bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Random Arnold Conjecture: A New Probabilistic Conley-Zehnder Theory for Symplectic Maps
Authors: Pelayo Álvaro , Rezakhanlou Fraydoun
Published: January 2025

Inspired by the classical Conley-Zehnder Theorem and the Arnold Conjecture in symplectic topology, we prove a number of probabilistic theorems about the existence and density of fixed points of symplectic strand diffeomorphisms in dimensions greater than 2. These are symplectic diffeomorphisms

$$\Phi = (Q,P): {{\mathbb {R}}}^{d} \times {{\mathbb {R}}}^{d} \rightarrow {{\mathbb {R}}}^{d} \times {{\mathbb {R}}}^{d}$$

Φ
=

(
Q
,
P
)

:

R

d

×

R

d

→

R

d

×

R

d

on the variables (q, p) such that for every

$$p\in {{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

p
∈

R

d

the induced map

$$q\mapsto Q(q,p)$$

q
↦
Q
(
q
,
p
)

is a diffeomorphism of

$${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

. In particular we verify that quasiperiodic symplectic strand diffeomorphisms have infinitely many fixed points almost surely, provided certain natural conditions hold (inspired by the conditions in the Conley-Zehnder Theorem). The paper contains also a number of theorems which go well beyond the quasiperiodic case. Overall the paper falls within the area of stochastic dynamics but with a very strong symplectic geometric motivation, and as such its main inspiration can be traced back to Poincaré’s fundamental work on celestial mechanics and the restricted 3-body problem.
Six-dimensional Supermultiplets from Bundles on Projective Spaces
Authors: Hahner Fabian , Noja Simone , Saberi Ingmar , Walcher Johannes
Published: January 2025

The projective variety of square-zero elements in the six-dimensional minimal supersymmetry algebra is isomorphic to

$$\mathbb {P}^1 \times \mathbb {P}^3$$

P

1

×

P

3

. We use this fact, together with the pure spinor superfield formalism, to study supermultiplets in six dimensions, starting from vector bundles on projective spaces. We classify all multiplets whose derived invariants for the supertranslation algebra form a line bundle over the nilpotence variety; one can think of such multiplets as being those whose holomorphic twists have rank one over Dolbeault forms on spacetime. In addition, we explicitly construct multiplets associated to natural higher-rank equivariant vector bundles, including the tangent and normal bundles as well as their duals. Among the multiplets constructed are the vector multiplet and hypermultiplet, the family of

$${\mathcal {O}}(n)$$

O
(
n
)

-multiplets, and the supergravity and gravitino multiplets. Along the way, we tackle various theoretical problems within the pure spinor superfield formalism. In particular, we give some general discussion about the relation of the projective nilpotence variety to multiplets and prove general results on short exact sequences and dualities of sheaves in the context of the pure spinor superfield formalism.
Lieb–Thirring Inequality for the 2D Pauli Operator
Authors: Frank Rupert L. , Kovařík Hynek
Published: January 2025

By the Aharonov–Casher theorem, the Pauli operator P has no zero eigenvalue when the normalized magnetic flux

$$\alpha $$

α

satisfies

$$|\alpha |<1$$

|
α
|
<
1

, but it does have a zero energy resonance. We prove that in this case a Lieb–Thirring inequality for the

$$\gamma $$

γ

-th moment of the eigenvalues of

$$P+V$$

P
+
V

is valid under the optimal restrictions

$$\gamma \ge |\alpha |$$

γ
≥
|
α
|

and

$$\gamma >0$$

γ
>
0

. Besides the usual semiclassical integral, the right side of our inequality involves an integral where the zero energy resonance state appears explicitly. Our inequality improves earlier works that were restricted to moments of order

$$\gamma \ge 1$$

γ
≥
1

.
Fire performance of wood–steel hybrid elements: finite element analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Abdelrahman Mostafa , Khaloian-Sarnaghi Ani , van de Kuilen Jan-Willem
Published: January 2025

Wood-steel hybrid (WSH) elements are gaining popularity in the construction industry due to their reduced environmental impact and high load capacity. However, fire resistance remains a crucial challenge for advancing wood as a construction material. The proposed WSH slab consists of a trapezoidal steel profile sandwiched between two laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beech panels. This research aims to numerically predict the fire performance of the proposed WSH slab element by generating heat transfer models that consider convection, radiation, and conduction. The objectives are to predict the temperature profile of the system's components, assess the charring rate of the LVL panels, and validate the results with experimental fire tests. Computed Tomography (CT) scanning was additionally used to detect the material density variation in the remaining LVL layers after fire tests. Simulations reveal that the size and shape of the internal cavity significantly influence heat flow within the system. Analysis of different thicknesses and heights of the steel sheet shows a substantial impact on the charring initiation time of the upper LVL layer. Temperature profiles of the components from numerical analysis exhibit similar behavior to that observed in the experiments. The experimental charring rate averages between 0.88—1.00 mm/min, while the numerical rate averages between 0.95—1.06 mm/min, with a 5–8% average deviation attributed to conduction interaction between LVL and the steel sheet. This variation may also be caused by the definition of generic thermal properties of wood according to EN1995-1-2, which may not accurately represent the behavior of the LVL element under fire.
Staging of prostate Cancer with ultra-fast PSMA-PET scans enhanced by AI
Authors: Kersting David , Borys Katarzyna , Küper Alina , Kim Moon , Haubold Johannes , Goerttler Tsepo , Umutlu Lale , Costa Pedro Fragoso , Kleesiek Jens , Rischpler Christoph , Nensa Felix , Herrmann Ken , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Weber Manuel , Hosch René , Seifert Robert
Published: January 2025

Purpose

PSMA-PET is a reference standard examination for patients with prostate cancer, but even using recently introduced digital PET detectors image acquisition with standard field-of-view scanners is still in the range of 20 min. This may cause limited access to examination slots because of the growing demand for PSMA-PET. Ultra-fast PSMA-PET may enhance throughput but comes at the cost of poor image quality. The aim of this manuscript is to evaluate the accuracy of AI-enhanced ultra-fast PSMA-PET for staging of patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

A total number of 357 whole-body [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET datasets were included. Patients underwent two digital PET scans, one at standard and one at ultra-fast speed (table speed: 0.6–1.2 mm/s vs. 50 mm/s). A modified pix2pixHD generative adversarial network to enhance the ultra-fast images was trained with 286 datasets and evaluated with the remaining 71 datasets. The staging accuracy of ultra-fast PSMA-PET and AI-enhanced ultra-fast PET was compared with the reference standard PET separately for miTNM regions proposed by PROMISE V2.0.

Results

The AI-network significantly improved the visual image quality and detection rate in most miTNM regions compared with the non-enhanced image data (T: 69.6% vs. 43.5%, p < 0.05; N: 46.3% vs. 27.8%, p < 0.01; M1a 64.4% vs. 47.5%, p < 0.01; M1b: 85.7% vs. 72.1%, p < 0.01). However, improvement was not significant for the M1c category (42.9 vs. 28.6%, p > 0.05). Missed lesions had a smaller SUVmax and lesion size compared with detected lesions (exemplary for N: 9.5 vs. 26.5 SUVmax; 4 vs. 10 mm). SUVmax values of lesions were significantly different in all miTNM regions between the ultra-fast and reference standard PET, but only in the T-region between the AI-enhanced and reference standard PET.

Conclusion

The AI-based image enhancement improved image quality and region detection rates by a mean of 17.9%. As the sensitivity of synthetic PET for small and low-uptake lesions was limited, a potential clinical use case could be disease monitoring in patients with high tumor volume and PSMA uptake undergoing PSMA radioligand therapy. The improvement in detection rate of distant metastases was not significant. This indicates that more training data is needed to ensure robust results also for lesions that have lower appearance frequency. Future studies on accelerated PSMA-PET seem warranted.
Assessing Mitigation Translocation as a Tool to Reduce Human–great Horned owl Conflicts
Authors: Washburn Brian E. , Massey Benjamin J. , Sonnek Alec C. , Pitlik Todd J.
Published: January 2025

The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a generalist predator that inhabits wide-ranging territories that are relatively stable throughout the year. These owls are also involved in a variety of human–owl conflicts, including killing of domestic poultry, predating colonially nesting seabirds and shorebirds, and pose a hazard to safe aircraft operations. Managing these conflict situations presents unique challenges as great horned owls are nocturnally active and occupy a wide range of habitats. We evaluated information about great horned owl collisions with civilian aircraft and found this is a contemporary and growing aviation safety issue. We conducted a study to determine whether a biological (e.g., age of the bird) and logistical factors (e.g., month and translocation distance) influenced the return rate of great horned owls following a mitigation translocation from 13 civil airports and three military airfields during 2013–2023. Great horned owls (n = 1,020) were live-captured, banded, and translocated various distances from the airfields which were then monitored for returning owls. We developed a set of candidate binomial-distributed generalized linear models [involving all possible subsets of three factors (age, month, and distance translocated) as well as interactions]. The return rate of translocated great horned owls was very low (i.e., 2.6%) and we found no evidence that these biological and logistical factors influenced great horned owl homing behavior. Management programs that use release sites 40 km from the conflict location and translocate individual owls only once would increase program efficacy by minimizing homing behavior and decreasing implementation costs.
Breast density assessment via quantitative sound-speed measurement using conventional ultrasound transducers
Authors: Bezek Can Deniz , Farkas Monika , Schweizer Dieter , Kubik-Huch Rahel A. , Goksel Orcun
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The aim is to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a novel quantitative ultrasound (US) method based on global speed-of-sound (g-SoS) measurement using conventional US machines, for breast density assessment in comparison to mammographic ACR (m-ACR) categories.

Materials and methods

In a prospective study, g-SoS was assessed in the upper-outer breast quadrant of 100 women, with 92 of them also having m-ACR assessed by two radiologists across the entire breast. For g-SoS, ultrasonic waves were transmitted from varying transducer locations and the image misalignments between these were then related analytically to breast SoS. To test reproducibility, two consecutive g-SoS acquisitions each were taken at two similar breast locations by the same operator.

Results

Measurements were found highly repeatable, with a mean absolute difference ± standard deviation of 3.16 ± 3.79 m/s. Multiple measurements were combined yielding a single g-SoS estimate per each patient, which strongly correlated to m-ACR categories (Spearman’s = 0.773). The g-SoS values for categories A-D were 1459.6 ± 0.74, 1475.6 ± 15.92, 1515.6 ± 27.10, and 1545.7 ± 20.62, with all groups (except A-B) being significantly different from each other. Dense breasts (m-ACR C&D) were classified with 100% specificity at 78% sensitivity, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.931. Extremely dense breasts (m-ACR D) were classified with 100% sensitivity at 77.5% specificity (AUC = 0.906).

Conclusion

Quantitative g-SoS measurement of the breast was shown feasible and repeatable using conventional US machines, with values correlating strongly with m-ACR assessments.

Key Points

Question

Breast density is a strong predictor of risk for breast cancer, which frequently develops in dense tissue regions. Therefore, density assessment calls for refined non-ionizing methods.

Findings

Quantitative global speed-of-sound (g-SoS) measurement of the breast is shown to be feasible using conventional US machines, repeatable, and able to classify breast density with high accuracy.

Clinical relevance

Being effective in classifying dense breasts, where mammography has reduced sensitivity, g-SoS can help stratify patients for alternative modalities. Ideal day for mammography or MRI can be determined by monitoring g-SoS. Furthermore, g-SoS can be integrated into personalized risk assessment.

Graphical Abstract
Pelvic packing – status 2024
Authors: Gänsslen Axel , Pohlemann Tim , Lindahl Jan , Madsen Jan Erik
Published: January 2025

Patients with unstable hemodynamics and unstable pelvic ring injuries are still demanding patients regarding initial treatment and survival. Several concepts were reported during the last 30 years. Mechanical stabilization of the pelvis together with hemorrhage control offer the best treatment option in these patients. While pelvic ring stabilization using pelvic binders, external fixators and the pelvic C-clamp are the basis for mechanical stability of the pelvic ring, the optimal modality for pelvic bleeding control is still under discussion. Beside angioembolization (AE) and Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), pelvic packing PP (predominantly extraperitoneal) with direct access to the pelvic bleeding sources, are potential options. The present overview represents the present status, results and the value of pelvic packing in treating these patients. Interpretation of these results must consider the difference between the initial European concept of pelvic ring stabilization followed by PP in contrast to the North American concept with a reduced rate of pelvic ring stabilizations.
The impact of leadership interventions on neonatal care: a systematic review of current literature
Authors: Beccia Flavia , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Fevola Gianluca , Capogna Emanuele , Scarfagna Chiara , Bonacquisti Michele , Ricciardi Walter
Published: January 2025

Effective leadership is essential in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where complex, high-stakes environments require coordinated multidisciplinary teamwork. Strong leadership improves clinical outcomes, team performance, and staff well-being. This systematic review assesses various leadership models and interventions in NICUs to identify best practices and areas for future research. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering studies published from 2010 to October 2024. Articles were screened using the PRISMA guidelines, and inclusion criteria focused on primary studies in NICU settings evaluating leadership interventions. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Nine studies from diverse countries and research designs were included. Leadership interventions varied from simulation-based training programs to co-leadership models. High-fidelity simulation boot camps significantly improved self-perceived skills, teamwork, and leadership confidence among trainees. While most studies reported positive impacts on team performance and patient safety, one large-scale quality improvement program showed no significant improvement in clinical outcomes for very-low-birth-weight infants.

Conclusion: The findings emphasize that leadership interventions, including structured training and co-leadership, enhance team dynamics and clinical outcomes in NICUs. However, variability in study designs and reliance on self-reported data highlight the need for standardized evaluation methods. Future research should focus on long-term impacts, cross-context comparisons, and refining leadership frameworks to address the unique challenges of NICU settings. Promoting effective leadership not only improves patient care but also fosters a resilient and collaborative work environment.

What is known:
• Leadership is crucial in NICUs, where complex, high-stakes environments demand coordinated, multidisciplinary teamwork. Strong leadership enhances clinical outcomes, team performance, and staff well-being.
• No systematic review of leadership interventions in neonatal care has been conducted to date.

What is new:
• Recent studies highlight a range of tools, including simulation-based training programs and co-leadership models.
• High-fidelity simulations have been shown to significantly improve participants' self-perceived skills, teamwork, and leadership confidence.
Evaluating alignment of UK commercial baby food products with the WHO nutrient and promotion profile model
Authors: Bozkir Cigdem , Esin Kubra , Threapleton Diane , Cade Janet E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The first 1000 days of life are critical for long-term health outcomes, and there is increasing concern about the suitability of commercial food products for infants, toddlers, and children. This study evaluates the compliance of UK commercial baby food products with WHO Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM) guidelines.

Methods

Between February and April 2023, data on 469 baby food products marketed for infants and children under 36 months were collected from the online platforms of four major UK supermarkets. Nutritional composition and labelling information were assessed using the NPPM criteria. Quantitative analyses were performed using IBM SPSS, presenting data as means with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

While 75% of products met the minimum energy content criteria, compliance with total sugar content and protein requirements was 59% and 94%, respectively. Overall, only 45% of products adhered to NPPM nutritional standards. Promotional assessments revealed that no products met the requirements for appropriate nutrient, health, or marketing claims. Furthermore, only 5% of products included adequate statements in support of breastfeeding.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for stricter nutritional and promotional standards in the UK baby food industry to foster healthier early dietary habits. Regulatory measures are essential to align commercial baby food products with WHO recommendations, reducing inappropriate claims and improving nutritional quality.
Comparison of tibiofibular syndesmosis stability following treatment of proximal, middle, and distal third fibula fractures
Authors: Thomas Sean , Berger Garrett , O’Leary Brendan , Brumm Zachary , Schwartz Alexandra K. , Kent William T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

While treatment modalities for Maisonneuve fractures involving the proximal third of the fibula are established, no studies to date have reported outcomes associated with syndesmotic-only fixation of middle third fibular shaft fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes associated with syndesmotic-only fixation in the treatment of Maisonneuve fractures involving the middle third of the fibula.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 257 cases of syndesmotic ankle instability with associated fibular fractures at a level 1 trauma center between 2013 and 2023. Patients were divided into cohorts based on fibular fracture location in the proximal, middle, or distal third of the fibula. The Chi-square test of independence, two-sample t-test, and analysis of variance were used to compare outcome measures between cohorts.

Results

Sixty-six patients were identified including 48% (n = 32) with proximal third fibular fractures, 20% (n = 13) with middle third fibular fractures, and 32% (n = 21) with distal third fibular fractures. Rates of infection, loss of reduction, wound healing complications, and reoperation did not vary significantly between cohorts. Functional outcome measures including range of motion, time to weight-bearing, and tibiofibular/medial clear space measurements at final follow-up were similar across cohorts.

Conclusion

Patients with Maisonneuve fractures involving the middle third of the fibula demonstrated positive outcomes with syndesmotic fixation alone, with no documented cases of infection, loss of reduction, or wound healing issues. By demonstrating maintenance of anatomic reduction and low rates of complications, our results support the use of syndesmotic-only fixation in the treatment of middle third Maisonneuve fractures.
A smart tool for non expert clinicians for the dissemination of the MDS criteria for progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Picillo Marina , Abate Filomena , Canoro Vincenzo , Tepedino Maria Francesca , Barone Paolo , Erro Roberto
Published: January 2025

Due to the variety of clinical phenotypes and the massive clinical overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases, the diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) remains a major challenge. Notwithstanding, early and reliable clinical diagnosis of PSP is highly warranted for estimation of prognosis, appropriate allocation to therapeutic trials and development of new diagnostic tools. As reliable biomarkers are lacking, PSP diagnosis relies on the application of the clinical criteria promoted by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS). Despite providing a framework including all the main PSP cornerstones (ocular dysfunction and postural instability, akinesia and cognitive dysfunction), the application of the MDS PSP criteria is complex and not straightforward to apply in a clinical setting. Herein we propose a practical tool, including a video-guided slide-set and a smartsheet, to disseminate the MDS PSP clinical criteria among healthy practitioners and increase confidence in non expert clinicians towards suspicion and diagnosis of PSP. The video-guided slide set may serve as a teaching resource for both general neurologists and practitioners, while the smartsheet may represent a valid support in attributing the degree of diagnostic certainty and phenotype based on the identified clinical features. Application of our tool may improve early recognition of patients in primary and secondary care and determine a prompt referral to third level movement disorder centers for consideration in clinical trials testing disease-modifying treatments.
Transforming cancer screening: the potential of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) technologies
Authors: Imai Mitsuho , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: January 2025

Early cancer detection substantially improves the rate of patient survival; however, conventional screening methods are directed at single anatomical sites and focus primarily on a limited number of cancers, such as gastric, colorectal, lung, breast, and cervical cancer. Additionally, several cancers are inadequately screened, hindering early detection of 45.5% cases. In contrast, Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) assays offer simultaneous screening of multiple cancers from a single liquid biopsy and identify molecular changes before symptom onset. These tests assess DNA mutations, abnormal DNA methylation patterns, fragmented DNA, and other tumor-derived biomarkers, indicating the presence of cancer and predicting its origin. Moreover, MCED assays concurrently detect multiple cancers without recommended screening protocols, potentially revolutionizing cancer screening and management. Large trials have reported promising results, achieving 50–95% sensitivity and 89–99% specificity for multiple cancer types. However, challenges, regarding improving accuracy, addressing ethical issues (e.g., psychosocial impact assessment), and integrating MCED into healthcare systems, must be addressed to achieve widespread adoption. Furthermore, prospective multi-institutional studies are crucial for demonstrating the clinical benefits in diverse populations. This review provides an overview of the principles, development status, and clinical significance of MCED tests, and discusses their potential and challenges.
Influence of hydrological environments on the spawning behavior of landlocked amago salmon in the headwater streams of the Tendani River, Japan
Authors: Anraku Kenta , Kubo Takehiro , Haga Hirokazu
Published: January 2025

The behavioral activity of freshwater fishes is highly influenced by the hydrological regime. However, the relationship between the hydrological environment and the spawning behavior of landlocked amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in headwater streams remains unclear. We investigated the effects of rainfall-induced changes in the hydrological environment on the spawning behavior of the landlocked amago salmon. We recorded digging activities and hydraulic parameters in an 1,800-m reach in the Tendani River, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, in their spawning season. Our results revealed that increased turbidity and water velocity over the redds enhanced digging behavior. This may be attributed to increased water discharge, creating a more suitable hydraulic environment for spawning, and decreasing the risk of egg predation due to increased turbidity. Our results indicate that the timing selection of the spawning behavior in amago salmon could be influenced by the hydrological environment.
Odd generalized Einstein metrics on Lie groups
Authors: Cortés Vicente , David Liana
Published: January 2025

An odd generalized metric

$$E_{-}$$

E
-

on a Lie group G of dimension n is a left-invariant generalized metric on a Courant algebroid

$$E_{H, F}$$

E

H
,
F

of type

$$B_{n}$$

B
n

over G with left-invariant twisting forms

$$H\in \Omega ^{3}(G)$$

H
∈

Ω
3

(
G
)

and

$$F\in \Omega ^{2}(G)$$

F
∈

Ω
2

(
G
)

. Given an odd generalized metric

$$E_{-}$$

E
-

on G we determine the affine space of left-invariant Levi-Civita generalized connections of

$$E_{-}$$

E
-

. Given in addition a left-invariant divergence operator

$$\delta $$

δ

we show that there is a left-invariant Levi-Civita generalized connection of

$$E_{-}$$

E
-

with divergence

$$\delta $$

δ

and we compute the corresponding Ricci tensor

$$\textrm{Ric}^{\delta }$$

Ric
δ

of the pair

$$(E_{-}, \delta )$$

(

E
-

,
δ
)

. The odd generalized metric

$$E_{-}$$

E
-

is called odd generalized Einstein with divergence

$$\delta $$

δ

if

$$\textrm{Ric}^{\delta }=0$$

Ric
δ

=
0

. As an application of our theory, we describe all odd generalized Einstein metrics of arbitrary left-invariant divergence on all 3-dimensional unimodular Lie groups.
A novel prototype national-scale landslide nowcasting system for Italy combining rainfall thresholds and risk indicators
Authors: Segoni Samuele , Nocentini Nicola , Barbadori Francesco , Medici Camilla , Gatto Alessio , Rosi Ascanio , Casagli Nicola
Published: January 2025

Regional- and national-scale landslide warning systems are usually based on rainfall thresholds that forecast the possibility of landslide occurrence over wide spatial units called alert zones (AZs). This work proposes a substantial improvement of the state-of-the-art by combining the rainfall threshold outcomes with a set of spatially explicit risk indicators aggregated at the municipality level. The combination of these two different techniques is performed by means of a dynamic matrix, which was purposely calibrated to provide an output in the form of five possible levels of risk (from R0 to R4), which are connected to the growing intensity of expected impacts and a pre-defined confidence in issuing warnings without omitting alarms. Italy (about 300,000 km2) is used as a case study, producing a set of rainfall thresholds differentiated for 150 AZs and providing a specific calibration of the dynamic risk matrix for each of them. The verification of the matrix outputs was satisfactory as no AZs experienced landslides at the R0 level; only two of them had more than 10% of landslides at the R1 level, and most of the AZs had more than 90% of the landslides in the R2 to R4 risk classes. A comparison with a nation-wide dataset of very severe hydrogeological disasters further corroborated the consistency of the model outputs with real scenarios, as most part of the impacts occurred in places and times when the matrix outputs were at the highest levels. The proposed methodology represents a reliable improvement for state-of-the-art territorial warning systems, as it brings two main advances: the spatial resolution is greatly improved, as the basic spatial unit for warning is downscaled from AZs to municipalities (whose average extension, in Italy, is about 1770 and 38 km2, respectively); second, the outputs can better address the needs of landslide emergency management, as the warning are specifically addressed to small areas based on the expected impacts (since risk indicators are used in the dynamic matrices), rather than on the mere probability of landslide occurrence.
Monitoring of Selected Swine Viral Diseases in Peruvian Amazon Peccaries
Authors: Menajovsky Maria F. , Mayor Pedro , Bodmer Richard , Pérez-Peña Pedro , Ulloa Gabriela M. , Greenwood Alex D. , Montero Stephanie , Lescano Andrés G. , Santolalla Meddly L. , Segalés Joaquim , Sibila Marina , Cabezón Oscar , Espunyes Johan
Published: January 2025

Peccaries (collared peccary—CP—and white-lipped peccary—WLP) are an essential source of protein and income for rural communities in the Amazon region. Since 1980s, researchers in the Amazon have reported recurrent local disappearances of WLP populations. Although such disappearances impact the species conservation and the food security of rural societies, no studies have drawn consistent conclusions about the causes of these population collapses. However, it has recently been proposed that the overabundance of this species before its decline would be related to infectious disease outbreaks. In the current study, we aimed to determine the circulation (occurrence and exposure) of viruses relevant to swine health in CP and WLP populations, namely classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV), and porcine circoviruses (PCV). The study was conducted in two areas of the northeastern Peruvian Amazon: the Yavarí-Mirín River basin (2008 -2020), where WLPs experienced extreme population fluctuations, and the Pucacuro National Reserve (2012–2014), where no WLP disappearances have been reported. Since WLP is not easily found during population declines, we also sampled CP as an indicator of virus circulation in the area as they are likely to be susceptible to the same pathogens. CSFV and ADV antibodies were detected in both peccary species and both areas. Diseases caused by CSFV and ADV have the potential to act as ultimate causes of population collapse, especially in large WLP populations where overabundance could increase the rate of pathogen transmission. Our results were inconclusive in establishing whether or not these viruses drove the WLP population to collapse, but their potential role warrants deeper investigation, expanding the geographical coverage of studies on infectious diseases in peccaries.
A novel approach to use the DayCent model for simulating agroforestry systems with multiple components
Authors: Laub Moritz , Le Goff Ulysse , Prébandier Marc , Six Johan , Cardinael Rémi
Published: January 2025

Agroforestry can offer carbon sequestration, higher system productivity and biodiversity. However, a limited number of field experiments exist to study their feasibility and trade-offs for large scale deployment. Agroecosystem models could represent a valuable tool for their ex ante assessment. Here, we present ZonalCent, a novel approach to use the DayCent model to simulate multi-component agroforestry systems by splitting them into several independent zones, and simulating each zone individually. We used six agroforestry sites in France to evaluate how well ZonalCent represented carbon sequestration in tree biomass, soil organic carbon stocks and in the total system. This proved promising because with the default parameter set of DayCent, ZonalCent was highly suitable to represent tree carbon sequestration (Nash–Sutcliffe modelling efficiency; NSE of 0.86), and suitable for total system carbon sequestration potential (NSE of 0.55), despite a tendency to overestimate SOC stocks (NSE of 0.38). Only one site had yield data and there, ZonalCent approach could approximate the mean yield reduction—yet more detailed evaluation is necessary. Negative correlations showed that simulated yield was most strongly affected by (a) shading by mature trees and (b) the loss of arable area due to grass strips. While more detailed models may be needed for a detailed process understanding, ZonalCent includes the most important interactions (light, water, nutrients, temperature) in a simple but effective way and can be readily used—because it is based on DayCent—to estimate the potential carbon sequestration of agroforestry systems at larger scales.
Compositions of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) from different culture systems
Authors: Ünal-Şengör Gülgün F. , Yildiz Mustafa , Metin Ömer , Ofori-Mensah Samuel , Ceylan Zafer
Published: January 2025

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of seasons (summer and winter) on the proximate, amino acid and fatty acid compositions of gilthead sea bream fish fed with commercial diets in sea cages and earthen ponds in the Aegean Sea in Türkiye. In general, the nutrient composition of the diets met the nutritional needs of the fish. Proximate analysis of fish fillets revealed that fish reared in earthen ponds had the lowest moisture and highest lipid content in the winter season (p < 0.05). Although fillet protein contents were comparatively higher in the winter (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference between systems in the same season (p > 0.05). Growing gilthead sea bream in marine cages produced fillets with high contents of the essential fatty acids (EFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). On the other hand, the 18:1n-9 and 18:3n-3 contents of fish reared in earthen ponds increased by 25.64 and 18.80% respectively, compared to those in marine cages. Fillet content of total n-3 fatty acid were comparatively higher (p < 0.05) in gilthead sea bream from marine cages, and this increase was even more evident in the winter months. The n-3/n-6 ratios of fillets were significantly high in gilthead sea bream from marine cages in the summer. The levels of the essential amino acids (EAAs) arginine and leucine were higher in fillets from both systems in the winter. On the other hand, fillet contents of lysine were higher in the summer. In general, the total EAA content of fillets was higher in fish from the sea cages in summer. EAA/NEAA ratios in both systems in summer and winter were found to be at good levels in terms of fish fillet quality. Fillet contents of EFA and EAA from both systems and seasons were found to be good for human consumption and will have positive effects on human nutrition. In conclusion, commercial diets used in feeding gilthead sea bream improved the proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions of fillets to a good extent. Different seasons and culture systems may affect the nutritional composition of fish fillets, especially on fillet EFA contents. Results of fillet samples in marine cages and earthen ponds in summer and winter showed that the fish were of good quality for human health. Evaluation of the results in the present study shows that that gilthead sea bream can also be successfully cultured in earthen ponds in areas unsuitable for agriculture.
The prognostic value of changes in Ki67 following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in residual triple-negative breast cancer: a Swedish nationwide registry-based study
Authors: Nyqvist-Streng Jenny , Helou Mikael , Helou Khalil , Chamalidou Chaido , Kovács Anikó , Parris Toshima Z.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic significance of changes in pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) Ki67 in patients with primary invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Population-based registry data were retrieved for patients diagnosed with TNBC between 2007 and 2021 (n = 9262). Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed for disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) adjusted for age and residual disease in the breast and nodes (RDBN).

Results

Of the 1777 TNBC patients receiving NACT, 54 achieved pathologic complete response (pCR) and 755 had residual disease. Most patients were overweight with stage II disease (78%), grade 3 tumors (53%), and RDBN score 3 (42%). Compared to baseline, tumor size (30 vs. 15 mm; P < 0.0001) and Ki67 levels (63% vs. 48%; P < 2.2e − 16) generally decreased after NACT. Although only 5% of samples increased in size, Ki67 levels often remained unchanged (75%) or increased (0.9%) after treatment, respectively. However, 34% of patients discontinued treatment. Patients showing no changes in Ki67% had more unfavorable OS (P < 0.0001) and DSS (P = 0.00032), with significantly lower 5-year survival probabilities (OS: 66%; DSS: 78%) than those with decreased Ki67% (OS: 87%; DSS: 89%). All patients reaching pCR were alive 5 years after diagnosis. However, only the RDBN score was an independent predictor of survival in the multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

Ki67 often remained unchanged in TNBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resulting in adverse clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the need for individualized treatment regimens and dynamic monitoring of TNBC patients with high Ki67 post-NACT.
High fidelity simulations of contaminant dispersion in an urban environment with comparison to magnetic resonance imaging measurements
Authors: Owkes Mark , Homan Ty , Benson Michael , Banko Andrew
Published: January 2025

The dispersion of a contaminant in an urban environment has the potential to impact a large population of people. In this work, a complex urban canopy flow based on the Oklahoma City downtown business district circa 2003 is studied using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulations (LES). MRI is a novel experimental technique that can provide high-resolution measurements in four dimensions (three spatial and temporal) for lab scale models. The experiments and simulations use the same geometry and boundary conditions providing a one-to-one comparison of the two methods. Results are presented on the time-averaged velocity and concentration fields, the temporal dynamics of the concentration plumes for a transient release, and a novel Cloud Identification Algorithm that can separate plumes produced by periodic contaminant releases used for ensemble averaging over many releases. The MRI and LES datasets both include millions of measurement voxels and the comparisons highlight the complex 3D nature of the flow including strong vertical velocities in spanwise street canyons and flow acceleration in streamwise street canyons. The concentration fields are qualitatively similar albeit the LES shows larger dispersion. A quantitative analysis with performance measures compares the datasets pointwise and demonstrates that the two 3D datasets are similar with respect to many measures including a fractional bias of 0.02 (ideal=0.0), correlation coefficient of 0.87 (ideal = 1.0), and the fraction points within a factor of 2 is 0.98 (ideal = 1.0). Plume analysis compares the arrival and residence time of contaminant and is found to vary significantly with location within the urban environment with arrival times between 0 and 1.25 and differences within the contaminant cloud less than 10% at most locations.
Amalur EIS: a system for calculating the environmental impacts of industrial sites from E-PRTR records
Authors: Sasia Iñaki , Bueno Gorka , Etxano Iker
Published: January 2025

This article presents Amalur EIS (https://www.amalur-eis.eus/), an Environmental Information System that estimates environmental impacts using data sourced from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register database (E-PRTR). The system uses data on the releases into land, air and water of 31,556 European industrial facilities for the period 2007–2021. Amalur EIS calculates environmental impacts of industrial releases using 31 life cycle impact assessment methods (LCIA) and covering 78 of the 91 pollutants regulated by the PRTR Protocol. The system has been constructed using a two-layer software infrastructure: (i) a data layer supported by a relational database built in Postgres and (ii) a presentation layer built in Tableau, so it provides user-friendly access to the information. For an illustrative analysis of the tool, the EF 3.0 LCIA method recommended by the European Commission was used, including normalisation and weighting steps for a better comparison. The analysis concludes that the climate change impact category contributes the most (68.6%) to the total impacts, while the largest contributor from an economic activity perspective is the energy sector (59.5%). Geographically, both elements coincide in the German regions of Düsseldorf, Köln and Brandenburg, resulting in the concentration of the largest impacts at the European regional level. In fact, Germany is the country with the highest impact (20.3% of total). Beyond this analysis, Amalur EIS is poised to be a valuable tool for tracking the transition towards sustainability, particularly in Europe.
A Probabilistic Liquefaction Hazard Analysis: Case Studies from the Marmara Region
Authors: Sianko Ilya , Ozdemir Zuhal , Hajirasouliha Iman , Pilakoutas Kypros
Published: January 2025

Earthquake induced soil liquefaction poses a significant threat to buildings and infrastructure, as evidenced by numerous catastrophic seismic events. Existing approaches of regional liquefaction hazard assessment predominantly rely on deterministic analysis methods. This paper presents a novel Probabilistic Liquefaction Hazard Analysis (PLHA) framework based on Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations to mitigate future seismic risks associated with liquefaction. The proposed procedure requires only publicly available data, offering accessibility and applicability in resource-constrained settings. A key feature of the procedure is its ability to deal with uncertainties in earthquake and soil parameters using distribution functions. Liquefaction potential is assessed through parameters such as Liquefaction Potential Index ($$LPI$$

LPI

) and Liquefaction Severity ($${L}_{S}$$

L
S

). The procedure is implemented in MATLAB as part of a broader probabilistic risk assessment framework for developing countries. The developed procedure is applied to the high risk city of Adapazari, Türkiye; an area lacking prior PLHA studies. Results are validated against observed liquefaction data from a simulated scenario event of the 1999 Kocaeli earthquake. Probabilistic liquefaction hazard maps are generated for the study area and the entire Marmara region in terms of $$LPI$$

LPI

and $${L}_{S}$$

L
S

. A novel aspect of this work is the integration of a time-dependent Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) model into the PLHA framework. Results are compared with those predicted using the Poisson model for the Marmara region. Findings demonstrate that the developed PLHA procedure offers a robust and flexible tool for predicting seismic liquefaction hazards, providing valuable insights for loss estimation and risk mitigation planning.
Implementation Methods for Transmission Zeros in Groove Gap Waveguide Filters at W-Band
Authors: Miek Daniel , Boe Patrick , Kamrath Fynn , Höft Michael
Published: January 2025

In this paper, three groove gap waveguide (GGW) filters are presented, which utilize different techniques to create transmission zeros (TZs) in the W-band. First, a fourth-order filter with cross-coupling of non-adjacent cavities realizes five TZs. The filter is implemented using a stacked cavity approach, which simplifies the realization of cross-couplings with positive and negative signs. The source to load cross-coupling realizes one TZ more than predicted from theory. In the second filter, two off-centered posts with partial height are used to realize two TZs. These posts act as strongly frequency-dependent coupling elements and enable the realization of TZs in an inline filter topology. An interdigital-pin implementation has been used since otherwise, the distance between the posts and the sidewalls is too small to allow manufacturing using the Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) milling approach. The third filter is of fourth order and implements two TZs by using a stub-loaded cavity approach. All filters are designed as a proof of concept in the W-band (75–110 GHz) to verify the manufacturability at high-frequency bands. The manufactured components are realized by high-precision CNC milling and measurement results show good agreement with the simulation for all proposed filters.
Beach user competencies in rip current identification using videos and photographs on a New Zealand surf beach
Authors: Irvine Rachel , Stephenson Wayne , Mager Sarah M.
Published: January 2025

The risk exposure to rip currents may be reduced by increasing beach users’ ability to effectively identify the presence of rips. Static photographs have been widely used to assess and improve beach users’ identification ability, however this has not led to an overall increase in skill. This pilot study assesses the public’s knowledge of rip currents using two different media types and whether static or moving images make it more (or less) easier to identify rips. A questionnaire was used to assess the rip current identification ability of respondents while at the beach. Short video clips (15-seconds) were found to be no more effective for the identification of rips than photographs, and 50% of respondents were not able to identify rips in either photographs or videos, although some sub-populations of respondents, (those who regularly use rips in surfing activities or those with previous rip education), were slightly better at rip identification. Methodologies that test beach users rip identification competencies may benefit from using a mixture of media to discern rip identification ability more effectively, as confirmation bias may be present in small samples.
Optical parameters and shielding attitude of sodium fluoride in calcium-borate glasses
Authors: Khalil E. , El-Damrawi G. , Abdelghany A. M. , Ramadan R. M. , Moustafa Y. M.
Published: January 2025

Borate glasses with compositions xCaO-(30-x)NaF-70B2O3 (x = 0–30 mol%, step 5) were synthesized and characterized to investigate the effects of partially substituting NaF with CaO on radiation shielding ability and optical properties. Density, molar volume, packing density, and free volume were measured and calculated. UV–visible spectroscopy was utilized to determine the optical bandgap and other correlated physical parameters. Moreover, different shielding parameters were evaluated using Phy-X simulation software. From data analyses, it was found that increasing CaO content transformed BO3 to BO4 structural units in the borate glass network, keeping the optical bandgap values between 3.76 and 3.55 eV. In addition, the refractive index varied from 2.32 to 2.4, while molar refractivity and Urbach energy were slightly increased with composition. Moreover, the replacement of NaF by CaO enhanced photon interaction cross-sections, reducing the mean free path and half-value layer. The work demonstrated that controlled additions of an intermediate oxide like CaO can tailor the radiation shielding and optical characteristics of borate glasses for potential applications as transparent radiation shielding materials.