bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasopharyngeal cancer mortality in disaggregated Asian and non‐Asian Americans
Authors: Hung George A. , Vohra Sanah , Kim Gina , Jamal Armaan , Srinivasan Malathi , Huang Robert J. , Kim Gloria , Palaniappan Latha , Colevas A. Dimitrios
Published: July 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) mortality varies based on multiple risk factors. While NPC mortality is higher in Asia, little is known about Asian subgroups in the United States (US).

Methods

Using the 2005–2020 National Vital Statistics System, we examined NPC mortality by age, race (non‐Hispanic black, Hispanic white (HW), non‐Hispanic white (NHW), Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese), sex, and nativity (Untied States or foreign‐born).

Results

Upon disaggregation, Chinese (1.96 [CI: 1.78–2.16]), Filipino (0.68 [0.68–1.11]), and Vietnamese Americans (0.68 [0.52–1.10]) had the top age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR per 100 000 person‐years). Foreign‐born Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Asian Indians, and NHW had higher AAMRs compared to US‐born persons. All male groups had higher AAMR compared to females. Stratifying for race, nativity, and sex, foreign‐born Chinese males (4.09 [3.79–4.40]) had the highest AAMR.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the importance of disaggregating NPC mortality data by Asian subgroups, providing valuable insights for targeted public health interventions in the United States.
Supporting health systems and environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A call for action
Authors: Mufungizi Innocent , Okon Inibehe , Nkundakozera Mwangaza , Akilimali Aymar
Published: July 2024

Background

Developing nations have to overcome a number of obstacles to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the five poorest nations in the world and faces several challenges in combating problems related to poverty, health, and sanitation while linking the environment to anthropogenic activities.

Methods

This study analyzes anthropogenic activities and their impact on the environment while providing access to the public health of the Congolese population based on the objectives of sustainable development. Thirty‐five articles were selected for further analysis as well as relative data.

Results

In 2022, 21 million cases of malaria were recorded by the national malaria control program, with 13,000 cases of death. The Democratic Republic of Congo has the highest typhoid incidence, with 315 cases per 100,000 people. A number of 31,342 cases of cholera were reported in 2023, according to multiple reports, with 230 deaths, mainly affecting children. In the same year, a triple epidemic of typhoid, shigellosis, and cholera was identified, with 2389 cases and 52 deaths. These observations cause a health emergency, which can be alleviated and resolved by the establishment of an adequate sanitation system. Waste can be recycled and returned to usable raw materials.

Conclusion

Finally, it will be necessary to establish a water safety management plan to combat all diseases linked to the consumption of nonpotable water and improve national coverage on the treatment of recent cases to reduce and at best avoid observed cases of death.
Rat nasal mucosa‐derived ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells: A new therapeutic option for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Li Liujin , Liu ZhaoHui , Zhang ChunLin , Long YiLin , Yang TianWen
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of nasal mucosa‐derived ectodermal mesenchymal stem cells (NM‐EMSCs) on the inflammatory state of rats with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and the underlying therapeutic mechanism.

Methods

NM‐EMSCs were isolated and extracted to construct a rat model of CRS. Fifteen Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: CK + NS group rats were injected locally with saline in the nasal mucosa; CRS + NS group rats were injected locally with saline in the nasal mucosa; and CRS + EMSCs group rats were injected locally with NM‐EMSCs in the nasal mucosa. One rat from the CRS + EMSCs group was randomly euthanized at 2, 4, and 6 days after injection, and the nasal mucosa tissues were collected for HE staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and periodic acid–Schiff staining.

Results

NM‐EMSCs specifically expressing CD73, CD105, and CD90 were successfully isolated from the nasal mucosa of rats and were able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. After saline and NM‐EMSC injection, compared with those in the blank control CK + NS group, the nasal mucosa in the CRS + NS and CRS + EMSC groups exhibited obvious thickening, a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased collagen and mucin distribution. Four days post‐NM‐EMSC injection, the thickening of the nasal mucosa in the CRS group was gradually alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration gradually decreased, and the distribution of collagen and mucin and the collagen‐positive area gradually decreased. Moreover, only a small number of inflammatory cells were visible, and the distribution of mucins was limited to 6 days post‐NM‐EMSC injection.

Conclusion

NM‐EMSCs effectively attenuated inflammation in the nasal mucosa of CRS model rats.
Development of hyaluronic acid hydrogel containing prednisolone‐encapsulated nonphospholipid liposomes for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Bor , Chen Chin‐Ju
Published: July 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires therapeutic approaches that alleviate symptoms and inhibit the progression of joint damage. Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been a cornerstone of RA treatment, yet their use is often limited by side effects. Recent advancements suggest that liposome‐based delivery systems can improve GC biodistribution, minimizing toxicity. This study introduces an innovative tool for RA treatment using prednisone‐encapsulated nonphospholipid liposomes (NPLs) in combination with a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel. Our methodology involved incorporating prednisone (PR) with palmitic acid and cholesterol to formulate stable NPLs using a thin‐film hydration technique. The synthesized PR‐NPLs, characterized by a mean size of 150 nm, demonstrated uniform distribution and higher drug encapsulation in comparison with conventional phospholipid liposomes. In vitro assays revealed that PR‐NPL markedly reduced inflammatory responses in macrophages. Additionally, we successfully incorporated PR‐NPL into an HA hydrogel, employing a photoinitiated cross‐linking process. This novel composite offered modulable PR release, governed by the degree of hydrogel cross‐linking. The developed system presents a promising advancement in RA management, especially suited for intraarticular injections. It potentially enables targeted, controlled drug release with a reduced risk of side effects, signifying a significant improvement over existing RA therapies.
Synthesis of 2‐aminothiazoles containing 3‐hydroxypyran‐4‐one fragment based on condensation of substituted α‐arylaminoketones with thiourea
Authors: Komogortsev Andrey N. , Melekhina Valeriya G. , Milyutin Constantine V. , Lichitsky Boris V.
Published: July 2024

Condensation of α‐arylaminoketones bearing 3‐hydroxypyran‐4‐one fragment with thiourea was studied. Based on considered investigation, the method for the synthesis of terarylenes with 2‐aminothiazole bridge was elaborated. The presented process is the first example of construction of thiazole core starting from α‐aminoketone precursor. The advantages of developed approach are easily available starting materials and convenient isolation of target products avoiding chromatographic purification. The structure of one of prepared products was confirmed by x‐ray analysis. The synthetic utility of obtained 2‐aminothiazoles with allomaltol substituent was demonstrated by reaction at amino and hydroxyl groups.
Tongue‐tie in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Compared to Healthy Newborns
Authors: McKenna Margo K. , Rosen‐Carole Casey , Burtner Michele , Wilson John L. , Greenman Suzie , Shah Shalini , Allen Paul
Published: July 2024

Objective

We sought to characterize the prevalence of ankyloglossia in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population and to determine characteristics of this cohort compared to infants in the birth center (BC).

Methods

Prospective data were collected using a standardized flow sheet. Breastfeeding infants undergoing evaluation for tongue‐tie in the BC and NICU were included. Coryllos type, tip to frenulum length, tongue function, frequency of frenotomy, and breastfeeding outcomes were compared.

Results

Of 20,879 infants birthed at or admitted to the institution during the study period, there were fewer patients diagnosed with ankyloglossia in the BC compared to the NICU (3.3% BC vs. 5.4% NICU, p < 0.01). Of these, 163 underwent frenotomy: 86 in the BC and 77 in the NICU. For those undergoing frenotomy, gestational age (39.1 ± 1.3 BC, 34.4 ± 4.4 NICU, p < 0.01) and age at time of procedure (3.2 days BC, 29.2 NICU, p < 0.01) were the only demographic factors significantly different between the groups. There was no difference in Coryllos type or function score. In a subset of NICU infants with multiple assessments over time, function scores after frenotomy were significantly improved compared to pre‐frenotomy (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Standard assessment tools appear to be appropriate for use in infants in the NICU, despite the higher rates of prematurity, low birth weights, and increased comorbidities. Assessment and intervention for tongue‐tie can be one critical intervention to move these patients closer to oral feeding and discharge to home.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:5152–5159, 2024
The Conjugated/Non‐Conjugated Linked Dimer Acceptors Enable Efficient and Stable Flexible Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Haoran , Xie Gang , Wu Tuhong , Liu Siqi , Chen Dong , Chen Yiwang
Published: July 2024

The fabrication of the flexible devices with excellent photovoltaic performance and stability is critical for the commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, the conjugated dimer acceptor DY‐TVCl and the non‐conjugated dimer acceptor DY‐3T based on the monomer MY‐BO are synthesized to regulate the molecular glass transition temperatures (Tg) for improving the morphology stability of active layer films. And the crack onset strain values for the blend films based on dimer acceptors are superior than that of small molecule, which are beneficial for the preparation of flexible devices. Accordingly, the binary device based on PM6:DY‐TVCl achieves a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.01%. Meanwhile, the extrapolated T80 (time to reach 80% of initial PCE) lifetimes of the PM6:DY‐TVCl‐based device and PM6:DY‐3T‐based device are 3091 and 2227 h under 1‐sun illumination, respectively, which are better than that of the PM6:MY‐BO‐based device (809 h). Furthermore, the flexible devices based on DY‐TVCl and DY‐3T exhibit the efficiencies of 15.23% and 14.34%, respectively. This work affords a valid approach to improve the stability and mechanical robustness of OSCs, as well as ensuring the reproducibility of organic semiconductors during mass production.
A Food Odorant, α‐Ionone, Inhibits Skin Cancer Tumorigenesis by Activation of OR10A6
Authors: Yoon Ye Eun , Jung Young Jae , Lee Sung‐Joon
Published: July 2024

Scope

This study aims to investigate the anticancer properties of α‐ionone in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods and results

The expression of OR10A6 together with olfactory receptor signaling components is demonstrated in A431 human SCC cells via RT‐PCR and qRT‐PCR analysis. OR10A6 activation in A431 cells using the ligand α‐ionone inhibits proliferation and migration but induces apoptosis which is confirmed by proliferation assay, colony formation, and western blotting. The mechanism involves the core proteins of the Hippo pathway, where the phosphorylation of large tumor suppressor kinase (LATS), yes‐associated protein (YAP), and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) is confirmed by western blotting. However, the anticancer effects of α‐ionone are abrogated in A431 cells with OR10A6 gene knockdown. In A431 xenograft mouse model, the injection of α‐ionone suppresses tumor growth, induces apoptosis, and increases phosphorylation of the LATS‐YAP‐TAZ signaling axis in the Hippo pathway. None of these effects are observed in xenografted tumors with OR10A6 gene knockdown.

Conclusion

These findings collectively demonstrate that activation of ectopic OR OR10A6 by α‐ionone in SCC cells stimulates the Hippo pathway and suppresses tumorigenesis both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of SCC.
Fructooligosaccharides Ameliorate Renal Injury and Dysfunction Through the Modulation of Gut Dysbiosis, Inhibition of Renal Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Fibrosis, and Improve Organic Anion Transporter 3 Function in an Obese Rat Model
Authors: Pengrattanachot Nattavadee , Thongnak Laongdao , Promsan Sasivimon , Phengpol Nichakorn , Sutthasupha Prempree , Tocharus Jiraporn , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: July 2024

Scope

High‐fat diet (HFD) consumption causes obesity and gut dysbiosis which induces kidney injury. It has been reported that prebiotics improve gut dysbiosis and insulin sensitivity and decelerate the progression of kidney disease. This study investigates the impact of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on renoprotection and the prevention of gut dysbiosis and intestinal barrier injury in obese rats.

Methods and results

Wistar rats are treated with HFD for 16 weeks. Then, the HFD fed rats (HF) are given FOS 1 g day−1 (HFFOS1), 2 g day−1 (HFFOS2), or metformin 30 mg kg−1 day−1 (HFMET), by intragastric feeding for 8 weeks. Blood, urine, feces, kidney, and intestine are collected to determine the metabolic changes, gut dysbiosis, and the expression of proteins involved in kidney and intestinal injury. FOS can attenuate insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia concomitant with the inhibition of renal inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis, which are related to the deceleration of the overexpression of renal Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and NADPH oxidase (NOX4). Moreover, FOS shows a greater efficacy than metformin in the reduction of the intestinal injury and loss of tight junction proteins induced by HFD.

Conclusion

FOS may be used as a supplement for therapeutic purposes in an obese condition to improve intestinal integrity and prevent renal complications.
The lingering safety menace: A 10‐year review of enteral misconnection adverse events and narrative review
Authors: Ethington Stacie , Volpe Amanda , Guenter Peggi , Simmons Debora
Published: July 2024

In 2011, “Tubing Misconnections: Normalization of Deviance” reported >100 cases of enteral tubing misconnections leading to patient harm. Despite development of safer enteral device connectors, 96 new cases of enteral misconnections have been published since 2011. Publication and safety databases were searched for reports from 2011 to 2023. Reported misconnections lead to death in 4% of the cases and survival with harm were reported in 69% of cases. Reported misconnections occurred more often in infants and children than in adults. This article outlines why these misconnections happen, the history of the issue and development of safer connector standards, the safety threats and recommendations associated with the new cases, current conversion rates, and process steps, education, and resources for the conversion to safer connectors for enteral nutrition devices.
Histone demethylase PHF8 promotes prostate cancer metastasis via the E2F1–SNAI1 axis
Authors: Wang Ze , Tang Peng , Xiao Haiyang , Peng Song , Chen Jian , Wang Yapeng , Xu Jing , Yan Qian , Zhang Junying , Deng Jie , Ma Qiang , Zhu Hailin , Luo Weiming , Zhang Dianzheng , Wang Luofu , Qin Jun , Lan Weihua , Jiang Jun , Liu Qiuli
Published: July 2024

Metastasis is the primary culprit behind cancer‐related fatalities in multiple cancer types, including prostate cancer. Despite great advances, the precise mechanisms underlying prostate cancer metastasis are far from complete. By using a transgenic mouse prostate cancer model (TRAMP) with and without Phf8 knockout, we have identified a crucial role of PHF8 in prostate cancer metastasis. By complexing with E2F1, PHF8 transcriptionally upregulates SNAI1 in a demethylation‐dependent manner. The upregulated SNAI1 subsequently enhances epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Given the role of the abnormally activated PHF8/E2F1‐SNAI1 axis in prostate cancer metastasis and poor prognosis, the levels of PHF8 or the activity of this axis could serve as biomarkers for prostate cancer metastasis. Moreover, targeting this axis could become a potential therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Functional ex vivoDNA fibre assay to measure replication dynamics in breast cancer tissue
Authors: Chen Mengting , van den Tempel Nathalie , Bhattacharya Arkajyoti , Yu Shibo , Rutgers Bea , Fehrmann Rudolf SN , de Haas Sander , van der Vegt Bert , van Vugt Marcel ATM
Published: July 2024

Replication stress (RS) is a key trait of cancer cells, and a potential actionable target in cancer treatment. Accurate methods to measure RS in tumour samples are currently lacking. DNA fibre analysis has been used as a common technique to measure RS in cell lines. Here, we investigated DNA fibre analysis on fresh breast cancer specimens and correlated DNA replication kinetics to known RS markers and genomic alterations. Fresh, treatment‐naïve primary breast cancer samples (n = 74) were subjected to ex vivo DNA fibre analysis to measure DNA replication kinetics. Tumour cell proliferation was confirmed by EdU incorporation and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 (CK) staining. The RS markers phospho‐S33‐RPA and γH2AX and the RS‐inducing proto‐oncogenes Cyclin E1 and c‐Myc were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Copy number variations (CNVs) were assessed from genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. We found that the majority of proliferating (EdU‐positive) cells in each sample were CK‐positive and therefore considered to be tumour cells. DNA fibre lengths varied largely in most tumour samples. The median DNA fibre length showed a significant inverse correlation with pRPA expression (r = −0.29, p = 0.033) but was not correlated with Cyclin E1 or c‐Myc expression and global CNVs in this study. Nuclear Cyclin E1 expression showed a positive correlation with pRPA levels (r = 0.481, p < 0.0001), while cytoplasmic Cyclin E1 expression exhibited an inverse association with pRPA expression (r = −0.353, p = 0.002) and a positive association with global CNVs (r = 0.318, p = 0.016). In conclusion, DNA fibre analysis performed with fresh primary breast cancer samples is feasible. Fibre lengths were associated with pRPA expression. Cyclin E1 expression was associated with pRPA and the percentage of CNVs. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Increased hepatic putrescine levels as a new potential factor related to the progression of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Núñez‐Sánchez María Ángeles , Martínez‐Sánchez María Antonia , Sierra‐Cruz Marta , Lambertos Ana , Rico‐Chazarra Sara , Oliva‐Bolarín Alba , Balaguer‐Román Andrés , Yuste José Enrique , Martínez Carlos Manuel , Mika Adriana , Frutos María Dolores , Llamoza‐Torres Camilo J , Córdoba‐Chacón José , Ramos‐Molina Bruno
Published: July 2024

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver condition that often progresses to more advanced stages, such as metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH is characterized by inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning, in addition to hepatic steatosis. Despite the relatively high incidence of MASH in the population and its potential detrimental effects on human health, this liver disease is still not fully understood from a pathophysiological perspective. Deregulation of polyamine levels has been detected in various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer. However, the role of the polyamine pathway in chronic liver disorders such as MASLD has not been explored. In this study, we measured the expression of liver ornithine decarboxylase (ODC1), the rate‐limiting enzyme responsible for the production of putrescine, and the hepatic levels of putrescine, in a preclinical model of MASH as well as in liver biopsies of patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. Our findings reveal that expression of ODC1 and the levels of putrescine, but not spermidine nor spermine, are elevated in hepatic tissue of both diet‐induced MASH mice and patients with biopsy‐proven MASH compared with control mice and patients without MASH, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the levels of putrescine were positively associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in serum and an increased SAF score (steatosis, activity, fibrosis). Additionally, in in vitro assays using human HepG2 cells, we demonstrate that elevated levels of putrescine exacerbate the cellular response to palmitic acid, leading to decreased cell viability and increased release of CK‐18. Our results support an association between the expression of ODC1 and the progression of MASLD, which could have translational relevance in understanding the onset of this disease. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Assessment of 3D woven near‐net‐shaped I‐sections for aeronautical applications: Weave design, manufacture, and mechanical properties under multiple loading conditions
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Li Yiding , Kong Weiyi , Li Junru , Zhang Xuan , Yan Ying , Yan Shibo
Published: July 2024

The design of composite I‐sections in aerostructures faces a significant challenge with conventional laminates because they are prone to delamination under out‐of‐plane loads. To address this issue, this study investigates the design, manufacture, and mechanical properties of 3D woven near‐net‐shaped composite I‐sections. The study also compares their advantages with equivalent laminates and examines the influence of weave patterns on their mechanical behavior. Specimens were manufactured using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding technique, and quasi‐static tensile, compressive, and bending tests were conducted to assess the properties of I‐sections with three different weave patterns. It finds that the ultimate strength and damage tolerance of the considered design of 3D woven I‐sections are better than the considered design of 2D woven laminated counterparts, and different weave patterns play a significant effect in damage mode and load‐bearing capacity. In addition, using 3D woven preforms to manufacture composite I‐sections also exhibits shortened production time in terms of layup and resin infusion.

Highlights

The 3D woven I‐sections show improved damage tolerance over 2D counterparts.

The design of weave patterns affects the properties of I‐section composites.

Using 3D preforms to manufacture I‐sections exhibits shortened production time.

Design consideration is proposed for the optimal weave pattern of the I‐sections.
Rhamnolipids: Green Surfactant for Environmental Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Singh Vandana , Pandit Chetan , Ray Subhasree , Pandit Soumya , Ranjan Nishant , Sharma Deepansh , Sarma Hemen , S.J. Geetha , Makkar Randhir , Rustagi Sarvesh , Malik Sumira , Prasad Ram , Joshi Sanket J.
Published: July 2024

Green surfactants–based bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the environment is a promising technique. Rhamnolipids are a class of glycolipid surfactants that belong to the category of green surfactants and have distinctive characteristics. PAHs, which are hazardous toxins, are commonly found in polluted soil, water, and air. PAHs are difficult to break down because they are resistant to degradation and typical methods of cleaning up pollution are not very effective. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the capacity of specific microorganism species to produce rhamnolipids, which can enhance the process of PAH biodegradation. Rhamnolipids can dissolve and enhance the accessibility of PAHs, thereby boosting the effectiveness of microorganisms that break down PAHs. The presence of rhamnolipids can be attributed to the equilibrium between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, as well as their positive charge. Rhamnolipids have biosurfactant properties, making them beneficial for the bioremediation of polluted soil and water. In general, rhamnolipids have proven to be a highly efficient means of removing PAHs from the environment, providing a viable alternative to conventional chemical approaches. Nevertheless, additional investigation is necessary to gain a deeper comprehension of the fundamental principles behind rhamnolipid‐assisted bioremediation and to enhance its implementation in larger real‐world scenarios. This study provides a concise overview of recent research on the utilization of rhamnolipids for bioremediating PAHs in the environment. The article covers the underlying mechanisms, the specific microorganisms employed, and the overall efficacy of the bioremediation process. The utilization of rhamnolipids as a bioremediation tool is examined, along with the difficulties and restrictions of its implementation. The review's conclusion is followed by a discussion on the future directions for studying this topic.
The Very Long Game of Defense AI Adoption: Introduction
Authors: Borchert Heiko
Published: July 2024

The introduction contextualizes and summarizes the key results of the 25 case studies along the six lines of effort that constitute the analytical framework of the country analyses. First, it argues that core strategic motives, the role of partners and challengers, and a human or tech-centric understanding of defense AI shape the respective national approaches. Taken together the prevailing perspectives lead to a collective “lock-in” as all countries analyzed operate in a human and data-centric paradigm. Second, this affects current defense AI development priorities. Most nations develop AI in tandem with uncrewed systems, for example, for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions, to support predictive maintenance and logistics, advance command and control, and further data analytics and data management. Third, in view of preparing for the use of defense AI many countries have set up new cross-functional entities to advance defense AI or improve AI-related technology developments. Most countries, however, have entrusted existing organizational entities with these tasks. In addition to organizational change at the ministerial level, some countries also introduce novel elements at service and command levels. Fourth, funding for defense AI is most difficult to compare as an internationally accepted spending taxonomy on defense AI is missing. Some nations operate in opaqueness as they do not publicly disclose financial figures. Others have dedicated AI budget lines, fund defense AI as part of ongoing procurement projects, and one country has ensured interagency funding. Fifth, in line with the development priorities, most nations also field defense AI for the use with uncrewed assets, followed by target identification/detection and data analytics. Almost every second country uses defense AI for predictive maintenance, logistics and simulation-based training. Most importantly, “learning by procuring” is an important inroad for defense AI to enter a foreign market via the defense solution procured from a partner. Finally, training for defense AI is evolving slowly. About a third of the countries focus on training only for the military service workforce. The same number of countries is also active in training civilian defense and military service workforces. Fewer countries also look at training the defense industrial workforce. Some countries also launch dedicated data training initiatives.
Leveraging Data Science for Defence in the Digital Age: Defence AI in the Netherlands
Authors: Heineken-van Dooren Marierose M. M. , Lindelauf Roy
Published: July 2024

Data science and AI play vital roles in realizing the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) vision to work in a “data-driven” manner by 2035. Regarding these technologies, the Dutch MoD prioritizes responsible AI and data science, aiming for technological advancement, information-driven operations, while at the same time becoming a reliable player and advocate in the field of responsible AI. The Dutch MoD holds a human-centric view on AI as a capability multiplier. The Data Science and AI Strategy 2023–2027 emphasizes the importance of high-quality IT, data governance, and ethical decision-making using state of the art AI and data science methodologies. To gain new insights and support decision-making with the use of AI and data science, the Dutch MoD invests in enhancing knowledge and collaboration with public and private partners, while also experimenting internally with AI and data science on five key themes: autonomous systems, military decision-making and intelligence, predictive maintenance, safety, and business operations. The Dutch MoD commits to invest at least 2% of expenses of the defence budget in research and technology development and focuses on integrating AI into unmanned systems, decision support, logistics, and security. Collaboration and human oversight are emphasized through partnerships with EU and NATO partners, knowledge institutions, and industry. Educating personnel at all levels within the MoD on the use of data (scientific tools) and AI’s implications, including their ethical aspects, is crucial, with the Data Science Centre of Excellence leading in the field of academic knowledge enhancement. Overall, the Dutch MoD is dedicated to advance research, development, collaboration, and ethical principles in AI and data science to position the Netherlands as a leader in the responsible use of AI in the military domain.
Waking Up Slowly: Defense AI in Spain
Authors: Ricart Raquel Jorge
Published: July 2024

In Spain, discussions on defense AI are integrated within the broader national security discourse rather than being a standalone topic. Until around 2020, AI was not a central focus in the Spanish defense ecosystem, but the beginning of the 2020s saw a shift towards specific principles, roadmaps, and initiatives governing AI implementation. Acknowledgment of Spain’s lag in defense AI development highlights the need for improvement to enhance international positioning and competitiveness. The governance system for defense AI involves coordination among relevant institutions, with calls for increased funding, project diversification, and enhanced transparency in project documentation. While few large companies dominate the defense AI market, there is a suggestion to prioritize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to diversify services and expand market footprint. Defense AI intersects with strategic sectors like aerospace and cybersecurity, necessitating further efforts to synergize with emerging technologies such as quantum computing. Training and human capital development in defense AI are identified as areas needing improvement, with calls for universities to actively include defense AI in their curricula in compliance with national and European regulations and fundamental rights.
Harnessing the Potential: Defense AI in Greece
Authors: Karampekios Nikolaos , Sakalis Konstantinos , Oikonomou Iraklis
Published: July 2024

This chapter seeks to shed light on the efforts of the Greek defense ecosystem to prepare for and adopt defense AI, as well as on the perceptions and considerations that have shaped these efforts. In line with the platonic phrase “necessity is the mother of invention,” the Greek defense establishment has been a quick adopter of AI and its defense promises for several reasons. These include long-standing bilateral problems with neighboring countries, the potential to apply defense-related AI to the civilian realm and vice versa, and an innate understanding of the need to ride the current scientific and technological wave. Overall, it is concluded that concrete steps have indeed been taken to harness the potential of the technological and operational “window of opportunity” that AI presents. However, the analysis notes the persistence of challenges, including the need to enhance cooperation with the science establishment, to strengthen participation in collaborative RD&I projects in line with current and operational requirements, to maximize the benefits for the domestic ecosystem from the procurement of cutting-edge defense equipment, and to establish a single administrative point for the establishment and implementation of a unified defense AI vision.
Will the One Ring Hold? Defense AI in South Korea
Authors: Park Youngwook
Published: July 2024

South Korea sees artificial intelligence (AI) as central to its national vision, aiming to drive economic revitalization and bolster competitiveness. Backed by a history of state-led initiatives in technology and a robust information infrastructure, public support for AI and digitalization is widespread. The government's goal is to become an “AI powerhouse,” reflected in its national strategy likened to the “One Ring” from The Lord of the Rings, symbolizing a state-led technological utopia. Defense AI is integral to this vision, with the Ministry of National Defense focusing on modernizing the armed forces through AI integration. The government's approach emphasizes gradual development from recognition to decision intelligence, supported by establishing a National Defense AI Center and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. This strategy aims to break traditional defense procurement barriers and attract civilian talent from the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Significant investment in AI development underscores this ambition. Efforts include integrating defense AI into surveillance, combat, and command and control systems, with plans for complex manned-unmanned combat systems and Joint All-Domain Command and Control Systems akin to US initiatives. South Korea also prioritizes education to nurture defense AI talent, collaborating with academic institutions and initiating specialized education programs. Military pilot units are designated to enhance human expertise in defense AI application, aligning with broader efforts to advance digital proficiency within the military. South Korea defense AI ambition benefit from robust government spending by the Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Ministry of Science and ICT.
Intelligent National Defense Amid Strategic Ambiguity? Defense AI in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Kitsch
Published: July 2024

Taiwan's defense AI approach is hindered by a historical legacy of authoritarianism, resulting in a disconnect between the civilian government and the defense establishment. This same disconnect also impedes Taiwan's strategic alignment to address the Chinese threat in a unified manner agreed upon by Taiwan's political leadership and its primary security ally, the United States. Additionally, this disconnect prevents effective collaboration between the defense establishment and Taiwan's vibrant civilian technology innovation sector to effectively develop defense AI. Current defense AI programs are fragmented and lack focus, often prioritizing emulation over innovation. For example, attempts by the Taiwan Air Force to integrate AI into future operational concepts have been ambitious technically but conceptually disjointed. In addition to a main focus on AI for close quarters air combat, Taiwan also has projects for support tasks, to advance predictive maintenance, for IT network management, and to assist space-based assets. Currently fielded AI applications are much more limited in scope, including medical training devices and predictive maintenance. However, Taiwan has also been consistently spending a higher-than average portion of its GDP on the civilian side of technology innovation and received stellar results in AI development and application. In summary, there is no shortage of grassroots ideas within and outside Taiwan's defense establishment for defense technology innovation. If Taiwan can better channel grassroots talent and solutions into a more open defense innovation ecosystem, it could significantly benefit from the adoption of defense AI in confronting the threat posed by China.
A Fertile Soil for AI? Defense AI in Sweden
Authors: Finlan Alastair
Published: July 2024

Sweden is well positioned to develop AI for civil and military applications because of bold strategic initiatives by the government and private foundations. The fertility of the Swedish AI soil for defense applications is though dependent on what is nurtured now in the face of competing priorities including the revitalization of its armed forces, looming NATO membership and the resurrection of the total defense concept. Sweden’s long intellectual interest in AI makes this high-tech Nordic nation with a flair for engineering achievements very suited for Fourth Industrial Revolution developments. Sweden’s culturally-infused and porous civil military relations have an unusual intimacy that bodes well for defense AI. It encourages the interflow of ideas, initiative, and technologies across and within these sectors. Sweden’s official recognition in 2018 of the importance of AI brought the government into alignment with the influential private sector. The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP) initiative is stimulating the higher education sector with essential funding for AI technologies and future generations of researchers. Sweden now possesses one of the most advanced supercomputers in Europe, which is an important national asset in the Swedish AI ecosystem. Sweden’s advanced military industry already employs defense AI systems with Saab at the forefront of sensor plus AI innovations. The take-up of defense AI in the Swedish armed forces is modest but growing. It is underpinned by strong conceptual work by the Swedish Defense Research Agency that suggests more substantial future engagement. The accession to NATO is also likely to open even more pathways for defense AI cooperation. The foundations for defense AI developments are very apparent in Sweden and the future is potentially very bright.
Master and Servant: Defense AI in Germany
Authors: Borchert Heiko , Schütz Torben , Verbovszky Joseph
Published: July 2024

Germany’s defense AI path is caught in a “master and servant” logic. Germany struggles to readjust its input-driven strategic culture, which puts greater emphasis on the socio-political acceptance and legitimization of military power than on the effects it can achieve. As a result, Germany considers defense AI as a tool—the humble servant—subordinate to humans, who must always remain in the loop. Incrementalism dominates, which makes it difficult to assess what defense AI is expected to achieve and whether it delivers on this expectation. As a result, most German defense AI development projects focus on decision-making support and gradual improvements of other technologies in the fields of Command, Control, Computers, and Communications (C4) and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR). An open-source intelligence system for crisis early warning, AI-based warning receivers for helicopters, and intelligent image processing for missiles feature among the more prominent, publicly known examples of fielded defense AI capabilities. In parallel to adapting defense structures, Germany has stepped up defense funding. While an aggregate number of German defense AI spending is not available, we contend that the country spends around €50M per year on AI-related software development. As defense AI also affects military education and training, the Bundeswehr’s Command and Staff College as well as the University of the Bundeswehr in Hamburg are preparing to adapt existing curricula and setting up new degree courses. Individual military services also explore opportunities for AI-enhanced simulation-based training, while different initiatives have been launched to train defense AI algorithms.
Fundamental Concepts in Medicine: Why Risk and Disease Are Likely to Stay on Board
Authors: Dekkers Olaf
Published: July 2024

In everyday medical language the words risk and disease are easily used. Patients and doctors discuss the cause and prognosis of a disease while at the same time consider what the risks associated different treatment options are. Arguably, both risks and diseases belong to the basic stuff in medicine; they can be seen as different approaches to the same set of health-related phenomena, even though their demaracation is challening.
Conceptual Engineering Health: A Historical-Philosophical Analysis of the Concept of Positive Health
Authors: van der Linden Rik , Schermer Maartje
Published: July 2024

Instead of defining health and disease in a traditional analytic fashion, the medical-philosophical debate is now refocusing on explicating, specifying and contextualizing concepts, which implies adapting, improving or replacing them. This new view on pragmatically formulating definitions for health and disease concepts lines up with what has recently come to be known as conceptual engineering. In this paper we analyze and evaluate the concept of Positive Health by applying the methodology of conceptual engineering. Positive Health is a concept that was developed by healthcare researchers and professionals in response to problems experienced in medical practice, and that has gained significant popularity within the Dutch healthcare system and beyond. By means of a combined historical-philosophical approach, we first explore the reasons for re-engineering the concept of health, the kind of actors involved and the outcomes and effects of this re-engineering. We then evaluate the adequacy of this reconceptualization, using Carnapian explication and ameliorative analysis. We argue that conceptual engineering supports the pragmatist approach towards health and disease concepts and complements it by providing tools for critical analysis and evaluation. In turn, conceptual engineering can learn from case studies from the medical domain, such as Positive Health.
Prologue: A Pragmatist Approach to Conceptualization of Health and Disease
Authors: Binney Nicholas , Bolt Timo , van der Linden Rik , Schermer Maartje
Published: July 2024

In this chapter, the research group on the project “Health and disease as practical concepts” set out the main tenets of their research program and discuss the connection of their approach with the classical American pragmatists. In this pragmatic vein, the project seeks to identify, articulate and address problematic situations from clinical practice that involve concepts of health and disease. Some of these problematic situations are briefly described, as they served to inspire the contributions to the edited volume.
Healthism, Elite Capture, and the Pitfalls of an Expansive Concept of Health
Authors: Kukla Quill R.
Published: July 2024

I urge caution when building a pragmatist, pluralist conception of health. It is tempting to let the definition of health expand almost indefinitely, so that all dimensions of life and well-being become ‘health issues.’ Such expansionist conceptions of health intersect dangerously with our pervasive cultural healthism, which is the idea that health is an indefeasible value and caring for health is always a primary responsibility. Allowing the concept of health to expand indefinitely against a background of healthism enables it to be weaponized by stakeholders with social power and by institutions with specific interests in ways that undermine social justice and become tyrannical and elitist. In short, when every dimension of our well-being starts to count as part of health, then healthism starts to control every dimension of well-being. I look at three case studies, each of which is a domain in which the concept of health has expanded and become weaponized in toxic ways: healthy eating, healthy sexuality, and healthy gender identity. I end by arguing that we can understand the weaponization of health as a kind of elite capture.
Epistemic Inclusion and the Silence of the Patients
Authors: Zwart Hub
Published: July 2024

In The Birth of the Clinic, Michel Foucault (1963) practiced historical epistemology, combining two scholarly crafts, history of medicine and philosophy of science. With his philosophical hammer and stethoscope, he assessed epistemic configurations: landscapes of discourse and practice. Philosophical readers are intrigued by the epistemological ruptures he discerned, the sudden upheavals in the ways in which physicians observed, treated, looked at, listened to, and wrote about their patients. Foucault was an “archaeologist”, signalling the sudden emergence and disappearance of “discursive formations”, pointing to abrupt and remarkable changes in the ways in which phenomena are described, analysed, and categorised. (Foucault 1969). For an archaeologist, all (anonymous) potsherds and coins stemming from a particular formation (or discursive layer) share a number of basic similarities: they were all produced in a similar vein. Likewise, within a particular discursive formation, all texts are basically similar. And although author names are mentioned by Foucault, the author’s identity does not really count. Foucault is interested in the basic logic at work, anonymously almost. Notwithstanding the countless discussions and debates between authors, a spontaneous unanimity can be discerned, concerning basic presuppositions that remain unquestioned. At the same time, there are striking differences between discursive formations (between layers within libraries). Historians tend to be critical about this approach. Add more detail, and the epistemic fault lines become increasingly diffuse,—the theorem of epistemic discontinuity becomes difficult to uphold.
A Coupled CFD-DEM Approach to Model Reactive Granular Beds
Authors: Spijker Christoph , Pollhammer Werner
Published: July 2024

Packed and moving bed reactors are widely used in process industry to process granular material. Shaft furnaces are one example of this. Due to their counterflow layout, a high thermal efficiency can be achieved. Shaft furnaces have a wide range of length and time scales that makes them challenging to model. Geometric details, like injection nozzles, are smaller than the particle size, which need a computationally highly expensive resolved Discrete Element Method (DEM) approach. To overcome this problem, a computing technique called Volume Fraction Smoother (VFS) was developed. Since the time scales in those systems reach from milliseconds for the particle collisions to hours of process time, the process time scale must be separated to model a quasi-steady state with reasonable computing time. For this, the Time Scale Splitting Method (TSSM) was introduced. This method was also adapted to model the self-heating behaviour of direct reduced iron (DRI).