bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does age affect the relation between risk and time preferences? Evidence from a representative sample
Authors: Wang Zexuan , Rafaï Ismaël , Willinger Marc
Published: September 2023

We examine the links between age, risk tolerance, and impatience in a large French representative sample. We combine elicited preferences data based on an incentivized web experiment and stated preferences data based on self‐reported surveys. Our findings highlight distinct patterns: when considering stated preferences, both risk tolerance and impatience exhibit a decline with age. Higher risk tolerance is associated with higher impatience, and this relationship strengthens with age in the financial domain. In contrast, our analysis of elicited measures uncovers a different dynamic. Specifically, risk tolerance tends to increase with age, while age exhibits no significant influence on impatience. Furthermore, individuals endowed with higher risk tolerance tend to demonstrate lower levels of impatience, irrespective of their age.
Construction of Stable Oxygen Redox by Electrochemical Activation O–TM–Se in Nickel‐Rich Layered Oxides for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chu Youqi , Mu Yongbiao , Zou Lingfeng , Hu Yan , Kang Shaowei , Ren Haixiang , Han Meisheng , Zhang Qing , Wei Lei , Zeng Lin
Published: September 2023

The irreversible oxygen redox and structural degradation of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) at a 4.5 V high voltage cause a severe decline in cycling performance for lithium‐ion batteries. In this study, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the anionic redox chemistry and stability of NCM811 cathode material by introducing gaseous selenium. Seβ+ species are selectively adsorbed within oxygen vacancies, leading to the continuous replacement of Oα− to form a stable O–TM–Se bond during deep charging. Furthermore, Selenium modification improves cationic redox efficiency and alleviates Oα− (α < 2) outward migration, increases oxygen vacancy formation energy. The redox activity of oxygen is diminished, facilitating improved reversibility of oxygen redox and effectively inhibiting irreversible oxygen escape. Additionally, Selenium increases the energy barrier for phase transition, effectively suppressing irreversible phase transition and Ni migration. Selenium reacts with escaping oxygen to form SeO2, effectively reducing side reactions during cycling. As a result, the proposed approach significantly inhibits irreversible oxygen release, leading to remarkable cyclic stability with 87.5% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 1C at 4.5 V and maintained 192.9 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles under 60C. The Se modification realizes stability anionic redox strategy to design novel high‐energy‐density cathode materials with superior cycling performance.
Plasma Aβ42/40 and cognitive variability are associated with cognitive function in Black Americans: Findings from the AA‐FAIM cohort
Authors: Fischer Barbara , Van Hulle Carol Ann , Langhough Rebecca , Norton Derek , Zuelsdorff Megan , Gooding Diane Carol , Wyman Mary F. , Johnson Adrienne , Lambrou Nickolas , James Taryn , Bouges Shenikqua , Carter Fabu Phillis , Salazar Hector , Kirmess Kristopher , Holubasch Mary , Meyer Matthew , Venkatesh Venky , West Tim , Verghese Philip , Yarasheski Kevin , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Johnson Sterling C. , Asthana Sanjay , Gleason Carey E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is critical to develop more inclusive Alzheimer's disease (AD) research protocols to ensure that historically excluded groups are included in preclinical research and have access to timely diagnosis and treatment. If validated in racialized groups, plasma AD biomarkers and measures of subtle cognitive dysfunction could provide avenues to expand diversity in preclinical AD research. We sought to evaluate the utility of two easily obtained, low‐burden disease markers, plasma amyloid beta (Aβ)42/40, and intra‐individual cognitive variability (IICV), to predict concurrent and longitudinal cognitive performance in a sample of Black adults.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐seven Black participants enrolled in the African Americans Fighting Alzheimer's in Midlife (AA‐FAIM) study underwent at least one cognitive assessment visit; a subset of n = 235 had plasma samples. Baseline IICV was calculated as the standard deviation across participants’ z scores on five cognitive measures: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall, Trail Making Test Parts A and B (Trails A and B), and Boston Naming Test. Using mixed effects regression models, we compared concurrent and longitudinal models to baseline plasma Aβ42/40 or IICV by age interactions. PrecivityAD assays quantified baseline plasma Aβ42/40.

Results

IICV was associated with concurrent/baseline performance on several outcomes but did not modify associations between age and cognitive decline. In contrast, plasma Aβ42/40 was unrelated to baseline cognitive performance, but a pattern emerged in interactions with age in longitudinal models of Trails A and B and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test total learning trials. Although not significant after correcting for multiple comparisons, low Aβ42/40 was associated with faster cognitive declines over time.

Discussion

Our results are promising as they extend existing findings to an Black American sample using low‐cost, low‐burden methods that can be implemented outside of a research center, thus supporting efforts for inclusive AD biomarker research.
Right Whale Sexual Strategies and Behavior
Authors: Brown Moira Wilding , Sironi Mariano
Published: September 2023

North Atlantic and southern right whale social interactions and sexual behavior have been studied for decades. Understanding whale mating systems can inform about many aspects of their biology and even their anatomy. Right whales have a polygynandrous mating strategy where females and males mate with multiple partners within a breeding season. It is hypothesized that this promotes sperm competition among males and likely explains the large testis-to-body-size ratio in Eubalaenids. Surface active groups (SAGs) characterize mating behavior in North Atlantic and southern right whales, where two or more animals are at the surface with frequent physical contact. Observations of copulation in SAGs have led to the hypothesis that conception is the primary function, with females practicing a mating strategy where the chance of conception with the largest and likely healthiest male would be maximized. Right whales produce their entire acoustic repertoire of known calls while in SAGs and sounds are thought to serve a social communication function. In the North Atlantic, surface active behavior is seen in all habitat areas and in all months of the year in which right whales are sighted. SAGs tend to increase in size and vigor as the mating season approaches, resulting in spectacular and highly energetic courtship activity with group sizes numbering 30 animals and more; however, the whereabouts of any breeding ground is unknown. On southern right whale calving grounds, mother-calf pairs use relatively shallow waters along the coastline, and SAGs tend to occur farther from shore: calving and mating occur in winter in largely the same habitat areas. Analyses of seasonal timing and group composition of individually identified animals within SAGs suggest that they may serve multiple other roles, since conceptive and non-conceptive groups have been revealed. SAGs often include pregnant females, juveniles, and occasionally calves. Some groups consist of exclusively same sex individuals. It has been hypothesized that, in addition to conception, SAGs may also provide opportunities for right whales to socialize, play, learn, practice mating, and identify potential future mates.
Sexual Behaviors of Odontocetes in Managed Care
Authors: Manitzas Hill Heather M. , Dudzinski Kalthleen M. , Lilley Malin K. , Ham Jackson R.
Published: September 2023

A number of odontocete species have been cared for by humans for multiple decades, including but not limited to pilot whales, killer whales, Commerson’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins (Indo-Pacific and common), and beluga whales (or white whales). Because many of these were breeding, numerous reproductive behaviors have been observed, documented, and investigated in detail. Similarly, sociosexual behaviors exchanged between nonreproductive partners have been examined. This chapter summarizes what has been learned regarding the role of hormones in sexual behavior, seasonality of sexual behavior, reproductive courtship behavior and displays, copulation, non-conceptive sexual behavior, development, social bonds, same-sex interactions, and interspecies interactions. We provide insight to the behavioral systems involved with both reproduction and social bonding for odontocetes. This chapter concludes with areas of future research that have been informed and should continue to be informed by knowledge of odontocete sexual behavior gained from managed care facilities.
TrkB inhibition of DJ-1 degradation promotes the growth and maintenance of cancer stem cell characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Lee Won Sung , Jin Wook
Published: September 2023

Although TrkB may be associated with the pathogenesis of various cancer by upregulation, how upregulation of TrkB led to tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the signaling mechanisms by which TrkB induces motility, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and acquisition of self-renewal traits has remained unclear. Here, we demonstrated that TrkB was significantly upregulated in highly metastatic HCC cells and HCC patients. Also, the increased TrkB levels were significantly correlated with tumor stages and poor survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, the upregulated TrkB expression enhances the metastatic ability of HCC cells through reduced anoikis sensitivity, induced migration, and colony formation. Most strikingly, TrkB markedly enhances the activation of STAT3 by preventing DJ-1 degradation through the formation of the TrkB/DJ-1 complex. This signaling mechanism is responsible for triggering cellular traits of highly aggressive HCC. The activation of the EMT program of HCC via increasing DJ-1 stability by TrkB induces the gain of cancer stem cell states and chemoresistance via the upregulation of stem cells cell markers and ABC transporters. Also, TrkB-mediated inhibition of DJ-1 degradation promotes tumor formation and metastasizes to other organs in vivo. Our observations illustrate that TrkB is a prognostic and therapeutic targeting in promoting aggressiveness and metastasis of HCC.
Lipase inhibitory activity of constituents of Physalis glutinosa and Physalis latiphysa
Authors: Maldonado Emma , Mineros Areli , Torres Oscar D. , Ovalle-Magallanes Berenice , Madariaga-Mazón Abraham , Pérez-Castorena Ana L. , Martínez Mahinda
Published: September 2023

The new labdane-type diterpenoid, physaglutinic acid (1), was isolated from the hexane extract of Physalis glutinosa. This compound is the first succinyl labdane isolated from a Physalis species. The known constituents of this plant were identified as the labdanes 12-O-acetylphysacoztomatin (3), physacoztomatin (4) and 12-epi-nicandrodiol (6). The flavonol retusin (8) was also isolated from this species. The investigation of the acetone extract of Physalis latiphysa resulted in the isolation of the known (+)- (Z)-labda-8(17),13-diene-15,16-diol (9), labdenediol (11), the epimeric mixture of physanicantriol (12) and 14 epi-physanicantriol (13), together with the sucrose esters, nicandroses B (15) and D (16). Also, a large amount of the flavonol glycoside rutin (17) was obtained from the methanol extract. The activity of eight of the isolated compounds and three of their derivatives as lipase inhibitors was determined. The mode of binding of active compounds 4, 10 and 16 was explored using molecular docking on the binding pocket of pancreatic lipase (PDB ID 1LPB).
Neurootologische Manifestationen bei Morbus Fabry – eine retrospektive Analyse
Authors: Storck Katharina , Stenzl Anna , Regenbogen Claudia , Hofauer Benedikt , Knopf Andreas
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Morbus Fabry (FD) gehört zu den X‑chromosomal lysosomalen Speicherkrankheiten, die alle Organe betreffen können. Ihnen ist eine spezifische lysosomalen Funktionsstörung gemeinsam, wodurch es – anstatt zum Abbau von Metaboliten – zur Substratanreicherung in Lysosomen kommt. Aufgrund des Mangels/Fehlens von α‑Galaktosidase werden Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in Lysosomen der Organe abgelagert. Neben Akroparästhesien, Angiokeratomen, autonomen Dysfunktionen, Vortex-Keratopathien, ischämischen zerebralen oder kardialen Komplikationen und einer chronischen Niereninsuffizienz kommen auch vestibulocochleäre Funktionsstörungen mit einem plötzlichen oder fortschreitenden asymmetrischem Hörverlust, Tinnitus und Schwindel vor.

Patienten und Methoden

In dieser retrospektiven Studie erfolgte die Auswertung von 33 Patienten (m = 16 und w = 17) mit FD. Alle Patienten wurden uns im Rahmen einer Routineuntersuchung vom spezialisierten Zentrum für lysosomale Speicherkrankheiten der Nephrologie im Haus vorgestellt. Diese Vorstellung erfolgt als Screening-Untersuchung unabhängig von neurootologischen Symptomen.

Ergebnisse

Das Durchschnittsalter bei Diagnose betrug 34,76 (±11,55) Jahre. Die erstmalige Vorstellung in unserer HNO-Abteilung erfolgte mit 40,45 (±11,71) Jahren. Wir konnten eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen neurologischen Symptomen und einer Hörminderung (p = 0,001) sowie zwischen Herzmanifestationen und einer Hörminderung (p = 0,024) nachweisen.

Schlussfolgerung

Schwerhörigkeit ist ein mögliches Symptom bei Morbus Fabry und nicht nur auf den klassischen männlichen Phänotyp beschränkt. Bei nachgewiesenen Korrelationen mit neurologischen und kardiologischen Manifestationen der Krankheit sollte eine routinemäßige HNO-Screening-Untersuchung erfolgen, um neurootologische Defizite zu erkennen und behandeln zu können. Ebenso sollte vor allem bei jüngeren Patienten mit einem plötzlichen ein- oder beidseitigen Hörverlust und einer familiären Häufung FD als Differenzialdiagnose in Betracht gezogen und getestet werden.
What factors contribute to uneven suburbanisation? Predicting the number of migrants from Warsaw to its suburbs with machine learning
Authors: Bogusz Honorata , Winnicki Szymon , Wójcik Piotr
Published: September 2023

This article investigates the spatially uneven migration from Warsaw to its suburban municipalities. We report a novel approach to modelling suburbanisation: several linear and nonlinear predictive models are applied, and Explainable Artificial Intelligence methods are used to interpret the shape of relationships between the dependent variable and the most important regressors. The support vector regression algorithm is found to yield the most accurate predictions of the number of migrants to the suburbs of Warsaw. In addition, we find that migrants choose wealthier and more urbanised municipalities that offer better institutional amenities and a shorter driving time to Warsaw’s city centre.
Factors Contributing to Delays to Accessing Appendectomy in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Louw Johnelize , McCaul M. , English R. , Nyasulu P. S. , Davies J. , Fourie C. , Jassat J. , Chu K. M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Appendicitis is one of the most common emergency surgical conditions worldwide. Delays in accessing appendectomy can lead to complications. Evidence on these delays in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is lacking. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise the available evidence on delays to accessing appendectomy in LMICs.

Methods

This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews framework. The delays and their interconnectivity in LMICs were synthesised and interpreted using the Three Delays framework. We reviewed Africa Wide EBSCOhost, PubMed–Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Bioline databases.

Results

Our search identified 21 893 studies, of which 78 were included in the final analysis. All of the studies were quantitative. Fifty per cent of the studies included all three types of delays. Delays in seeking care were influenced by a lack of awareness of appendicitis symptoms, and the use of self and alternative medication, which could be linked to delays in receiving care, and the barrier refusal of medical treatment due to fear. Financial concerns were a barrier observed throughout the care pathway.

Conclusion

This review highlighted the need for additional studies on delays to accessing appendectomy in additional LMICs. Our review demonstrates that in LMICs, persons seeking appendectomy present late to health‐care facilities due to several patient‐related factors. After reaching a health‐care facility, accessing appendectomy can further be delayed owing to a lack of adequate hospital resources.
The prognostic value of systemic vascular resistance in heart failure patients with permanent atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study
Authors: Jing Zongpeng , Zhang Jingjing , Ding Jijun , Xue Zongqian
Published: September 2023

Heart failure (HF) and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) interact mutually, exacerbating hemodynamic effects and causing adverse outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Monitoring hemodynamic indicators in patients with these comorbidities is crucial for effective clinical management. Transthoracic impedance cardiography (ICG) has been widely employed in assessing hemodynamic status in clinical settings. Given the limited research on the prognostic significance of ICG parameters in HF with permanent AF, we undertook this study. A total of 66 HF patients with permanent AF were included in this retrospective study, and the primary outcome was rehospitalization due to worsening HF within 180-day post-discharge. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the connection between ICG-evaluated parameters and the outcome risk. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the optimal cutoff values of risk factors, subsequently applied in plotting Kaplan Meier (KM) survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that systemic vascular resistance (SVR) both on admission and at discharge independently predicted rehospitalization for worsening HF. ROC analysis established optimal SVR cutoff values: 320.89 (kPa s/L) on admission and 169.94 (kPa s/L) at discharge (sensitivity 70%, specificity 94.4%, area under the curve (AUC) 0.831, respectively, sensitivity 90%, specificity 55.6%, AUC 0.742). KM survival curves analysis showed that patients with SVR > 320.89 (kPa s/L) on admission had an 8.14-fold (P < 0.001) increased risk of the end-point event compared with those with SVR ≤ 320.89 (kPa s/L). Similarly, patients with SVR > 169.94 (kPa s/L) at discharge faced a risk elevated by 6.57 times (P = 0.002) relative to those with SVR ≤ 169.94 (kPa s/L). In HF patients with permanent AF, SVR measured by ICG emerges as an independent risk factor and clinical predictor for HF deterioration-related readmission within 180 days after discharge. Higher SVR levels, both upon admission and at discharge, correlate with an incremental rehospitalization risk.
Propensity score-matched comparison of total arterial off- and on-pump coronary artery bypass with complete revascularization
Authors: Shintomi Shizuya , Saito Satoshi , Hamasaki Azumi , Ichihara Yuki , Morita Kozo , Ikeda Masahiro , Domoto Satoru , Furuta Akihisa , Niinami Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Little is known regarding the long-term (> 10 years) outcomes and risk factors of total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study evaluated the long-term outcomes and risk factors for all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) following total arterial on-pump CABG (ONCAB) or off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with complete revascularization. This retrospective cohort analysis enrolled patients with stable angina who underwent total arterial CABG with complete revascularization in our institute between July 2000 and June 2019. The endpoints were all-cause mortality and MACCE incidence, including a comparison between OPCAB and ONCAB. Long-term (10-year) outcomes were analyzed using propensity score-matched pairs, and risk factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, 401 patients who underwent primary total arterial CABG were classified into the OPCAB (n = 269) and ONCAB (n = 132) groups. Using propensity score matching (PSM), 88 patients who underwent OPCAB were matched with 88 patients who underwent ONCAB. The mean follow-up period was 7.9 ± 6.3 years. No significant difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–2.04; p = 0.9138) and MACCE incidence (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.65; p = 0.7901) was observed between the two groups. Renal failure requiring dialysis was a significant risk factor for mortality (p < 0.0001) and MACCEs (p = 0.0003). Long-term outcomes of total arterial OPCAB and ONCAB with complete revascularization showed similar findings using PSM. Renal failure requiring dialysis was a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity.Journal standard instruction requires an unstructured abstract; hence the headings provided in abstract were deleted. Kindly check and confirm.Thank you for your kindness.

Clinical registration number 5598, Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital.
Study of the Impact of Hard Rock Pillar Behavior on the Raise Caving Mining System
Authors: Gams Patrick
Published: September 2023

Raise caving is a novel mining method with an active stress control approach, which is suitable for deep mining environments. The application of raise caving is investigated for LKAB’s Kiruna mine. This mining method consists of two different phases. In the de-stressing phase, inclined de-stressing slots are created with a minimum amount of infrastructure and long-raise bore holes. The de-stressing slots provide stress shadows for subsequent large scale mining activities. These slots are separated by massive pillars, with width to height ratios of up to 10 and a length of several hundreds of meters, which are required to control stresses and seismicity and prevent hangingwall caving. Due to the stress redistribution in the mine, pillars and abutment areas become highly stressed. In the so-called “production phase”, which follows the de-stressing phase, large scale mineral extraction is conducted. As pillars are highly stressed after the de-stressing phase, it is important to de-stress them in the production phase to be able to extract them in a safe manner. Overall, pillars play a decisive role for the success of the raise caving mining method. Hence, studies on pillars and their impact on the raise caving mining method are of great importance. The first part of the contribution outlines the importance of pillars in the raise caving mining method on a conceptual basis. Numerical simulations for different mine layouts and different pillar behavior are then conducted to study the impact of pillar behavior on the system. The stress redistribution in the mining system and the infrastructure stability, with the help of the RCF-value, are analyzed. For this purpose, simulations with a linear elastic material behavior are a well-suited method. Consequently, the de-stressing of the pillar due to crushing cannot be analyzed with a linear elastic model. To do so, a method for de-stressing the pillar has to be implemented into the simulation. The behavior for pillars with a different width to height ratio is implemented with the help of pre-calculated stress-strain curves from available knowledge on pillar strength and behavior. Since mining is a progressive process, the sequence of mining plays an important role for the stress development in pillars and abutment areas and is also included in the simulations. Different ways for pillar de-stressing are outlined and discussed. Furthermore, the influence of stoping in the production phase is discussed in this contribution.
Outcome of posterior decompression for spinal epidural lipomatosis
Authors: Schmutzer-Sondergeld Michael , Zimmermann Hanna , Trabold Raimund , Liebig Thomas , Schichor Christian , Siller Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Background

In contrast to osteoligamentous lumbar stenosis (LSS), outcome of surgical treatment for spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is still not well defined. We present risk factors for SEL and clinical long-term outcome data after surgical treatment for patients with pure SEL and a mixed-type pathology with combined SEL and LSS (SEL+LSS) compared to patients with pure LSS.

Methods

From our prospective institutional database, we identified all consecutive patients who were surgically treated for newly diagnosed SEL (n = 31) and SEL+LSS (n = 26) between 2018 and 2022. In addition, a matched control group of patients with pure LSS (n = 30) was compared. Microsurgical treatment aimed for posterior decompression of the spinal canal. Study endpoints were outcome data including clinical symptoms at presentation, MR-morphological analysis, evaluation of pain-free walking distance, pain perception by VAS-N/-R scales, and patient’s satisfaction by determination of the Odom score.

Results

Patients with osteoligamentous SEL were significantly more likely to suffer from obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2, p = 0.03), lumbar pain (p = 0.006), and to have received long-term steroid therapy (p = 0.01) compared to patients with SEL+LSS and LSS. In all three groups, posterior decompression of the spinal canal resulted in significant improvement of these symptoms. Patients with SEL had a significant increase in pain-free walking distance during the postoperative course, at discharge, and last follow-up (FU) (p < 0.0001), similar to patients with SEL+LSS and pure LSS. In addition, patients with pure SEL and SEL+LSS had a significant reduction in pain perception, represented by smaller values of VAS-N and -R postoperatively and at FU, similar to patients with pure LSS. In uni- and multivariate analysis, domination of lumbar pain and steroid long-term therapy were significant characteristic risk factors for SEL.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of pure SEL and SEL+LSS allows significant improvement in pain-free walking distance and pain perception immediately postoperatively and in long-term FU, similar to patients with pure LSS.
Thin layer chromatography‒spectrodensitometric determination of a three-component mixture of propyphenazone, caffeine, ergotamine tartrate, and two of their impurities with application to tablets, spiked human plasma, and green profile assessment
Authors: Ragab Mona T. , Ramadan Nesrin K. , El-Ragehy Nariman A. , El-Zeany Badr A.
Published: September 2023

A novel, green, and cost-effective thin-layer chromatography (TLC)‒spectrodensitometric method was designed and validated for the simultaneous determination of a five-component mixture. The analyzed mixture is composed of three active ingredients: propyphenazone (PRO), caffeine (CAF), and ergotamine tartrate (ERG), along with two official impurities which are PRO impurity: phenazone (PHN) and CAF impurity: theophylline (THEO). The suggested method was used for the quantitation of the three coformulated active ingredients in their marketed tablet and in human plasma. The studied compounds were separated on TLC silica gel 60F254 plates using a mobile phase consisting of methanol–ethyl acetate–glacial acetic acid (1:9:0.1, V/V) with diprophylline (DPP) as internal standard. Densitometric scanning was carried out at 210.0 nm. Method validation was assessed according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The greenness profile for the proposed method was evaluated using the National Environmental Method Index (NEMI), analytical eco-scale, and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) tools. The proposed method offers the advantages of being simple, rapid, economic, and ecofriendly. It is a successful choice for the routine analysis of the studied drugs in pharmaceutical and biological samples.
Development of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, m-xylene, p-xylene and o-xylene (BTEX) gas reference standards for air pollution monitoring in South Africa
Authors: Ntsasa Napo , Tshilongo James , Leshabane Nompumelelo , Jozela Mudalo , Lekoto Goitsemang , Forbes Patricia
Published: September 2023

Direct monitoring of volatile organic compounds emitted from industrial sources as well as the monitoring of ambient levels thereof in the atmosphere play an important role in providing data for various legislative requirements. There are many volatile organic compounds emitted to the atmosphere, from biomass burning, power stations, and many other sources. Primary reference gas mixtures of volatile organic compounds containing six components, namely benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, and p-xylene (BTEX) were prepared by gravimetric methods at nominal amount of substance fractions of 10 µmol/mol. The preparation was performed using the stainless steel (loop) method and direct liquid injection method using gas tight syringe connected to a dedicated syringe heater for comparison purposes. The results of the gravimetric values for both methods were within 1 % of the nominal amount of substance fraction. After the preparation, comparison was achieved by analysis of the BTEX gas mixtures using gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) and showed comparability to within 2 % of the gravimetric values. The contributions to the uncertainty of measurement were from weighing stainless steel tubes, syringes, and gas cylinders, as well as purity data. The contribution to the uncertainty of measurement from the analysis by GC-FID were repeatability and reproducibility. The combined expanded uncertainty of measurement was between 1.09 % and 3.51 %. The larger deviation from the gravimetric values and associated uncertainty was observed for benzene due to its higher volatility compared to the other components. The BTEX reference gas mixtures prepared in this study are currently being used as a source of traceability in South Africa for air pollution monitoring purposes.
Teaching electrochemistry and student participation in the development of sustainable electricity generation/storage devices at the Institute of Chemistry of the University of Tartu
Authors: Ers H. , Pikma P. , Palm R. , Paalo M. , Jänes A. , Thomberg T. , Härmas M. , Härmas R. , Kalder L. , Salvan L.-K. , Teppor P. , Jäger R. , Kasuk H. , Nerut J. , Sepp S. , Nurk G. , Lust K. , Lust E.
Published: September 2023

Research-based education is a long-standing tradition at the University of Tartu (UT). Basic knowledge of electrochemistry and the principles of developing electrochemical devices have been taught and implemented at UT since 1960. For instance, during then, self-made alkaline electrolysers were used to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen was further purified and used to saturate aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. The fundamental electrochemical research has formed a solid background on which the development of supercapacitors and Na+-ion or Li+-ion batteries is based today. Since 1991, the Ph.D., MSc and undergraduate students have investigated the properties of high surface–area carbon materials in non-aqueous electrolytes to develop energy conversion and storage devices with high energy and power density. Moreover, porous thin-film complex metal hydride–based hydrogen storage devices are also under study. The research of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) began at the UT in 2001 and 2010, respectively. Based on the collected knowledge, a sustainable green electricity and hydrogen generation-storage complex (GEHGSC) was constructed, consisting of solar cells and fuel cells for electricity generation, batteries for storage and electrolysers for hydrogen generation. The main aim of GEHGSC is to educate students, young scientists and local authorities specialized in sustainable energy technologies and applied electrochemistry. Electrolyzed hydrogen has been used for experimental testing of SOFC and PEMFC, produced at the Institute of Chemistry. The 300 bar hydrogen compressor has been installed, and thereafter, the PEMFC-powered self-driving car Iseauto, completed by contract for Auve Tech OÜ, has been fuelled with hydrogen produced by GEHGSC.
Approximate variational inequalities and equilibria
Authors: Bigi Giancarlo , Lampariello Lorenzo , Sagratella Simone , Sasso Valerio Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

We study relations between the solution sets of Variational Inequalities, Minty Variational Inequalities, Natural Map problems and Nash Equilibrium Problems. Moreover, motivated by the inherent relevance of inexactness both in modeling non-cooperative games and in algorithms for variational inequalities, we consider inexact versions of such problems and we establish relations to quantify how inexactness propagates from one problem to the other.
Multi-language transfer learning for low-resource legal case summarization
Authors: Moro Gianluca , Piscaglia Nicola , Ragazzi Luca , Italiani Paolo
Published: September 2023

Analyzing and evaluating legal case reports are labor-intensive tasks for judges and lawyers, who usually base their decisions on report abstracts, legal principles, and commonsense reasoning. Thus, summarizing legal documents is time-consuming and requires excellent human expertise. Moreover, public legal corpora of specific languages are almost unavailable. This paper proposes a transfer learning approach with extractive and abstractive techniques to cope with the lack of labeled legal summarization datasets, namely a low-resource scenario. In particular, we conducted extensive multi- and cross-language experiments. The proposed work outperforms the state-of-the-art results of extractive summarization on the Australian Legal Case Reports dataset and sets a new baseline for abstractive summarization. Finally, syntactic and semantic metrics assessments have been carried out to evaluate the accuracy and the factual consistency of the machine-generated legal summaries.
An argument for global realism about the units of selection
Authors: Boucher Sandy C.
Published: September 2023

This paper defends global realism about the units of selection, the view that there is always (or nearly always) an objective fact of the matter concerning the level at which natural selection acts. The argument proceeds in two stages. First, it is argued that global conventionalist-pluralism is false. This is established by identifying plausible sufficient conditions for irreducible selection at a particular level, and showing that these conditions are sometimes satisfied in nature. Second, it is argued that local pluralism – the view that while realism is true of some selection regimes, pluralist conventionalism holds for others – should also be rejected. I show that the main arguments for local pluralism are consistent with global realism. I also suggest that local pluralism offers an unacceptably disunified view of the metaphysics of selection. It follows that we should accept global realism. But this leaves open the question of how to classify so called ‘multi-level selection type 1’ (MLS1) processes, such as Wilson’s classic trait-group model for the evolution of altruism: should they be interpreted as particle selection or collective selection? On the assumption of global realism, at most one of these is correct. I argue, against global realists such as Sober, that MLS1 processes should be understood as particle, not collective, selection, due to three features of MLS1: the reducibility of collective fitness, the absence of collective reproduction, and the dispensable role of collectives.
Family Firms and Employee Pension Underfunding: Good Corporate Citizens or Unethical Opportunists?
Authors: Davila Jessenia , Gomez-Mejia Luis , Martin Geoff
Published: September 2023

This study draws upon the behavioral agency model and the concept of socioemotional wealth to investigate how family firms’ employee pension underfunding decisions differ from those of non-family firms. We explore how these differences are influenced by financial distress, generational stage, and whether the firm is eponymous. We test our hypotheses using data from 452 US firms over an eleven-year period. Our results suggest that family firms are less likely to underfund pensions, but this effect is attenuated in later generational ownership stages and in non-eponymous firms.
The Distributions of the Mean of Random Vectors with Fixed Marginal Distribution
Authors: Komisarski Andrzej , Labuschagne Jacques
Published: September 2023

Using recent results concerning non-uniqueness of the center of the mix for completely mixable probability distributions, we obtain the following result: For each$$d\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

d
∈
N

and each non-empty bounded Borel set $$B\subset {\mathbb {R}}^d$$

B
⊂

R

d

, there exists a d-dimensional probability distribution $$\varvec{\mu }$$

μ

satisfying the following: For each $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

and each probability distribution $$\varvec{\nu }$$

ν

on B, there exist d-dimensional random vectors $${\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },1},{\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },2},\dots ,{\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },n}$$

X

ν

,
1

,

X

ν

,
2

,
⋯
,

X

ν

,
n

such that $$\frac{1}{n}({\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },1}+{\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },2}+\dots +{\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },n})\sim \varvec{\nu }$$

1
n

(

X

ν

,
1

+

X

ν

,
2

+
⋯
+

X

ν

,
n

)

∼

ν

and $${\textbf{X}}_{\varvec{\nu },i}\sim \varvec{\mu }$$

X

ν

,
i

∼

μ

for $$i=1,2,\dots ,n$$

i
=
1
,
2
,
⋯
,
n

. We also show that the assumption regarding the boundedness of the set B cannot be completely omitted, but it can be substantially weakened.
The challenge of digital marketing in health tourism: the case of Spanish health resorts
Authors: Cristobal-Fransi Eduard , Daries Natalia , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Fuentes-Tierno María Guadalupe
Published: September 2023

Internet presence is essential for tourism companies. Health resorts are a tourism resource of prime importance for the image of a wellness tourism destination. This paper analyses the content of the official websites of Spanish spas, as well as their level of maturity in the development of e-commerce. For this purpose, a model for the analysis of websites based on the content analysis technique is proposed, as well as on the extended model of internet commerce adoption (eMICA) methodology. The model was applied to 106 spas with online presence. The results indicate that although spas seem to be prepared to carry out online transactions, a significant share have basic Internet presence, with a mainly informative function.
The Important Role Played by High-Temperature Tensile Testing in the Representation of Minimum Creep Rates Using S-Shaped Curve Models
Authors: Evans M.
Published: September 2023

It is important to characterize the creep life of materials used in power plants and aeroengines. This paper illustrates the important role played by a material’s tensile strength in enabling accurate creep property representations to be made. It also shows that published high-temperature tensile strength values are not always suitable for use in certain creep models due to its strain rate dependency. To deal with the absence of such suitable date on tensile strength, this paper estimates such values directly from minimum creep rate data. When this technique is applied to models that represent the relationship between minimum creep rates and normalized (with respect to tensile strength) stress using S-shaped curves, an improvement in the fit to data on 2.25Cr–1Mo steel was observed. The findings suggest an important need for future research into the most appropriate strain rates to be used in high-temperature tensile testing when the purpose is to use the resulting tensile strength values for use in creep modeling.
Distributed leadership, leader-member exchange and innovative work behavior: the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction
Authors: Evers Arnoud T. , Messmann Gerhard , Kreijns Karel
Published: September 2023

Distributed leadership (DL) and leader-member exchange (LMX) are highly relevant for fostering teachers’ innovative work behavior (IWB). Based on self-determination theory, we hypothesized that the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs (BPNS) for autonomy, competence, and relatedness plays a major role in mediating these relationships. To investigate this assumption, we executed a quantitative survey study among secondary education teachers involving a time-lag design with two points of measurement (N(T1) = 654 and N(T2) = 293). For hypothesis testing we employed structural equation modelling (SEM) and found support for most of our assumptions: DL (at T1) enhanced teachers’ IWB (at T2) by fueling BPNS (at T1 and T2) (indirect effects: autonomy (T1/T2): β = .10/.09, p < .10/.01; competence (T1/T2): β = .09/.10, p < .01/.01; relatedness (T1/T2): β = .00/.08, ns/p < .01). Conversely, LMX (at T1) hardly exerted its effect through BPNS (at T1 and T2) but was directly connected to teachers’ IWB (at T2) (indirect effects: autonomy (T1/T2): β = .06/.07, p < .10/.01; competence (T1/T2): β = .01/.04, ns/ns; relatedness (T1/T2): β = .00/.03, ns/p < .10; direct effects (T1/T2): β = .15/.09, p < .05/ns). Therefore, to promote teachers’ IWB, school leaders should not only focus on the relationship quality with teachers, but also on the informal distribution of leadership practice and, more generally, to the creation of an environment that bolsters teachers’ BPNS. Moreover, future research may explore these relationships in other educational sectors as well as in non-profit organizations.
The Biodistribution and Utility of 99mTc-Ethylenedicysteine-Deoxyglucose (99mTc-Glucosamine) in the Identification of Active Disease in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis—a Single Center Prospective Study
Authors: Evbuomwan Osayande , Van Rensburg Barend Jansen , Engelbrecht Gerrit , Driver Cathryn H. S. , Labuschagne Mathys , Sempa Joseph , Horn-Lodewyk Je’nine
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Our objectives were to investigate the utility of 99mTc-ethylenedicysteine-deoxyglucose (ECDG) in identifying active disease in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to evaluate the biodistribution of this radiopharmaceutical.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at the Department of Nuclear Medicine of the University of the Free State/Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Twenty-two participants from the rheumatology department diagnosed with RA according to the ACR/EULAR classification criteria were enrolled. Participants were injected with 20–25 mCi of 99mTc-ECDG. Flow, blood pool, whole body, delayed static, and SPECT/CT images were acquired. Known sites of disease were qualitatively assessed for intensity of uptake, and disease severity was graded (Grade 0–3).

Results

Twenty-two participants were studied. The median (interquartile range) age was 59 (49–68) years, and the majority (n = 21; 95.5%) were females. There was abnormal increased uptake of 99mTc-ECDG noted in majority of the sites of known disease, including unknown sites. SPECT/CT imaging localized radiotracer uptake specifically to the synovial space. Similar biodistribution of radiotracer was noted in all patients, irrespective of disease severity or fasting status.

Conclusion

99mTc-ECDG can efficiently assess disease activity in the joints of patients with RA. It accumulates in sites of both clinical and subclinical disease and might be a very useful tool for the rheumatologist in the management of patients with RA.
Spatio-temporal variations of groundwater quality index using geostatistical methods and GIS
Authors: Ababakr Frsat Abdullah , Ahmed Kaywan Othman , Amini Ata , Karami Moghadam Mehdi , Gökçekuş Hüseyin
Published: September 2023

A groundwater quality map serves as a deterrent mechanism that provides insight into likely environmental health predicaments. The objective of this study was to create map and evaluate the quality and changes in groundwater during the study period in Erbil, Iraq. Based on the 13 groundwater parameters, the water quality index (WQI) was calculated for 61 wells from 2015 to 2017 for wet and dry seasons. To generate WQI maps, two geostatistical analyst tools in Geographical Information Systems, including Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) were used. For determining the most suitable method, statistical indices were applied to the obtained data. The results showed that the Kriging method increases the prediction accuracy compared to the IDW method. The water quality in 2017 was decreased compared to the previous years and the WQI was increased from 1.64% to 11.47%. Untreated domestic and industrial wastewater causes groundwater pollution which was the main reason for the decrease in the water quality of Erbil city.
Assessment of interfraction dose variation in pancreas SBRT using daily simulation MR images
Authors: Young Tony , Lee Mark , Johnston Meredith , Nguyen Theresa , Ko Rebecca , Arumugam Sankar
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic Cancer is associated with poor treatment outcomes compared to other cancers. High local control rates have been achieved by using hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat pancreatic cancer. Challenges in delivering SBRT include close proximity of several organs at risk (OARs) and target volume inter and intra fraction positional variations. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided radiotherapy has shown potential for online adaptive radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer, with superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of target and OAR volumes for different treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer, and to assess the suitability of utilizing a treatment-day MRI for treatment planning purposes. Ten healthy volunteers were scanned on a Siemens Skyra 3 T MRI scanner over two sessions (approximately 3 h apart), per day over 5 days to simulate an SBRT daily simulation scan for treatment planning. A pretreatment scan was also done to simulate patient setup and treatment. A 4D MRI scan was taken at each session for internal target volume (ITV) generation and assessment. For each volunteer a treatment plan was generated in the Raystation treatment planning system (TPS) following departmental protocols on the day one, first session dataset (D1S1), with bulk density overrides applied to enable dose calculation. This treatment plan was propagated through other imaging sessions, and the dose calculated. An additional treatment plan was generated on each first session of each day (S1) to simulate a daily replan process, with this plan propagated to the second session of the day. These accumulated mock treatment doses were assessed against the original treatment plan through DVH comparison of the PTV and OAR volumes. The generated ITV showed large variations when compared to both the first session ITV and daily ITV, with an average magnitude of 22.44% ± 13.28% and 25.83% ± 37.48% respectively. The PTV D95 was reduced by approximately 23.3% for both plan comparisons considered. Surrounding OARs had large variations in dose, with the small bowel V30 increasing by 128.87% when compared to the D1S1 plan, and 43.11% when compared to each daily S1 plan. Daily online adaptive radiotherapy is required for accurate dose delivery for pancreas cancer in the absence of additional motion management and tumour tracking techniques.