bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards trustworthy medical AI ecosystems – a proposal for supporting responsible innovation practices in AI-based medical innovation
Authors: Herzog Christian , Blank Sabrina , Stahl Bernd Carsten
Published: October 2024

In this article, we explore questions about the culture of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) through the lens of ecosystems. We draw on the European Commission’s Guidelines for Trustworthy AI and its philosophical underpinnings. Based on the latter, the trustworthiness of an AI ecosystem can be conceived of as being grounded by both the so-called rational-choice and motivation-attributing accounts—i.e., trusting is rational because solution providers deliver expected services reliably, while trust also involves resigning control by attributing one’s motivation, and hence, goals, onto another entity. Our research question is: What aspects contribute to a responsible AI ecosystem that can promote justifiable trustworthiness in a healthcare environment? We argue that especially within devising governance and support aspects of a medical AI ecosystem, considering the so-called motivation-attributing account of trust provides fruitful pointers. There can and should be specific ways and governance structures supporting and nurturing trustworthiness beyond mere reliability. After compiling a list of preliminary requirements for this, we describe the emergence of one particular medical AI ecosystem and assess its compliance with and future ways of improving its functioning as a responsible AI ecosystem that promotes trustworthiness.
Synthesis and characterization of core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposites for the detection of interleukin-6
Authors: Radfar Rahil , Akin Eda , Sehit Ekin , Moldovean-Cioroianu Nastasia Sanda , Wolff Niklas , Marquant Rodrigue , Haupt Karsten , Kienle Lorenz , Altintas Zeynep
Published: October 2024

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) belongs to the cytokine family and plays a vital role in regulating immune response, bone maintenance, body temperature adjustment, and cell growth. The overexpression of IL-6 can indicate various health complications, such as anastomotic leakage, cancer, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the availability of highly sensitive and specific biosensing platforms for IL-6 detection is critical. In this study, for the first time, epitope-mediated IL-6-specific magnetic molecularly imprinted core–shell structures with fluorescent properties were synthesized using a three-step protocol, namely, magnetic nanoparticle functionalization, polymerization, and template removal following thorough optimization studies. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were characterized using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS), revealing a hydrodynamic size of 169.9 nm and zeta potential of +17.1 mV, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques showed characteristic peaks of the polymer and fluorescent tag, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations confirmed the successful encapsulation of the magnetic core within the ca. 5-nm-thick polymeric shell. The MMIP-based electrochemical sensing platform achieved a limit of detection of 0.38 pM within a linear detection range of 0.38–380 pM, indicating high affinity (dissociation constant KD = 1.6 pM) for IL-6 protein in 50% diluted serum samples. Moreover, comparative investigations with the non-imprinted control polymer demonstrated an imprinting factor of 4, confirming high selectivity. With multifunctional features, including fluorescence, magnetic properties, and target responsiveness, the synthesized MMIPs hold significant potential for application in various sensor techniques as well as imaging.
Vertical stratification of arctic microbial communities near potential hydrocarbon seepage off Cape Dyer, Nunavut
Authors: Ji Meng , Ortmann Alice C. , Wohlgeschaffen Gary , Jauer Chris , Azetsu-Scott Kumiko
Published: October 2024

Climate change disproportionately affects the Arctic, where warming is up to four times greater than the global annual average experienced in southern regions. Baffin Bay in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is an ecologically and biologically significant area that will likely experience an increase in marine vessel traffic as a result of consistent declines in annual sea ice coverage. Along the western coast of Baffin Bay is known to be a region of active, natural hydrocarbon seeps where elevated levels of methane have been detected in previous surveys. Petroleum hydrocarbons released from the seafloor can fuel microbial production and shape the baseline microbiome. Establishing a microbial baseline is highly valuable as it contributes to a fundamental understanding of the existing microbial diversity that may be impacted in the future by anthropogenic stressors. In this study, 16S and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing surveys revealed that the vertical stratification of the water column is largely driven by differences in depth, temperature, salinity, and inorganic nutrient concentrations. Chemical analysis provides further support that active petrogenic methane seepage occurs around Cape Dyer but not in areas targeted in this study. Presence of n-alkanes and toluene in association with hydrocarbon-synthesizing phytoplankton suggests biogenic production of these compounds. These findings provide a baseline for future environmental monitoring assessments to evaluate how the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome may be impacted by ongoing climate change and anthropogenic stressors in western Baffin Bay.
Behandlung einer „frozen shoulder“ nach dem Fasziendistorsionsmodell
Authors: Boss Roman , Bangerter Christian
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Die Diagnose „frozen shoulder“ beschreibt ein Phänomen der schmerzhaft eingeschränkten Schulterbeweglichkeit. Bis heute bleiben die dem Beschwerdebild zugrunde liegenden Pathomechanismen nur teilweise verstanden und es wird kontrovers diskutiert, wie eine effektive Behandlungsstrategie aussehen soll.

Ziel

Ziel dieser Einzelfallstudie ist es, das konkrete Vorgehen nach dem Fasziendistorsionsmodell (FDM) bei der Befundaufnahme und der Behandlung eines Patienten mit einer „frozen shoulder“ aufzuzeigen und die eingesetzten Untersuchungs- und Behandlungstechniken zu diskutieren.

Patient und Methoden

Der 51-jährige Patient litt seit etwa 6 Monaten an starken Schulterschmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen. Im Rahmen der körperlichen Untersuchung konnten seine Beschwerden mit dem „pinching“ (Kneifen) des subkutanen Bindegewebes reproduziert werden und ein klarer Seitenunterschied ließ sich ausmachen. Die Beschwerden wurden anhand des FDM auf Fasziendistorsionen zurückgeführt und mit entsprechenden Techniken behandelt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 18 halbstündige Therapiesitzungen über einen Zeitraum von 5 Monaten durchgeführt. Dabei konnten die Schmerzen und Einschränkungen im Alltag des Patienten stark reduziert werden und die Schulterbeweglichkeit verbesserte sich deutlich.

Schlussfolgerung

Dieser Fallbericht zeigt, dass ein Patient mit der Diagnose „frozen shoulder“ mittels FDM effektiv behandelt werden konnte. Dabei spielte das subkutane Bindegewebe sowohl im Rahmen der Befundaufnahme als auch bei der Behandlung eine wichtige Rolle.
Exome variant prioritization in a large cohort of hearing-impaired individuals indicates IKZF2 to be associated with non-syndromic hearing loss and guides future research of unsolved cases
Authors: Velde Hedwig M. , Vaseghi-Shanjani Maryam , Smits Jeroen J. , Ramakrishnan Gayatri , Oostrik Jaap , Wesdorp Mieke , Astuti Galuh , Yntema Helger G. , Hoefsloot Lies , Lanting Cris P. , Huynen Martijn A. , Lehman Anna , Turvey Stuart E. ,   DOOFNL Consortium, Aten E. , van den Boogaard M. J. , Cals F. L. J. , van Dooren M. F. , Ebbens F. A. , Feenstra I. , Free R. H. , de Gier H. H. W. , Goderie T. P. M. , Haer-Wigman L. , Hellingman K. , Hoefsloot E. H. , Hof J. R. , van de Kamp J. , Kant S. G. , Wassink-Ruiter J. S. Klein , Kremer H. , Kriek M. , Lachmeijer A. M. A. , Lanting C. P. , Maas S. M. , Merkus P. , Pennings R. J. E. , Plomp A. , Ropers F. G. , Rotteveel L. J. C. , van der Schroeff M. P. , Smit A. L. , Smits J. J. , Vernimmen V. , Widdershoven J. C. C. , Yntema H. G. , Pennings Ronald J. E. , Kremer Hannie
Published: October 2024

Although more than 140 genes have been associated with non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss (HL), at least half of the cases remain unexplained in medical genetic testing. One reason is that pathogenic variants are located in ‘novel’ deafness genes. A variant prioritization approach was used to identify novel (candidate) genes for HL. Exome-wide sequencing data were assessed for subjects with presumed hereditary HL that remained unexplained in medical genetic testing by gene-panel analysis. Cases in group AD had presumed autosomal dominantly inherited HL (n = 124), and in group AR, presumed autosomal recessive HL (n = 337). Variants in known and candidate deafness genes were prioritized based on allele frequencies and predicted effects. Selected variants were tested for their co-segregation with HL. Two cases were solved by variants in recently identified deafness genes (ABHD12, TRRAP). Variant prioritization also revealed potentially causative variants in candidate genes associated with recessive and X-linked HL. Importantly, missense variants in IKZF2 were found to co-segregate with dominantly inherited non-syndromic HL in three families. These variants specifically affected Zn2+-coordinating cysteine or histidine residues of the zinc finger motifs 2 and 3 of the encoded protein Helios. This finding indicates a complex genotype–phenotype correlation for IKZF2 defects, as this gene was previously associated with non-syndromic dysfunction of the immune system and ICHAD syndrome, including HL. The designed strategy for variant prioritization revealed that IKZF2 variants can underlie non-syndromic HL. The large number of candidate genes for HL and variants therein stress the importance of inclusion of family members for variant prioritization.
Integration von hybriden automatisierten Flotten in Österreich
Authors: Reinthaler Martin , Hu Bin , Watzinger Hannes , Feichtinger Christoph , Neubauer Matthias , Schildorfer Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Die Einführung hybrider automatisierter Flotten bietet großes Potenzial für die Verbesserung der Mobilitäts- und Transportsysteme. Der vorliegende Artikel zeigt die wesentlichen Dimensionen und Herausforderungen auf, die bei der Integration dieser Technologien zu beachten sind. Die Multidimensionalität der Einsatzszenarien – Anwendungsfall, Fahrzeugkategorie, Automatisierungsgrad und Assistenzsysteme – spielt eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Gestaltung einer heterogenen Flotte und beeinflusst deren Effizienz und Sicherheit maßgeblich. Der Schwerpunkt des Artikels ist die Gestaltungsaspekte und Anforderungen an die Leitstellen für hybride Flotten. Diese verdeutlicht, dass eine nahtlose Integration von automatisierten Fahrzeugen in bestehende Flottenmanagementsysteme notwendig ist. Besonders kleine Länder wie Österreich stehen vor der Herausforderung, eine Abhängigkeit von OEMs und Tech-Giganten zu vermeiden. Durch die Stärkung lokaler Kompetenzen und die Förderung von Kooperationen zwischen nationalen Akteuren soll die unabhängige und innovative Entwicklung vorangetrieben werden.
A synthesis of machine learning and internet of things in developing autonomous fleets of heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles for enhancing the regenerative farming cycle
Authors: Almalki Faris A. , Angelides Marios C.
Published: October 2024

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for agricultural monitoring and management offers additional advantages over traditional methods, ranging from cost reduction to environmental protection, especially when they utilize Machine Learning (ML) methods, and Internet of Things (IoT). This article presents an autonomous fleet of heterogeneous UAVs for use in regenerative farming the result of a synthesis of Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and IoT. The resulting aerial framework uses DRL for fleet autonomy and ACO for fleet synchronization and task scheduling inflight. A 5G Multiple Input Multiple Output-Long Range (MIMO-LoRa) antenna enhances data rate transmission and link reliability. The aerial framework, which has been originally prototyped as a simulation to test the concept, is now developed into a functional proof-of-concept of autonomous fleets of heterogeneous UAVs. For assessing performance, the paper uses Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Received Signal Strength Index (RSSI). The 5G MIMO-LoRa antenna produces improved results with four key performance indicators: Reflection Coefficient (S11), Cumulative Distribution Functions (CDF), Power Spectral Density Ratio (Eb/No), and Bit Error Rate (BER).
Facial trauma education in radiology: using surgeon feedback as the benchmark for success
Authors: Malouf William T. , Kondaveeti Geeth , Phillips Jacline G. , Patel Kunjan , Hall Justin A. , Fourrier Torrey L. , May Nelson , Meegalla Nuwan T. , Reger Kevin J. , Runyan Christopher M. , Hiatt Kevin D.
Published: October 2024

Rationale and objectives

Interpreting CT studies of facial trauma is challenging, and there are often substantial differences in the characterization of complex facial trauma between radiologists and surgeons. We designed a collaborative multidisciplinary project to reconcile differences in facial fracture interpretation through an educational intervention. The effectiveness of this intervention was evaluated through surgeon feedback on radiology reports.

Materials and methods

Radiology residents, neuroradiology fellows, and neuroradiology attendings were recruited as participants at a single tertiary care academic center. Otolaryngology residents were recruited as evaluators. Participants completed surveys and provided preliminary reports for example cases of facial trauma before and after attending an educational session. Evaluators performed a blinded review of these preliminary reports based on ideal reports developed by surgical and neuroradiology attendings.

Results

26 participants (20 residents, 1 neuroradiology fellow, 5 neuroradiology attendings) completed the study. Six otolaryngology residents participated as evaluators. To assess interrater reliability, three evaluators graded a shared set of 15 reports and demonstrated substantial agreement with a Kendall’s W of 0.71. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in overall report accuracy, clarity, and organization. In subunit analysis, there were significant improvements in reporting Le Fort, nasoseptal, and nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. No significant improvements occurred in the reporting of upper face, zygomaticomaxillary complex, or mandibular fractures. In contrast, survey analysis demonstrated significantly improved confidence in interpreting trauma involving all facial subunits.

Conclusion

Compared with survey results, surgeon assessment of radiology reports better demonstrated areas of improvement after an educational intervention. A multidisciplinary approach to assessing educational efforts may better evaluate the practical effectiveness of educational interventions.
MRI recovery with self-calibrated denoisers without fully-sampled data
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Liu Sizhuo , Schniter Philip , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: October 2024

Objective

Acquiring fully sampled training data is challenging for many MRI applications. We present a self-supervised image reconstruction method, termed ReSiDe, capable of recovering images solely from undersampled data.

Materials and methods

ReSiDe is inspired by plug-and-play (PnP) methods, but unlike traditional PnP approaches that utilize pre-trained denoisers, ReSiDe iteratively trains the denoiser on the image or images that are being reconstructed. We introduce two variations of our method: ReSiDe-S and ReSiDe-M. ReSiDe-S is scan-specific and works with a single set of undersampled measurements, while ReSiDe-M operates on multiple sets of undersampled measurements and provides faster inference. Studies I, II, and III compare ReSiDe-S and ReSiDe-M against other self-supervised or unsupervised methods using data from T1- and T2-weighted brain MRI, MRXCAT digital perfusion phantom, and first-pass cardiac perfusion, respectively.

Results

ReSiDe-S and ReSiDe-M outperform other methods in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure for Studies I and II, and in terms of expert scoring for Study III.

Discussion

We present a self-supervised image reconstruction method and validate it in both static and dynamic MRI applications. These developments can benefit MRI applications where the availability of fully sampled training data is limited.
Clinical Insights on Caloric Restriction Mimetics for Mitigating Brain Aging and Related Neurodegeneration
Authors: Trisal Anchal , Singh Abhishek Kumar
Published: October 2024

Aging, an inevitable physiological process leading to a progressive decline in bodily functions, has been an abundantly researched domain with studies attempting to slow it down and reduce its debilitating effects. Investigations into the cellular and molecular pathways associated with aging have allowed the formulation of therapeutic strategies. Of these, caloric restriction (CR) has been implicated for its role in promoting healthy aging by modulating key molecular targets like Insulin/IGF-1, mTOR, and sirtuins. However, CR requires dedication and commitment to a strict regimen which poses a difficulty in maintaining consistency. To maneuver around cumbersome diets, Caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRMs) have emerged as promising alternatives by mimicking the beneficial effects of CR. This review elucidates the molecular foundations enabling CRMs like rapamycin, metformin, resveratrol, spermidine, and many more to function as suitable anti-aging molecules. Moreover, it explores clinical trials (retrieved from the clinicaltrials.gov database) aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of CRMs as effective candidates against age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Open source platform for Estonian speech transcription
Authors: Olev Aivo , Alumäe Tanel
Published: October 2024

This paper presents our progress in developing and maintaining a public speech and speaker recognition platform for the Estonian language. The platform consists of a speech processing pipeline and a web-based user interface for end-users, offering transcript post-editing functionality. It is offered for free as a public service and is in active use. The service provides significantly higher speech recognition accuracy than commercial alternatives. We discuss the switch to a workflow management system and how it has improved the core speech processing pipeline. The core systems behind the platform have been made available as open-source code and deployed internally by multiple public and private institutions.
Speed of Sound Measurements of Binary Mixtures of 1,1-Difluoroethylene (R-1132a) + Propane and Derived Speed of Sound of Pure R-1132a
Authors: Rowane Aaron J. , Perkins Richard A.
Published: October 2024

Speed of sound data, measured using a dual-path pulse-echo instrument, are reported for three binary mixtures of 1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1132a) with propane at temperatures ranging from 230 to 345 K and pressures ranging from slightly above the bubble curve to a maximum pressure of 50 MPa. Significant attenuation of the pulse-echo signals was observed for measurements on pure R-1132a. Therefore, the R-1132a sample was doped with propane at mole fractions ranging from 0.0274 to 0.0887 and the propane + R-1132a mixture data was used to derive sound speeds for pure R-1132a. The data were compared to a preliminary equation of state for R-1132a, and deviations ranged from 2 % to 8 %. This demonstrates that the preliminary R-1132a EoS needs to be refit to better represent the speed of sound.
Shear bond strength between dental adhesive systems and an experimental niobium-based implant material
Authors: Brümmer N. , Klose C. , Schleich J-T. , Maier H. J. , Eisenburger M. , Stiesch M. , Pott P.-C.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate adhesive shear bond strength (SBS) on an ultrafine-grained niobium alloy (UFG-Nb) that is a potential dental implant material. SBS of three adhesive systems combined with three composites to UFG-Nb was compared to corresponding SBS to Ti-6Al-4V and to zirconia. Specimens of the substrates UFG-Nb, Ti-6Al-4V and zirconia with plane surfaces were sandblasted with Al2O3, cleaned and dried. Three adhesive systems (Futurabond U, Futurabond M + , Futurabond M + DCA; all VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany) were applied each on specimens of each substrate and light cured. One composite (BifixSE, BifixQM, GrandioSO; all VOCO GmbH) was applied and light cured resulting in 27 groups (n = 10) for all substrate-adhesive-composite-combinations. SBS was measured after 24 h of storage. To simulate aging equally prepared specimens underwent 5000 thermocycles before SBS measurement. There was no significant difference in SBS within the non-aged groups. Among the artificially aged groups, GrandioSO-groups showed a greater variance of SBS than the other composites. All significant differences of corresponding UFG-Nb-, Ti-6Al-4V- and zirconia-groups with same adhesive-composite-combination (ACC) were observed between UFG-Nb and zirconia or Ti-6Al-4V and zirconia but never between the two metallic substrates. The similarity between these materials might show in their adhesive bonding behavior. As there were no differences comparing corresponding groups prior to and after artificial aging, it can be concluded that aging does not affect SBS to UFG-Nb, Ti-6Al-4V and zirconia using the tested ACCs. Adhesive bonding of established ACCs to UFG-Nb is possible resulting in SBS comparable to those on Ti-6Al-4V and zirconia surfaces.

Graphical Abstract
Youth Intimate Partner Femicide: Identification of Factors Specific to Femicide Against Adolescent and Young Adult Victims
Authors: Caman Shilan , Skott Sara
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Intimate partner femicide (IPF) is a public health issue with far-reaching and extreme consequences. As previous research mainly has treated IPF as an adult phenomenon, young victims of such violence have been rendered invisible. Consequently, youth IPF is not well understood and little is known about factors specific to IPF against adolescent and young adult females.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine factors related to youth IPF (≤ 25 years) and to compare cases of youth IPF with cases of adult IPF (≥ 26 years) regarding these factors. Victim and perpetrator characteristics are explored, as well as factors related to the relationship and circumstances of the crimes.

Methods

This epidemiological study is based on a national dataset that involves all homicides in Sweden between 1990 and 2017. Incidents of male-perpetrated femicide in which the perpetrator and victim were or had been in an intimate relationship were analyzed. Descriptive and multivariate analyses with odds ratios (OR) were conducted in order to make group comparisons between young (n = 62) and adult (n = 320) IPF.

Results

Our study reveals interesting differences between youth and adult IPF, in which youth IPF is more likely to be motivated by relationship break-up, involve strangulation of the victim and drug use.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on the factors and circumstances that play an important role in youth IPF, and could be fruitful to target in future prevention and intervention efforts that aim to combat severe violence against adolescent and young adult females.
Intramammary Labeling of Epithelial Cell Division
Authors: Machiela Maia N. , Hovey Russell C.
Published: October 2024

Thymidine analogs such as ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) can be used to label mitosis of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and to quantify their proliferation. However, labeling cells in larger animals requires considerable amounts of chemical that can be costly and hazardous. We developed a strategy to infuse EdU into the mammary glands of ewes to directly label mitotic MEC. First, each udder half of nulliparous ewes (n = 2) received an intramammary infusion of one of four different concentrations of EdU (0, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mM) which was compared to BrdU IV (5 mg/kg) 24 h later. Tissues were analyzed by immunofluorescent histochemistry to detect EdU, BrdU, and total MEC. Of the EdU doses tested, 10 mM EdU yielded the greatest labeling index, while a proportion of MEC were labeled by both EdU and BrdU. We next sought to establish whether intramammary labeling could detect the induction of mitosis after exposure to exogenous estrogen and progesterone (E + P). We first infused EdU (10 mM) into the right udder half of ewes (n = 6) at t 0, followed by thymidine (100 mM) 24 h later to prevent further labeling. Three ewes were then administered E + P for 5 d, while n = 3 ewes served as controls. On d 5, EdU was infused into the left udder half of all mammary glands alongside BrdU IV (5 mg/kg). By the time of necropsy 24 h later an average MEC labeling index of 2.9% resulted from EdU delivered at t 0. In the left half of the udder on d 5, CON glands had a final EdU labeling index of 3.4% while glands exposed to E + P had a labeling index of 4.6% (p = 0.05). The corresponding degree of labeling with BrdU was 5.6% in CON glands, and 12% following E + P (p < 0.001). Our findings reveal that intramammary labeling is an efficient and cost-effective method for single- and dual-labeling of cell division in the mammary glands.
SBIR mills and the U.S. Department of Defense
Authors: Link Albert N. , Swann Christopher A.
Published: October 2024

Multiple winners of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards have come under scrutiny by some in the public sector who claim that so-called SBIR mills fail to commercialize from their funded research. We examine this issue using data on a sample of SBIR awards awarded between 1992 and 2001. Consistent with the critique, we find a negative association between the overall number of previous SBIR awards and commercialization from a current SBIR-funded project. However, when we consider the number of previous SBIR awards related to the current project’s technology, we find a positive association thus suggesting previous technologically related awards increase the probability of commercialization. We extend the analysis beyond commercialization to patents and scientific publications related to the current award and find similar patterns of results. Our results also reinforce the finding of others that multiple SBIR awards are a heterogeneous metric.
Toward a green economy: Lignin-based hybrid materials as functional additives in flame-retardant polymer coatings
Authors: Goliszek Marta , Podkościelna Beata , Rybiński Przemysław , Klapiszewska Izabela , Klepka Tomasz , Masek Anna , Klapiszewski Łukasz
Published: October 2024

This study describes the combination of unique properties of lignin with TiO2 as an innovative and effective preparation method for high-performance flame-retardant additives that may be utilized as polymer coatings. The use of lignin resulted in numerous advantages including an increased number of functional groups, satisfactory biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content. The major benefit of lignin is associated with the reduced carbon footprint of the manufactured product. Lignin can be classified as a natural flame-retardant agent owing to the high amount of char formed during combustion. In turn, TiO2 exhibits high chemical stability and low operating costs and is considered a non-toxic and environmentally friendly material. During the experiments, commercial TiO2 in anatase crystallographic form, TiO2 synthesized from titanyl sulfate hydrate, and kraft lignin as well as organic–inorganic hybrid materials composed of these materials were evaluated as functional additives in epoxy-resin-based polymer coatings (Epidian 601) and their properties were investigated in detail. The cone colorimetry test confirmed that the obtained hybrids are effective flame-retardant additives for polymer coatings, with a notable fire hazard reduction observed for samples containing a synergistic system of titanium oxide and lignin. The coating with lignin was the most effective in fire suppression processes. The conducted thermal and mechanical investigations confirmed good performance properties of the coatings indicating thermal resistance up to 360 °C and Shore D hardness in a range of 80.36–86.28°Sh, accordingly. Optical profilometry investigations show that the lignin/TiO2 hybrids exhibit a stable topological surface shape as well as good dispersion and uniformity in the polymer matrix. All the conducted tests allowed confirmation that the presence of functional additives in polymer coatings in the form of lignin and TiO2 can be a promising alternative to non-biodegradable synthetic materials which improve flame-retardant properties.
Towards designing a comprehensive composite index for social vulnerability to natural hazards in the big data era: potential challenges and partial solutions
Authors: Rabiei-Dastjerdi Hamidreza , Brereton Finbarr , O’Neill Eoin
Published: October 2024

This study provides a practical definition and framework to measure social vulnerability to natural hazards, addressing gaps in the literature after three decades of Susan Cutter's Place-Based Model. The current social vulnerability index, designed based on available data such as census data, is limited in capturing all aspects of social vulnerability and spatial inequalities. This research explored and proposed a new theoretical perspective and methodological framework for designing a comprehensive index for social vulnerability to natural disasters using emerging big data, which is practical and feasible and can be applied to social vulnerability studies in general and social vulnerability to natural hazards in particular. This research first defines constructs of social vulnerability to natural hazards, including (1) socioeconomic status or conditions, (2) physical infrastructure or accessibility to facilities and services, (3) ecological-environmental conditions, (4) access to security facilities and crime rate, (5) technological inequalities, (6) health conditions of the citizens, and (7) susceptibility. Then, it proposes potential solutions for developing a comprehensive composite index under ideal conditions without (big) data limitations, using the US and the UK as case examples. These solutions are not just theoretical but also practical and feasible, instilling confidence in their implementation. This research offers valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in diverse sectors, supporting the design of effective disaster risk reduction strategies and intervention programs.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions of nonlinear discrete systems in critical cases
Authors: Grushkovskaya Victoria
Published: October 2024

The paper is dedicated to the analysis of the asymptotic behavior of essentially nonlinear discrete systems whose linearization possesses eigenvalues on the unit circle. For these systems, the paper establishes sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stability regardless of terms higher than the third order. Moreover, it derives an asymptotic stability criterium for a reduced critical subsystem. The proof incorporates a constructive approach for deriving Lyapunov functions using the center manifold reduction and normal form method. The key result of the paper asserts that, given the obtained stability conditions, the solutions of the system converge to the origin with a polynomial decay rate. The paper also introduces a method for evaluating the coefficients of the decay rate estimate. To illustrate these findings, we apply the obtained result to analyzing nonlinear business cycle and predator-pray models.
Rhizosphere effect: microbial and enzymatic dynamics in the rhizosphere of various shrub species
Authors: Kaźmierczak Marzena , Błońska Ewa , Kempf Marta , Zarek Marcin , Lasota Jarosław
Published: October 2024

Aims

The aim of our research was to compare the properties of the rhizosphere soil of different shrub species. We assumed that the physicochemical properties and microbiome of the rhizosphere differ from bulk soil and the species of shrub is important in their formation.

Methods

The study involved determining the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, along with assessing the basic chemical properties and enzymatic activity. Samples were collected from both rhizosphere and bulk soil in pine stands with an understory of shrubs forming biogroups.

Results

The enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere was significantly higher than in bulk soil. At the same time enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere differed between the shrub species tested. Both intracellular and extracellular enzymes exhibited a positive correlation with basic biochemical parameters. The number of bacteria and fungi correlated with physicochemical and biochemical properties. The number of bacteria and fungi was notably higher in the rhizosphere of the examined shrub species compared to bulk soil, at the same time, we noted a significant influence of the shrub species on microorganisms in the rhizosphere zone. Among the bacteria in the rhizosphere of shrubs, genera Edaphobaculum, Gemmatimonas, Bdellovibrio, Jorgensenbacteria, Rhodoplanes, and Acidocella were more abundant. Regarding fungi, Mortierella longigemmata, Didymella viburnicola, Trichoderma stellatum, and Phacidium pseudophacidioides were found to be more abundant in the rhizosphere.

Conclusions

The findings from our research may have practical applications in shaping the species composition of tree stands, with potential implications for future soil health condition.
Entrepreneurs’ impatience and digital technologies
Authors: Basiglio S. , Ricci A. , Rossi M.
Published: October 2024

This paper analyzes the impact of entrepreneurs’ preferences (impatience and risk attitudes) on firms’ propensity to invest in both general and digital technologies. Using data from the Rilevazione su Imprese e Lavoro (RIL) survey, conducted on a representative sample of Italian firms, we find that impatience significantly reduces the likelihood of adopting digital investments, even when controlling for risk preferences. To address potential endogeneity and simultaneity concerns, we implement an instrumental variable (IV) strategy, exploiting exogenous variation from exposure to earthquakes. The findings remain robust and highlight the crucial role of impatience in shaping investment decisions, particularly in digital technologies.
Evaluation of GOCE/GRACE and combined global geopotential models using GNSS/levelling data over Nigeria
Authors: Bako Michael , Elsaka Basem , Kusche Jürgen , Fenoglio-Marc Luciana
Published: October 2024

Global Geopotential Models (GGMs) provide valuable information about Earth’s gravity field functionals, such as geoid heights and gravity anomalies. However, ground-based datasets are required to validate these GGMs at the regional and local scales. In this study, we validated the accuracy of GGMs by comparing them with ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/levelling data for the first time in Nigeria. We employed two validation scenarios: with and without considering spectral consistency using the spectral enhancement method (SEM) to incorporate high and very high frequencies of the gravity field spectrum from the combined global gravity field model (XGM2019e_2159) and the residual terrain model (RTM) derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, respectively. The results of this evaluation confirmed that the application of SEM improved the assessment of the GGM solutions in an unbiased manner. Integrating XGM2019e_2159 and SRTM data to constrain the high-frequency component of geoid heights in Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE)-based GGMs led to an improvement of approximately 10% in reducing the standard deviation (STD) relative to when SEM was not applied. GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R6 at spherical harmonics (SH) of up to degree and order 260 demonstrated the lowest STD when compared to GO_CONS_GCF_2_DIR_R6 and GO_CONS_GCF_2_SPW_R5, with a reduction from 0.380 m without SEM application to 0.342 m with SEM implementation. In addition, four transformation models, namely, linear, four-parameter, five-parameter, and seven-parameter models, were evaluated. The objective is to mitigate the reference system offsets between the GNSS/levelling data and the GGMs and to identify the particular parametric model with the smallest STD across all GGMs. This effort reduced the GGMs misfits to GNSS/levelling to 0.30 m, representing a 15.3% decrease in STD. Notably, the XGM2019e_2159 model provides this improvement.
Mordukhovich Derivatives of the Metric Projection Operator in Uniformly Convex and Uniformly Smooth Banach Spaces
Authors: Li Jinlu
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we investigate the properties of the Mordukhovich derivatives of the metric projection operator onto closed balls, closed and convex cylinders and positive cones in uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces. We find the exact expressions for Mordukhovich derivatives of the metric projection operator in these spaces.
Predicting Accumulation and Potential Edge-of-Field Loss of Phosphorus to Surface Water from Diverse Ecosystems
Authors: Rahman Arifur , Islam Khandakar R. , Ahsan Shamim , Didenko Nataliia O. , Sundermeier Alan P.
Published: October 2024

Phosphorus (P) is an important nutrient essential for agricultural production, but it is highly reactive, leading to its soil accumulation and making it susceptible to environmental impact footprints. The goal of our study was to determine the critical threshold values of both soluble reactive P (SRP) and oxalate-extracted P (Ox-P) to predict soil P accumulation and its susceptibility to edge-of-field loss. Composite soils were collected from geo-referenced ecosystems within the Lake Erie drainage basin under agriculture in northwestern Ohio, USA. Soils were analyzed for SRP, Ox-P, Fe, and Al concentrations to calculate P sorption capacity, P saturation ratio, degree of P saturation (DPS), and P storage capacity (SPSC). A threshold P saturation ratio of 0.12 (~ 24% DPS), corresponding to 2.4 mg SRP/kg (equivalent Ox-P), was determined to calculate SPSC for predicting the risk of SRP accumulation. A significant relationship between the SPSC and SRP suggested that soils under all the agroecosystems had accumulated SRP compared to the forest. Surface soils (0–10 cm depth) under tilled, chemically fertilized, and organically managed corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) rotations, including those treated with chicken and dairy manure, exhibited excessive SRP accumulation, making them susceptible to edge-of-field losses. While the soils at 10–20 cm depth were acting as transitional, the deeper soils (20–30 cm depth) still acted as a net sink. When accounting for bulk density to calculate SPSC stocks, it showed that surface soils across the agroecosystems were saturated with 148 to 240 kg SRP/ha and were susceptible to edge-of-field loss to the water systems. In conclusion, we suggest that SPSC could be used as an early indicator to predict the risk of SRP accumulation and its potential edge-of-field loss to Lake Erie from agroecosystems.
Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Benzodiazepine Dependence Self-Report Questionnaire
Authors: Heeg Johanna , Stratmann Markus Wim , Dirmaier Jörg , Härter Martin , Kriston Levente , Lindemann Christina , Verthein Uwe
Published: October 2024

To facilitate measurement and screening of benzodiazepine/Z-drug dependence, the Dutch “Benzodiazepine Dependence Self-Report Questionnaire” was translated into German (Bendep-SRQ-GV) and psychometrically evaluated. A cross-sectional online study with 343 benzodiazepine/Z-drug users was conducted. Structural validity and reliability were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, while convergent validity was evaluated through correlation and receiver operating characteristic analyses with the “Severity of Dependence Scale” (SDS). Furthermore, the use of simple sum subscale and total scale scores was reviewed. A model with four first-order factors and one second-order factor fitted the data best. The questionnaire showed good to excellent reliability. The scores correlated satisfactorily with the model-based factor scores and the SDS, indicating good convergent validity and supporting the use of simple sum scores. The study provided strong evidence for the validity and reliability of the Bendep-SRQ-GV as a measure of benzodiazepine/Z-drug dependence, which represents a significant step towards developing a multidimensional screening tool.
Effects of a Gender-Balancing Strategy on Resident Panels in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Mannion Samantha , Halvorsen Andrew J. , Andersen Carl , Leasure Emily , Bonnes Sara
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients often prefer gender concordance when choosing a primary care practitioner. In a trainee setting, this may lead to unequal training opportunities for male and female resident physicians. Residency leadership may be interested in ways to promote balance in patient empanelment.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of an intervention to equalize imbalance in patient gender on resident primary care panels.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Participants

Categorial internal medicine residents beginning residency in 2020.

Interventions

The panels of internal medicine residents were manually rebalanced at the beginning of training for a new cohort of residents with the goal of having similar numbers of male and female patients on each resident’s panel.

Main Measures

Panel data was observed for 2 years following intervention. Number of male patients, number of female patients, and overall panel size were compared between male and female residents at baseline, 6 months, and 24 months.

Key Results

The analysis included 28 female residents and 20 male residents. After rebalancing, baseline panels had similar numbers of male patients (median of 50 on both male and female residents’ panels; average panel 54.7% male) and female patients (median of 41.5 on female residents’ panels and 41 on male residents’ panels; average panel 45.3% female). At the end of the follow-up period, a significant difference was observed in the median number of male patients (59.5 and 43.5; p < 0.001) and female patients (33.5 and 48.5; p < 0.001) between male and female residents, but no difference was observed in overall panel size.

Conclusions

A steady drift towards gender concordance was observed over 2 years following a rebalancing intervention. Program leadership overseeing primary care empanelment for resident physicians may consider periodic rebalancing of panels in addition to other interventions to ensure equal training opportunities and best prepare residents for future practice.
Partizipation und Effizienz. Demokratische Gruppendynamik bei Kurt Lewin
Authors: Binder Nora
Published: October 2024

Vorliegender Beitrag beleuchtet das Demokratieverständnis der frühen experimentellen Sozialpsychologie und der entstehenden Gruppendynamik bei Kurt Lewin (1890–1946). Ausgehend von zwei zentralen experimentellen Settings – den Demokratie Experimenten (1936–1938) sowie der Food Habits-Studie (1942) – wird aufgezeigt, dass zwei heute mitunter als getrennt verstandene Traditionslinien Lewins – auf der einen Seite sein demokratiefördernder Ansatz sowie auf der anderen Seite die Anwendung gruppendynamischer Verfahren in der Wirtschaftswelt mit dem Ziel der Effizienzsteigerung – im Schaffen Lewins gleichursprünglich waren und sich als eng miteinander verwoben erweisen: Denn angesichts der Bedrohung der Demokratie durch Faschismus und autoritäre Systeme war es von wesentlicher Bedeutung, dass diese sich ihren Feinden gegenüber auch praktisch bewähren konnte. So entwarf die Lewin’sche Gruppenpsychologie zwischen 1936 und 1946 das Programm einer Effizienten Demokratie, in der sich partizipative und aktivierende Gruppenverfahren mit der sorgsamen, indirekten Steuerung dieser Gruppen durch „demokratische“ Leitungsfiguren verbanden.
Structural, Magnetic, and Transport Properties of Ti(Fe,Re)2Sn Heusler Alloys
Authors: Assahsahi Ilhame , Popescu Bogdan
Published: October 2024

This study investigates polycrystalline samples of TiFe2−xRexSn (with x = {0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.2}) synthesized using conventional arc-melting and spark plasma sintering. Structural and morphological analysis shows that low Re substitutions result in good phase purity with minor traces of secondary phases, while higher Re content leads to the segregation of additional phases. The magnetism and electrical resistivity of the samples are affected by inherent Fe–Ti atomic disorder, with the effects of secondary phases becoming more prominent in the samples with higher Re content. The Seebeck coefficient values increase only for TiFe1.98Re0.02Sn, while the power factor increases for x = {0, 0.02, 0.04}, reaching maximal values for x = 0.02 at ~ 300 K and x = 0.04 at ~ 325 K, i.e., (2.22 ± 0.2) × 10−4 Wm−1 K−2. The thermal conductivity of the samples increases with x, resulting in modest values of the figure of merit, with the maximum achieved for x = 0.02 at 325 K, i.e., 0.015 ± 0.002.
Air Oxidation Behavior of Sanicro-25 with Different Surface Finishes
Authors: Rao Ch. Jagadeeswara , Aishwarya M. , Kumar Avinash , Thilagavathy P. , Ningshen S.
Published: October 2024

Sanicro-25 is a high-temperature material used as the structural material for steam superheaters and reheaters in advanced ultra-supercritical power plants. The air oxidation behavior of Sanicro-25 with various surface roughnesses is being assessed at 650 °C for about 1000 h. Different surface-roughened samples were studied, namely polishing the sample up to diamond finish, grinding up to (80-grit finish and 600-grit finish) and grit blasted. The diamond finish sample showed more weight gain than others, and higher weight gain was observed in the initial oxidation stage. Attributed to different surface preparations leads to defects at different levels, which further alters the diffusion of various elements. The diamond finish sample showed the presence of Cr-rich oxides, and other samples showed the presence of Fe-rich oxides. Smooth surfaces promoted the formation of thick protective oxide scales.