated solely by video information. The speech-driven module is used to extract speech features, and its output lip animation is then used as the foundation for facial animation. The expression and pose module is used to extract temporal visual features for regressing expression and head posture parameters. We fuse speech and video features to obtain chin posture parameters related to lip movements, and use these parameters to fine-tune the lip animation generated form the speech-driven module. This paper introduces multiple consistency losses to enhance the network’s capability to generate expressions and postures. Experiments conducted on the LRS3, TCD-TIMIT and MEAD datasets show that the proposed method achieves better performance on evaluation metrics such as CER, WER, VER and VWER than the current state-of-the-art methods. In addition, a perceptual user study show that over 77% and 70% of cases believe that this paper’s method is better than the comparative algorithms EMOCA and SPECTRE in terms of realism. In terms of lip synchronization, it received over 79% and 66% of cases support, respectively. Both evaluation methods demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Two-Dimensional Materials for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shen Xiangqian , Lin Xuesong , Peng Yong , Zhang Yiqiang , Long Fei , Han Qifeng , Wang Yanbo , Han Liyuan
Published: May 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer low costs and high power conversion efficiency. However, the lack of long-term stability, primarily stemming from the interfacial defects and the susceptible metal electrodes, hinders their practical application. In the past few years, two-dimensional (2D) materials (e.g., graphene and its derivatives, transitional metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, and black phosphorus) have been identified as a promising solution to solving these problems because of their dangling bond-free surfaces, layer-dependent electronic band structures, tunable functional groups, and inherent compactness. Here, recent progress of 2D material toward efficient and stable PSCs is summarized, including its role as both interface materials and electrodes. We discuss their beneficial effects on perovskite growth, energy level alignment, defect passivation, as well as blocking external stimulus. In particular, the unique properties of 2D materials to form van der Waals heterojunction at the bottom interface are emphasized. Finally, perspectives on the further development of PSCs using 2D materials are provided, such as designing high-quality van der Waals heterojunction, enhancing the uniformity and coverage of 2D nanosheets, and developing new 2D materials-based electrodes.
Coordinated Control of the Onboard and Wayside Energy Storage System of an Urban Rail Train Based on Rule Mining
Authors: Zhong Zhihong , Mi Jiayu , Zhao Yajie , Yang Zhongping , Lin Fei
Published: May 2024

There are three major challenges to the broad implementation of energy storage systems (ESSs) in urban rail transit: maximizing the absorption of regenerative braking power, enabling online global optimal control, and ensuring algorithm portability. To address these problems, a coordinated control framework between onboard and wayside ESSs is proposed in this study, and the related control strategy is obtained by transforming the global optimization problem into a combination of rule-based and local optimization problems. The design process of the strategy is divided into three parts: offline optimization, rule extraction, and local optimization. First, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the charge/discharge threshold curves under typical operational conditions. Then, the rules of offline optimization results are obtained from an expert system, and the nonlinear rules are mined with local optimization methods. Finally, a coordinated strategy is presented based on the outcomes of the three parts. A power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) experimental platform based on RTLAB is built, and the above coordination strategy is verified based on data for the Beijing Metro Batong Line. The experimental results show that the strategy can effectively improve the energy-saving rate and reduce the regeneration failure rate substantially, with the effect being close to the offline global optimal solution. The algorithm proposed in this paper achieves near global optimal energy-saving optimization results with lower computational costs, and has strong portability, providing a good solution for the large-scale application of onboard and wayside energy storage coordination control.
Molekulargenetik bei „premature ovarian insufficiency“: von der Störung der Follikulogenese bis zur POI
Authors: Rehnitz Julia
Published: May 2024

Die Eizelle und die sie umgebenden somatischen Zellen unterliegen einer komplexen genetischen Regulation während der Follikulogenese. Hierbei ist eine Vielzahl an Genen und Signalwegen zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten aktiv und reguliert die einzelnen Schritte. Die physiologischen Abläufe sind dabei auch zum besseren Verständnis assoziierter Störungen und Erkrankungen relevant. Solche Störungen umfassen unter anderem die eingeschränkte ovarielle Reserve und das schlechte Ansprechen auf eine Stimulationsbehandlung (eine sogenannte „poor response“) bis hin zu einer prämaturen Ovarialinsuffizienz („premature ovarian insufficiency“ [POI]). Die Inzidenzen der Störungen sind äusserst variabel und die Ursachen multifaktoriell. Genetische Ursachen reichen von Einzelfallbeschreibungen von Genvarianten mit sehr seltenem Vorkommen bis zu relativ häufig vorkommenden Faktoren wie der FMR1-Prämutation, FOXL2-Mutationen und dem Turner-Syndrom. Diese sind auch aufgrund ihrer möglichen Folgen nicht nur für die Patientinnen selbst, sondern auch für ihre Verwandten bei der klinischen Diagnostik einer POI von erhöhtem Interesse.
High temperature infiltration behavior and reaction characteristics of Colima volcanic ashes on gadolinium zirconate coatings deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying
Authors: Bedoya-Trujillo Ivan F. , Gutiérrez-Pérez Aixa I. , Pérez Sebastián , Brizuela-Colmenares Natalia , Zárate-Medina Juan , Muñoz-Saldaña Juan
Published: May 2024

Volcanic ashes are considered a serious threat to the aircraft industry. At high temperatures, they inflict severe thermochemical damage to the typical 7 wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings that protect the aircraft turbine. There is a need to evaluate alternative materials with excellent resistance to infiltration of molten siliceous particles, such as gadolinium zirconate. In this work, free-standing thermal barrier coatings of gadolinium zirconate were manufactured by atmospheric plasma spraying, varying deposit parameters to obtain different relative densities to evaluate the infiltration of molten Colima volcanic ashes for 1 h and 10 h at 1250 °C. The infiltration depth and the reaction products resulting from each interaction, were studied by different characterization techniques. In general, the coatings show high resistance to the infiltration of the volcanic ashes, reaching infiltration depths between 50 µm and 80 µm after 10 h of infiltration time. In this sense, gadolinium zirconate coatings are excellent candidates against the infiltration of Colima volcanic ashes compared to the typical yttria-stabilized zirconia-based thermal barrier coatings.
Germination characteristics of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. under different pH regimes after chemo-priming
Authors: Onoabhagbe Osemudiamen , Ogwu Matthew Chidozie , Ikhajiagbe Beckley
Published: May 2024

Soil pH not only plays a regulatory role in seed germination but also influences seedling development, flowering, and crop yield. The study investigated the germination characteristics of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] under varying pH to understand the potential ameliorative effects of seed priming using plant growth-promoting substances. Seeds were sown in Petri dishes with pH moistened solutions at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 respectively. These were replicated five times in the second stage, viable seeds were first primed in 150 ppm indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acid, and vitamin C before sowing in pH solutions. The experiment showed no significant changes in morphology or physiology of primed and unprimed seeds and no germination at extreme pH. However, there was a significant difference in the activity of enzymes, germination time, and speed as well as germination percentages of both primed and unprimed seeds. Although chemo-priming did not reverse the effect of pH, it was observed however that vitamin C had a significant effect on germination percentage at higher pH. Germination was observed to be impaired at extreme pH. Seeds did not respond to germination capacity suggesting an optimal pH range of 3 and 11 for germination without priming. However, priming did not show any improved germinability index. Seeds primed in the presence of light showed enhanced germination at pH 7. Generally, the germination index without priming showed better germination characteristics than primed seeds, which suggests pH interactions with primers may be a limiting factor.
Genome editing toward biofortified soybean with minimal trade-off between low phytic acid and yield
Authors: Lin Wenxin , Bai Mengyan , Peng Chunyan , Kuang Huaqin , Kong Fanjiang , Guan Yuefeng
Published: May 2024

Phytic acid (PA) in grain seeds reduces the bioavailability of nutrient elements in monogastric animals, and an important objective for crop seed biofortification is to decrease the seed PA content. Here, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a PA mutant population targeting PA biosynthesis and transport genes, including two multi-drug-resistant protein 5 (MRP5) and three inositol pentose-phosphate kinases (IPK1). We characterized a variety of lines containing mutations on multiple IPK and MRP5 genes. The seed PA was more significantly decreased in higher-order mutant lines with multiplex mutations. However, such mutants also exhibited poor agronomic performance. In the population, we identified  two lines carrying single mutations in ipk1b and ipk1c, respectively. These mutants exhibited moderately reduced PA content, and regular agronomic performance compared to the wild type. Our study indicates that moderately decreasing PA by targeting single GmIPK1 genes, rather than multiplex mutagenesis toward ultra-low PA, is an optimal strategy for low-PA soybean with a minimal trade-off in yield performance.
Incidental dural tears during pediatric posterior spinal fusions
Authors: Nilssen Paal K. , Compton Edward , Stephan Stephen , Andras Lindsay M. , Chu Jason K. , Skaggs David L. , Illingworth Kenneth D.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To characterize the frequency of incidental dural tears in pediatric spine surgery, their treatment, complications, and results of long-term follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective review of all pediatric patients who underwent a posterior spinal fusion (PSF) between 2004–2019 at a tertiary children’s hospital was conducted. Electronic medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, intra-operative data, presence of an incidental dural tear, repair method, and patient outcomes.

Results

3043 PSFs were reviewed, with 99 dural tears identified in 94 patients (3.3% overall incidence). Mean follow-up was 35.7 months (range 0.1–142.5). When the cause of the dural tear was specified, 69% occurred during exposure, 5% during pedicle screw placement, 4% during osteotomy, 2% during removal of implants, and 2% during intra-thecal injection of morphine. The rate of dural tears during primary PSF was significantly lower than during revision PSF procedures (2.6% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.05). 86.9% of dural tears were repaired and/or sealed intraoperatively, while 13.1% had spontaneous resolution. Postoperative headaches developed in 13.1% of patients and resolved at a mean of 7.6 days. There was no difference in the incidence of headaches in patients that were ordered bedrest vs. no bedrest (p > 0.99). Postoperative infections occurred in 9.5% of patients and 24.1% patients were identified to have undergone a revision surgery.

Conclusions

Incidence of intra-operative dural tears in pediatric spine surgery is 3.3%. Although complications associated with the dural tear occur, most resolve over time and there were no long-term sequelae in patients with 2 years of follow up.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Explaining research performance: investigating the importance of motivation
Authors: Svartefoss Silje Marie , Jungblut Jens , Aksnes Dag W. , Kolltveit Kristoffer , van Leeuwen Thed
Published: May 2024

In this article, we study the motivation and performance of researchers. More specifically, we investigate what motivates researchers across different research fields and countries and how this motivation influences their research performance. The basis for our study is a large-N survey of economists, cardiologists, and physicists in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK. The analysis shows that researchers are primarily motivated by scientific curiosity and practical application and less so by career considerations. There are limited differences across fields and countries, suggesting that the mix of motivational aspects has a common academic core less influenced by disciplinary standards or different national environments. Linking motivational factors to research performance, through bibliometric data on publication productivity and citation impact, our data show that those driven by practical application aspects of motivation have a higher probability for high productivity. Being driven by career considerations also increases productivity but only to a certain extent before it starts having a detrimental effect.
Towards a Circular Solar Power Sector: Experience with a Support Framework for Business Model Innovation
Authors: Strupeit Lars , Bocken Nancy , Van Opstal Wim
Published: May 2024

The rapid expansion of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) market as part of the transition to a low-carbon energy future will increase both demand for raw materials used in PV product manufacturing as well as future PV panel waste volumes. There is an urgent need for solar industry businesses to adopt circular business models, and to support this process through targeted tools and methods that can facilitate the innovation process of such models. This paper employs an action-oriented case study methodology, drawing on insights garnered from five demonstrator cases that have applied and validated a Circular Business Model Innovation (CBMI) framework within the PV sector. Results show how this framework was applied in practice during the ideation, design, experimentation, and scaling phases of the innovation process. Specifically, results show how an experimental and iterative approach was found critical to assess viability, desirability, and feasibility of circular business strategies. The study’s empirical testing of tools with the context of a Circular Economy complements earlier theoretical conceptualizations of business model innovation processes. It illustrates how using multiple tools can provide firms with complementary insights in each stage of ideation, design, testing, and scaling of business models. It is recommended that policy makers and business leaders endorse such co-creative and experimental approaches to foster learning and business model innovation, thereby catalysing the transformation of an entire renewable energy industry sector towards Circular Economy.