bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Digital Product Management in the Age of AI
Authors: Olsson Helena Holmström , Bosch Jan
Published: February 2024

The role of software product management is key for building, implementing and managing software products. However, although there is prominent research on software product management (SPM) there are few studies that explore how this role is rapidly changing due to digitalization and digital transformation of the software-intensive industry. In this paper, we study how key trends such as DevOps, data and artificial intelligence (AI), and the emergence of digital ecosystems are rapidly changing current SPM practices. Whereas earlier, product management was concerned with predicting the outcome of development efforts and prioritizing requirements based on these predictions, digital technologies require a shift towards experimental ways-of-working and hypotheses to be tested. To support this change, and to provide guidelines for future SPM practices, we first identify the key challenges that software-intensive embedded systems companies experience with regards to current SPM practices. Second, we present an empirically derived framework for strategic digital product management (SPM4AI) in which we outline what we believe are key practices for SPM in the age of AI.
Information-Centric Adoption and Use of Standard Compliant DevSecOps for Operational Technology: From Experience to Design Principles
Authors: Haverinen Henry , Päivärinta Tero , Vänskä Jussi , Joutsijoki Henry
Published: February 2024

Secure and agile development of operational technology (OT) and related software in industry is a crucial but challenging issue. Generally recognized standards such as IEC 62443–4-1 set up the requirements for cybersecurity processes for OT and software development. The main challenge of IEC 62443–4-1 resides in its adoption and implementation in practice, which originates from the standard’s complexity. We propose three novel design principles and two subsequent design objectives to be prioritized for future design-research oriented work on standard-compliant DevSecOps. The design principles have been formed after six years of experience and observations in cybersecurity consulting in industry, documented here as a piece of action design research (ADR). As a case study, we describe instantiation of the design principles at Valmet Automation Systems, one of the earliest IEC 62443–4-1 -certified companies. The proposed design principles altogether suggest for the information-centric view on the contextual adoption and use of the IEC 62443–4-1 standard in DevSecOps practices for OT.
Exploring Emotions in Online Team Meetings: Unpacking Agile Retrospective
Authors: Khanna Dron , Aldaeej Abdullah
Published: February 2024

Establishing a psychologically safe work environment is crucial for leading a positive and practical agile retrospective. Emotions are closely intertwined concepts that come under the roof of psychology. Capturing them at the right time helps to detect harmful or favourable online behaviours, hinder or facilitate the software development cycle, and moralize or demoralize the team in a software company. This study aims to identify emotions that appear during the online agile retrospective. Our study asks the research question: How often are different emotions repeated during the online agile retrospective? We conducted a multiple case study with two software companies. We analyzed three recorded online retrospective sessions to seize various emotions. Our findings show that eighteen emotions appear on the agile retrospective. Some of the highest repeated emotions are approval, realization, excitement, relief, disappointment, confusion, optimism, and disapproval.
Carbon Footprint Calculations for a Software Company – Adapting GHG Protocol Scopes 1, 2 and 3 to the Software Industry
Authors: Sipilä Antti , Partanen Laura , Porras Jari
Published: February 2024

Through non-financial reporting, such as CSRD, carbon footprint calculations are becoming mandatory in the software industry. The golden standard for reporting CO2 emissions is based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and its scopes 1, 2, and 3. However, as a producer of purely digital products, the software industry differs from traditional industries in its carbon footprint. The software industry value chain relies heavily on an infrastructure that can contribute most of its emissions. It has been recognized that there is a need for an industry-customized carbon emissions model that considers the software industry's peculiarities. The primary goal of this study is to define the main sources of climate impacts in the software industry and propose a model of the GHG Protocol adaptation to software companies. This research has been done in our Green ICT project and is based on interviews done in that project. The data for this research was collected from five software companies with different demographics and business models. The interviews, with a total amount of 14, were conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 during a service design process of an automated tool that facilitates green transition in software companies. The analysis of the interviews was supplemented with the results from four multi-stakeholder workshops conducted during the service design process, as well as with the analysis of a series of webinars around the topic. As a result of the study, the Software Company Scopes model for the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the software company and its value chain was created, and the GHG Protocol was tailored to the needs of the software industry. Thus, considering its industry-specific peculiarities, we may conclude that the GHG Protocol can be applied to the software industry.
Understanding Cost Dynamics of Serverless Computing: An Empirical Study
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Capilla Rafael
Published: February 2024

The advent of serverless computing has revolutionized the landscape of cloud computing, offering a new paradigm that enables developers to focus solely on their applications rather than managing and provisioning the underlying infrastructure. These applications involve integrating individual functions into a cohesive workflow for complex tasks. The pay-per-use model and nontransparent reporting by cloud providers make it difficult to estimate serverless costs, impeding informed business decisions. Existing research studies on serverless computing focus on performance optimization and state management, both from empirical and technical perspectives. However, the state-of-the-art shows a lack of empirical investigations on the understanding of the cost dynamics of serverless computing over traditional cloud computing. Therefore, this study delves into how organizations anticipate the costs of adopting serverless. It also aims to comprehend workload suitability and identify best practices for cost optimization of serverless applications. To this end, we conducted a qualitative (interviews) study with 15 experts from 8 companies involved in the migration and development of serverless systems. The findings revealed that, while serverless computing is highly suitable for unpredictable workloads, it may not be cost-effective for certain high-scale applications. The study also introduces a taxonomy for comparing the cost of adopting serverless versus traditional cloud.
Improving Communication and Collaboration in Enterprise Architecture Projects: Three Propositions from Three Public Sector EA Projects
Authors: Rouvari Ari , Pekkola Samuli
Published: February 2024

Enterprise architecture (EA) is infamous for implementation problems and unredeemed promises. Imprecise and unstandardized EA work practices and various definitions make it difficult to comprehend what should be done and how, and to advance digital transformation. Earlier studies have identified communication and collaboration challenges as one of the most common and fatal sources of problems. In this paper, we study how different actions help avoiding and addressing communication and collaboration problems in EA projects. We conduct a qualitative and comparative case study of three public sector EA projects in Finland. Our data is based on ethnographic observations, which were later inductively analyzed. As an outcome, we present a theoretical explanation of the phenomenon and make three propositions to manage and possibly overcome the problem.
Navigating ICT In-House Procurement in Finland: Evaluating Legal Frameworks and Practical Challenges
Authors: Ghezzi Reetta , Korhonen Minnamaria , Vilpponen Hannu , Mikkonen Tommi
Published: February 2024

In-house procurement is a controversial issue in the field of public procurement. Simply put, such procurement allows overlooking certain aspects of fair and equal treatment of vendors. This paper presents qualitative research on in-house ICT procurement within Finnish municipalities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather insights from municipal stakeholders. Using grounded theory approach, data analysis shows intricate dynamics between Finnish municipalities and in-house entities associated with them. Still, it is clear that the legal framework governing in-house procurement remains intricate and debated
.
Gluon scattering in AdS at finite string coupling from localization
Authors: Behan Connor , Chester Shai M. , Ferrero Pietro
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We consider gluons scattering in Type IIB string theory on AdS5 × S5/ℤ2 in the presence of D7 branes, which is dual to the flavor multiplet correlator in a certain 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 USp(2N) gauge theory with SO(8) flavor symmetry and complexified coupling τ. We compute this holographic correlator in the large N and finite τ expansion using constraints from derivatives of the mass deformed sphere free energy, which we compute to all orders in 1/N and finite τ using supersymmetric localization. In particular, we fix the F4 higher derivative correction to gluon scattering on AdS at finite string coupling τs = τ in terms of Jacobi theta functions, which feature the expected relations between the SL(2, ℤ) duality and the SO(8) triality of the CFT, and match it to the known flat space term. We also use the flat space limit to compute D2F4 corrections of the correlator at finite τ in terms of a non-holomorphic Eisenstein series. At weak string coupling, we find that the AdS correlator takes a form which is remarkably similar to that of the flat space Veneziano amplitude.
Asymptotics for singular limits via phase functions
Authors: Nordmann Samuel , Schochet Steve
Published: February 2024

The asymptotic behavior of solutions as a small parameter tends to zero is determined for a variety of singular-limit PDEs. In some cases even existence for a time independent of the small parameter was not known previously. New examples for which uniform existence does not hold are also presented. Our methods include both an adaptation of geometric optics phase analysis to singular limits and an extension of that analysis in which the characteristic variety determinant condition is supplemented with a periodicity condition.
Digitale Gesundheitstechnologien – das Recht als Hemmschuh oder Wegbereiter?
Authors: Freye Merle , Buchner Benedikt
Published: February 2024

Der potenzielle Nutzen digitaler Gesundheitstechnologien hängt im Bereich der populationsbezogenen Gesundheitsforschung maßgeblich davon ab, ob und in welchem Umfang sich diese Technologien auf eine Verarbeitung personenbezogener Gesundheitsdaten stützen lassen. Allerdings herrscht erhebliche Unsicherheit bei der Anwendung und Auslegung der einschlägigen rechtlichen Regelungen zur Verarbeitung von Forschungsdaten mittels digitaler Gesundheitstechnologien. Die Praxis der Forschungsdatenverarbeitung ist immer noch maßgeblich vom Primat der Einwilligung als Legitimationsgrundlage für eine Datenverarbeitung geprägt, obwohl das Informationsmodell des deutschen und europäischen Gesetzgebers mit seinen ambitionierten Anforderungen an die freiwillige und informierte Einwilligung realitätsfern ist. Auch die Konzepte des Broad Consent, Dynamic Consent und Meta Consent, die Alternativen zur klassischen Einwilligungslösung darstellen, können nicht sämtliche Defizite des Einwilligungsmodells beheben.

Um die informationelle Selbstbestimmung der betroffenen Personen zu gewährleisten und gleichzeitig die Interessen der Forschung im Public-Health-Bereich im Blick zu behalten, muss der Forschungsdatenschutz weiterentwickelt werden. Lösungen müssen dabei nicht nur am Einwilligungsverhalten selbst ansetzen, sondern auch eine Legitimation der Datenverarbeitung ganz ohne Einwilligung in den Blick nehmen oder auf eine unwiederbringliche Aufhebung des Personenbezugs der Daten abzielen. Dieser Diskussionsartikel beleuchtet die ambivalente Rolle des Rechts im Hinblick auf digitale Gesundheitstechnologien und zeigt, dass der oftmals als Hindernis verstandene Gesundheitsdatenschutz – bei entsprechender Weiterentwicklung – durchaus den Weg für digitale Gesundheitstechnologien bereiten kann.
Breeding progress of nitrogen use efficiency of cereal crops, winter oilseed rape and peas in long-term variety trials
Authors: Laidig F. , Feike T. , Lichthardt C. , Schierholt A. , Piepho H. P.
Published: February 2024

Key message

Grain yield and NUE increased over time while nitrogen yield did not drop significantly despite reduced nitrogen input. Selection for grain and nitrogen yield is equivalent to selection for NUE.

Breeding and registration of improved varieties with high yield, processing quality, disease resistance and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) are of utmost importance for sustainable crop production to minimize adverse environmental impact and contribute to food security. Based on long-term variety trials of cereals, winter oilseed rape and grain peas tested across a wide range of environmental conditions in Germany, we quantified long-term breeding progress for NUE and related traits. We estimated the genotypic, environmental and genotype-by-environment interaction variation and correlation between traits and derived heritability coefficients. Nitrogen fertilizer application was considerably reduced between 1995 and 2021 in the range of 5.4% for winter wheat and 28.9% for spring wheat while for spring barley it was increased by 20.9%. Despite the apparent nitrogen reduction for most crops, grain yield (GYLD) and nitrogen accumulation in grain (NYLD) was increased or did not significantly decrease. NUE for GYLD increased significantly for all crops between 12.8% and 35.2% and for NYLD between 8% and 20.7%. We further showed that the genotypic rank of varieties for GYLD and NYLD was about equivalent to the genotypic rank of the corresponding traits of NUE, if all varieties in a trial were treated with the same nitrogen rate. Heritability of nitrogen yield was about the same as that of grain yield, suggesting that nitrogen yield should be considered as an additional criterion for variety testing to increase NUE and reduce negative environmental impact.
Policies for young adults with reduced work capacity. Labour market impact in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Hall Caroline , Hardoy Inés , von Simson Kristine
Published: February 2024

The rising numbers of young people with disability pension concerns many advanced economies. We present results from a comparative analysis of the neighbouring countries Sweden and Norway on the impacts of differing policy mixes aimed at enhancing the employability of the work disabled. Using rich longitudinal data, we follow unemployed young adults (ages 25-29) with work-impairment up to four years after they became unemployed to investigate the effect of different types of labour market policies. Our results indicate that, despite differences in programme composition and strategies, there are surprisingly small country differences in treatment effect patterns and signs of estimated impacts. In line with previous studies, we find strong lock-in effects of both workplace-related programmes and training/educational programmes. After participation, workplace-related programmes about double the likelihood of entering regular employment or education. Participating in training courses also increases this likelihood, but effect sizes are smaller.
Long-term unemployment subsidies and middle-aged disadvantaged workers’ health
Authors: Garcia-Pérez José Ignacio , Serrano-Alarcón Manuel , Vall-Castelló Judit
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the labour market and health effects of a non-contributory long-term unemployment (LTU) benefit targeted at middle-aged disadvantaged workers. To do so, we exploit a Spanish reform introduced in July 2012 that increased the age eligibility threshold to receive the benefit from 52 to 55. Our results show that men who were eligible for the benefit experience a reduction in injury hospitalisations by 12.9% as well as a 2 percentage points drop in the probability of a mental health diagnosis. None of the results are significant for women. We document two factors that explain the gender differences: the labour market impact of the reform is stronger for men, and eligible men are concentrated in more physically demanding sectors, like construction. Importantly, we also find evidence of a program substitution effect between LTU and partial disability benefits. Our results highlight the role of long-term unemployment benefits as a protecting device for the (physical and mental) health of middle-aged, low-educated workers who are in a disadvantaged position in the labour market.
Tailored laser beam shapes for welding of copper using green laser radiation
Authors: Kaufmann Florian , Roth Stephan , Schmidt Michael
Published: February 2024

The rapid development of laser beam sources and adapted welding technologies in recent years lead to an increased use of laser welding techniques in automated production nowadays. Especially its precision and local energy input are key features for joining applications in electric vehicle components, where joints have to meet both mechanical and electrical requirements as current-carrying connections. However, the copper materials used are difficult to weld due to their physical properties, making a stable process with fewest seam imperfections only feasible within a limited process window. Recently available beam sources emitting visible laser radiation have proven to overcome the low absorptivity at process start, but spattering is still a prone defect significantly affecting process efficiency and quality. Literature approaches for modifying the energy input point to laser beam shaping as a method for reducing process imperfections, which, however, has not been extensively researched in copper processing using green laser radiation.

Thus, this study investigates the influence of a shaped intensity profile for visible laser radiation created with a reflective diffractive optical element in laser beam welding with laser powers up to 3 kW. A characterization of the process dynamics is performed by use of high-speed imaging, and metallographic analysis is used to elaborate benefits of the applied beam shapes. With beam shaping, an enlarged heat conduction welding regime and an advantageous seam shape are found. Furthermore, a decrease in spatter formation during deep penetration welding is detected for the elliptical beam profile, which correlates with an oscillation movement of the capillary.
A novel fault location method for the active distribution network based on dynamic quantum genetic algorithm
Authors: Wen Juan , Qu Xing , Liu Jie , Lin Siyu , Xiao Qiankang
Published: February 2024

The fault location of an active distribution network is a vital analysis to prevent major outages in the power system. Considering the influence of renewable distributed generations on fault characteristics, this paper proposes a novel location method based on a dynamic quantum genetic algorithm to solve for fault locations in active distribution networks. In the method, the fault current code is measured based on feeder terminal units. A universal switching function is presented to convert the feeder switch status into an uploaded fault current code. The fault location model is defined as an optimization problem that presents the evaluation objective function with an anti-false-positive factor. The dynamic quantum genetic algorithm is developed to locate the fault feeder according to the uploaded fault current code of the feeder terminal unit. The algorithm adopts dynamic rotating gate strategy and adaptive quantum crossover strategy to satisfy the requirements of quickness and accuracy for fault location. Moreover, the method avoids easily falling into a local optimum by integrating the discrete quantum mutation. The proposed fault location technique is tested and compared to other existing techniques on a 33-bus active distribution network. The simulation results show that the proposed fault location method can locate fault feeders accurately with fast computational times under conditions of single or multiple faults and with an information distortion of the feeder terminal unit.
Critical evaluation of the potential of ICP-MS-based systems in toxicological studies of metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Fernández-Trujillo Sergio , Jiménez-Moreno María , Rodríguez-Fariñas Nuria , Rodríguez Martín-Doimeadios Rosa Carmen
Published: February 2024

The extensive application of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in several fields has significantly impacted our daily lives. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the toxicity and potential risks associated with the vast number of NPs entering the environment and human bodies, so the performance of toxicological studies are highly demanded. While traditional assays focus primarily on the effects, the comprehension of the underlying processes requires innovative analytical approaches that can detect, characterize, and quantify NPs in complex biological matrices. Among the available alternatives to achieve this information, mass spectrometry, and more concretely, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), has emerged as an appealing option. This work critically reviews the valuable contribution of ICP-MS-based techniques to investigate NP toxicity and their transformations during in vitro and in vivo toxicological assays. Various ICP-MS modalities, such as total elemental analysis, single particle or single-cell modes, and coupling with separation techniques, as well as the potential of laser ablation as a spatially resolved sample introduction approach, are explored and discussed. Moreover, this review addresses limitations, novel trends, and perspectives in the field of nanotoxicology, particularly concerning NP internalization and pathways. These processes encompass cellular uptake and quantification, localization, translocation to other cell compartments, and biological transformations. By leveraging the capabilities of ICP-MS, researchers can gain deeper insights into the behaviour and effects of NPs, which can pave the way for safer and more responsible use of these materials.

Graphical abstract
Mycofiltration of Aqueous Iron (III) and Imidacloprid Solutions, and the Effects of the Filtrates on Selected Biomarkers of the Freshwater Snail Helisoma duryi
Authors: Mnkandla Sanele M. , Mosoabisane Mafereka Francis Tyson , Basopo Norah , Otomo Patricks Voua
Published: February 2024

To alleviate the burden of water contamination, a newly developed form of bioremediation known as mycofiltration can be employed. Mycofiltration is an environment-friendly technology involving the treatment of contaminated water by passing it through a network of saprophytic fungal mycelium. A mycofilter made of Pleurotus ostreatus was used for the removal of iron (III) and imidacloprid from aqueous solutions. Batch mycofiltration, at a dosage of 1 g of mycofilter per 50 mL, was performed on iron (III) solutions of different concentrations (0.99, 10.7, 22.9, and 27.72 mg/L) and pH (3.3, 7 and 11). For column mycofiltration, the mycofilter was packed into pyrex columns (3.3 × 15 cm) to desired bed heights. Iron (III) and imidacloprid solutions of 18.99 mg/L and 234.70 ng/L, respectively, were filtered at a constant flow rate. Thereafter, Helisoma duryi snails were exposed for 96 h to the respective filtrates, and their catalase and acetylcholinesterase activities were assessed. Batch mycofiltration showed iron (III) removal rates as high as 85%. Column mycofiltration showed removal rates of 94 and 31% for iron (III) and imidacloprid, respectively. Catalase activity was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the snails exposed to iron (III) or imidacloprid filtrates, compared to the snails exposed to the non-mycofiltered media. A significantly higher acetylcholinesterase activity was induced by iron (III) filtrates in comparison with the non-mycofiltered media (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in acetylcholinesterase activity (p > 0.05) in the snails exposed to mycofiltered and non-mycofiltered imidacloprid media. Mycofilter characterisation using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry revealed significant changes in transmittance intensity in the mycofilters used for the iron (III) vs the ones used for the imidacloprid solutions. Mycofiltration was found to improve water quality although iron (III) was removed more effectively than imidacloprid.
Comprehensive analysis and classification of retrocondylar ulnar groove morphology using CT imaging in an average population of adults
Authors: Przyklenk Axel , Hackl Michael , Leschinger Tim , Ott Nadine , Harbrecht Andreas , Müller Lars Peter , Wegmann Kilian
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Anatomical variations of the concave shaped retrocondylar ulnar groove (RUG) can contribute to ulnar nerve instability. However, there are currently limited available standardized data describing the anatomy of the RUG based on radiologic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT). This study aims to provide a comprehensive description and classification of RUG anatomy based on RUG angle measurements.

Methods

400 CT scans of the elbows of adults showing no signs of osseous damage were evaluated. RUG angles were measured in four anatomically defined axial planes that spanned from the proximal to the distal end of the RUG. Furthermore, distance measurements at the medial epicondyle were conducted. A classification system for the RUG is proposed based on the acquired RUG angles, aiming to categorize the individual angles according to the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Results

RUG angles were significantly larger in males compared to females (p < 0.001) accompanied by larger distances including the off-set and height of the medial epicondyle (p < 0.001). RUG angles decreased from proximal to distal locations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study revealed that men exhibited larger RUG angles compared to women, indicating a less-concave shape of the RUG in men. Introducing an objective RUG classification system can improve our understanding of anatomical variations and potentially find application in diagnostics and preoperative planning.
Weiterbildung in Psychedelika-assistierter Therapie – Erfahrungen aus der Schweiz
Authors: Aicher H. D. , Gasser P.
Published: February 2024

Erste Studienergebnisse zeigen ein Potenzial von Psychedelika und 3,4-Methylendioxy-N-methylamphetamin (MDMA) für die Behandlung von affektiven Störungen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird argumentiert, dass die Ausbildung von Therapeut*innen von entscheidender Bedeutung ist, um diese Substanzen in der Psychedelika-assistierten Therapie (PAT) sicher und wirksam einzusetzen. Verschiedene Kontexte, beispielsweise das Studiensetting oder die psychotherapeutische Praxis, erfordern unterschiedliche Qualifikationen von Behandler*innen. Zum Beispiel sind die Verantwortlichkeiten von Sitter*in und Therapeut*in zu differenzieren, was Implikationen für die entsprechenden Ausbildungsprogramme hat. Diese Vielfalt spiegelt sich auch international in den bereits bestehenden Angeboten wider. Die aktuelle Behandlungspraxis in der Schweiz basiert auf Ausnahmebewilligungen der Gesundheitsbehörde (Bundesamt für Gesundheit, BAG) für die beschränkte medizinische Anwendung von Lysergsäurediethylamid (LSD), MDMA und Psilocybin zur Behandlung von Patient*innen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird der psychotherapeutische Rahmen der PAT skizziert und die entsprechende Notwendigkeit einer spezialisierten Weiterbildung betont. Die Schweizerische Ärztegesellschaft für Psycholytische Therapie (SÄPT) bietet seit 2018 solche PAT-Weiterbildungen an. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Weiterbildungsstruktur, theoretische und praktische Inhalte sowie weitere Aspekte. Darüber hinaus wird die mögliche Relevanz der psychedelischen Selbsterfahrung der Therapeut*innen adressiert. Angesichts der zunehmenden Nachfrage und des aktuell begrenzten Angebots ist die Etablierung weiterer qualitativ hochwertiger, breit zugänglicher Fortbildungsprogramme von zentraler Bedeutung. Zur Qualitätssicherung spielen weitere Strukturen und insbesondere die kollegiale Vernetzung entscheidende Rollen.
Another view of sequential sampling in the birth process with immigration
Authors: da Silva Poly H. , Jamshidpey Arash , Tavaré Simon
Published: February 2024

We explore properties of the family sizes arising in a linear birth process with immigration (BI). In particular, we study the correlation of the number of families observed during consecutive disjoint intervals of time. Letting S(a, b) be the number of families observed in (a, b), we study the expected sample variance and its asymptotics for p consecutive sequential samples $$S_p =(S(t_0,t_1),\dots , S(t_{p-1},t_p))$$

S
p

=

(
S

(

t
0

,

t
1

)

,
⋯
,
S

(

t

p
-
1

,

t
p

)

)

, for $$0=t_0<t_1<\dots <t_p$$

0
=

t
0

<

t
1

<
⋯
<

t
p

. By conditioning on the sizes of the samples, we provide a connection between $$S_p$$

S
p

and p sequential samples of sizes $$n_1,n_2,\dots ,n_p$$

n
1

,

n
2

,
⋯
,

n
p

, drawn from a single run of a Chinese Restaurant Process. Properties of the latter were studied in da Silva et al. (Bernoulli 29:1166–1194, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3150/22-BEJ1494). We show how the continuous-time framework helps to make asymptotic calculations easier than its discrete-time counterpart. As an application, for a specific choice of $$t_1,t_2,\dots , t_p$$

t
1

,

t
2

,
⋯
,

t
p

, where the lengths of intervals are logarithmically equal, we revisit Fisher’s 1943 multi-sampling problem and give another explanation of what Fisher’s model could have meant in the world of sequential samples drawn from a BI process.
Energy deposition of ultrashort laser pulses in polyvinyl chloride measured by two-color pump-probe shadowgraphy
Authors: Schott Nils , Schaumann Gabriel , Brönner Matthias , Christ Fabian , Roth Markus
Published: February 2024

We report on the energy deposition of ultrashort laser pulses with two different intensities of 6 $$\hbox {TW cm}^{-2}$$

TW

cm

-
2

and 143 $$\hbox {TW cm}^{-2}$$

TW

cm

-
2

in polyvinyl chloride, using two-color pump-probe shadowgraphy. The interaction is imaged during the pulse propagation into the medium and up to 200 $$\upmu \textrm{s}$$

μ
s

after. The shadowgraphs show that higher-intensity pulses induce significantly more ionization of the material. Furthermore, it is shown that lower-intensity pulses propagate over the entire visible range of the shadowgraph without major losses, while higher-intensity pulses fade significantly after about 200 $$\upmu \textrm{s}$$

μ
s

. After the interaction, pulses of both intensities produce a similar temperature-induced shadowgraphy pattern. The observations of the ionization process, the propagation of the pulse in the medium, and the thermalization are explained based on theory regarding ultrashort pulse laser interaction with dielectrics. Furthermore, the ablation craters produced by multiple consecutive pulses of both intensities are compared. The crater produced with lower-intensity pulses shows trails of material change significantly below the ablation crater, while these trails do not exist when using pulses with higher intensity. This is attributed to the differences in pulse propagation observed in the shadowgraphs of single pulses. This work demonstrates, for the first time, the intensity dependence of energy deposition of ultrashort laser pulses in polyvinyl chloride and its consequences for laser micromachining.
The interplay of collagen, macrophages, and microcalcification in atherosclerotic plaque cap rupture mechanics
Authors: Jansen Imke , Cahalane Rachel , Hengst Ranmadusha , Akyildiz Ali , Farrell Eric , Gijsen Frank , Aikawa Elena , van der Heiden Kim , Wissing Tamar
Published: February 2024

The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque cap overlying a lipid pool and/or necrotic core can lead to thrombotic cardiovascular events. In essence, the rupture of the plaque cap is a mechanical event, which occurs when the local stress exceeds the local tissue strength. However, due to inter- and intra-cap heterogeneity, the resulting ultimate cap strength varies, causing proper assessment of the plaque at risk of rupture to be lacking. Important players involved in tissue strength include the load-bearing collagenous matrix, macrophages, as major promoters of extracellular matrix degradation, and microcalcifications, deposits that can exacerbate local stress, increasing tissue propensity for rupture. This review summarizes the role of these components individually in tissue mechanics, along with the interplay between them. We argue that to be able to improve risk assessment, a better understanding of the effect of these individual components, as well as their reciprocal relationships on cap mechanics, is required. Finally, we discuss potential future steps, including a holistic multidisciplinary approach, multifactorial 3D in vitro model systems, and advancements in imaging techniques. The obtained knowledge will ultimately serve as input to help diagnose, prevent, and treat atherosclerotic cap rupture.
Obesity management: sex-specific considerations
Authors: Kantowski Tobias , Schulze zur Wiesch Clarissa , Aberle Jens , Lautenbach Anne
Published: February 2024

Obesity is a global health issue that has grown to epidemic proportions. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), overweight and obesity are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths in Europe each year, representing > 13% of the region's total mortality. Highly processed, calorie-dense foods and reduced physical activity are considered as primary drivers of obesity, but genetic predisposition also plays a significant role. Notably, obesity is more prevalent in women than in men in most countries, and several obesity-related comorbidities exhibit sex-specific pathways. Treatment indication depends on BMI (body mass index), as well as existing comorbidities and risk factors. To reduce obesity-associated comorbidities, a permanent reduction in body weight of (at least) 5–10% is recommended. Treatment guidelines suggest an escalating stepwise approach including lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric-metabolic surgery. As cumulative evidence suggests differences in weight loss outcomes, there is growing interest in sex-specific considerations in obesity management. However, most trials do not report weight loss or changes in body composition separately for women and men. Here, we discuss state-of-the-art obesity management and focus on current data about the impact of sex on weight loss outcomes.
OCT risk factors for 2-year foveal involvement in non-treated eyes with extrafoveal geographic atrophy and AMD
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Barresi Costanza , Berni Alessandro , Viggiano Pasquale , Reibaldi Michele , Introini Ugo , Bandello Francesco
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the relationship of optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings and progression to foveal atrophy in a cohort of eyes with extrafoveal geographic atrophy (GA) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at inclusion.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 45 participants (45 eyes) with extrafoveal GA at baseline and with 2 years of regular follow-ups. Several OCT qualitative features (i.e., presence of foveal flat pigment epithelium detachment with a thin double layer sign [DLS] and reticular pseudodrusen, GA focality) and quantitative measurements (outer retinal layer thickness, retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] to Bruch’s membrane [BM] volume, minimum distance from the central foveal circle, and untransformed GA lesion size area) were assessed at baseline. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify independent significant predictors and compute odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of the development of atrophy.

Results

At month 24, 26 eyes (57.8%) developed atrophy in the foveal central circle, while 11 eyes (24.4%) developed atrophy in the foveal central point. Significant independent predictive features for the development of atrophy in the foveal central circle included foveal outer retinal thickness (OR, 0.867; p = 0.015), minimum distance from the foveal central circle (OR, 0.992; p = 0.022), and foveal thin DLS (OR, 0.044; p = 0.036). The only independent predictive feature for the development of atrophy in the foveal central point was the presence of foveal thin DLS (OR, 0.138; p = 0.017).

Conclusions

We identified OCT risk factors for 2-year foveal atrophy in eyes with untreated extrafoveal GA at baseline.
Increased body movement equals better performance? Not always! Musical style determines motion degree perceived as optimal in music performance
Authors: Moura Nádia , Fonseca Pedro , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Serra Sofia
Published: February 2024

Musicians’ body behaviour has a preponderant role in audience perception. We investigated how performers’ motion is perceived depending on the musical style and musical expertise. To further explore the effect of visual input, stimuli were presented in audio-only, audio–visual and visual-only conditions. We used motion and audio recordings of expert saxophone players playing two contrasting excerpts (positively and negatively valenced). For each excerpt, stimuli represented five motion degrees with increasing quantity of motion (QoM) and distinct predominant gestures. In the experiment (online and in-person), 384 participants rated performance recordings for expressiveness, professionalism and overall quality. Results revealed that, for the positively valenced excerpt, ratings increased as a function of QoM, whilst for the negatively valenced, the recording with predominant flap motion was favoured. Musicianship did not have a significant effect in motion perception. Concerning multisensory integration, both musicians and non-musicians presented visual dominance in the positively valenced excerpt, whereas in the negatively valenced, musicians shifted to auditory dominance. Our findings demonstrate that musical style not only determines the way observers perceive musicians’ movement as adequate, but also that it can promote changes in multisensory integration.
Electron microscopic analysis of the influence of iPSC-derived motor neurons on bioengineered human skeletal muscle tissues
Authors: Nguyen Christine T. , Chávez-Madero Carolina , Jacques Erik , Musgrave Brennen , Yin Ting , Saraci Kejzi , Gilbert Penney M. , Stewart Bryan A.
Published: February 2024

3D bioengineered skeletal muscle macrotissues are increasingly important for studies of cell biology and development of therapeutics. Tissues derived from immortalized cells obtained from patient samples, or from pluripotent stem cells, can be co-cultured with motor-neurons to create models of human neuromuscular junctions in culture. In this study, we present foundational work on 3D cultured muscle ultrastructure, with and without motor neurons, which is enabled by the development of a new co-culture platform. Our results show that tissues from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients are poorly organized compared to tissues grown from healthy donor and that the presence of motor neurons invariably improves sarcomere organization. Electron micrographs show that in the presence of motor neurons, filament directionality, banding patterns, z-disc continuity, and the appearance of presumptive SSR and T-tubule profiles all improve in healthy, DMD-, and iPSC-derived muscle tissue. Further work to identify the underlying defects of DMD tissue disorganization and the mechanisms by which motor neurons support muscle are likely to yield potential new therapeutic approaches for treating patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Component stability in low-space massively parallel computation
Authors: Czumaj Artur , Davies-Peck Peter , Parter Merav
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we study the power and limitations of component-stable algorithms in the low-space model of massively parallel computation (). Recently Ghaffari, Kuhn and Uitto (FOCS 2019) introduced the class of component-stable low-space algorithms, which are, informally, those algorithms for which the outputs reported by the nodes in different connected components are required to be independent. This very natural notion was introduced to capture most (if not all) of the known efficient algorithms to date, and it was the first general class of algorithms for which one can show non-trivial conditional lower bounds. In this paper we enhance the framework of component-stable algorithms and investigate its effect on the complexity of randomized and deterministic low-space . Our key contributions include: 1. We revise and formalize the lifting approach of Ghaffari, Kuhn and Uitto. This requires a very delicate amendment of the notion of component stability, which allows us to fill in gaps in the earlier arguments. 2. We also extend the framework to obtain conditional lower bounds for deterministic algorithms and fine-grained lower bounds that depend on the maximum degree $$\Delta $$
Δ
. 3. We demonstrate a collection of natural graph problems for which deterministic component-unstable algorithms break the conditional lower bound obtained for component-stable algorithms. This implies that, in the context of deterministic algorithms, component-stable algorithms are conditionally weaker than the component-unstable ones. 4. We also show that the restriction to component-stable algorithms has an impact in the randomized setting. We present a natural problem which can be solved in O(1) rounds by a component-unstable algorithm, but requires $$\Omega (\log \log ^* n)$$

Ω
(
log

log
∗

n
)

rounds for any component-stable algorithm, conditioned on the connectivity conjecture. Altogether our results imply that component-stability might limit the computational power of the low-space model, at least in certain contexts, paving the way for improved upper bounds that escape the conditional lower bound setting of Ghaffari, Kuhn, and Uitto.
Laparoscopic appendectomy with single port vs conventional access: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Cirocchi Roberto , Cianci Maria Chiara , Amato Lavinia , Properzi Luca , Buononato Massimo , Di Rienzo Vanessa Manganelli , Tebala Giovanni Domenico , Avenia Stefano , Iandoli Ruggero , Santoro Alberto , Vettoretto Nereo , Coletta Riccardo , Morabito Antonino
Published: February 2024

Background

Conventional three-access laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) is currently the gold standard treatment, however, Single-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy (SILA) has been proposed as an alternative. The aim of this systematic review/meta-analysis was to evaluate safety and efficacy of SILA compared with conventional approach.

Methods

Per PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CLA vs SILA for acute appendicitis. The randomised Mantel–Haenszel method was used for the meta-analysis. Statistical data analysis was performed with the Review Manager software and the risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane "Risk of Bias" assessment tool.

Results

Twenty-one studies (RCTs) were selected (2646 patients). The operative time was significantly longer in the SILA group (MD = 7,32), confirmed in both paediatric (MD = 9,80), (Q = 1,47) and adult subgroups (MD = 5,92), (Q = 55,85). Overall postoperative morbidity was higher in patients who underwent SILA, but the result was not statistically significant. In SILA group were assessed shorter hospital stays, fewer wound infections and higher conversion rate, but the results were not statistically significant. Meta-analysis was not performed about cosmetics of skin scars and postoperative pain because different scales were used in each study.

Conclusions

This analysis show that SILA, although associated with fewer postoperative wound infection, has a significantly longer operative time. Furthermore, the risk of postoperative general complications is still present. Further studies will be required to analyse outcomes related to postoperative pain and the cosmetics of the surgical scar.
Continuous improvement of quality of care in pediatric diabetes: the ISPED CARD clinical registry
Authors: Nicolucci Antonio , Graziano Giusi , Lombardo Fortunato , Rabbone Ivana , Rossi Maria Chiara , Vespasiani Giacomo , Zucchini Stefano , Bonfanti Riccardo ,   The ISPED CARD Study Group, Bracciolini G. P. , Cherubini V. , Bobbio A. , Zucchini S. , Suprani T. , Donno V. , Lombardo F. , Bonfanti R. , Franzese A. , Rabbone I. , Graziani V. , Zampolli M. , Rutigliano I. , deSanctis L. , Guerraggio L. P. , Franceschi R. , Tornese G. , ranco F. F , Maffeis C. , Arnaldi C.
Published: February 2024

Aim

In Italy, the ISPED CARD initiative was launched to measure and improve quality of care in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Process and outcome indicators and the related information derived from electronic medical records were identified. A network of pediatric diabetes centers was created on a voluntary basis.

Results

Overall, 20 centers provided data on 3284 patients aged <  = 18 years. HbA1c was monitored ≥ 2/year in 81.2% of the cases. BMI was monitored ≥ 1/year in 99.0%, lipid profile in 45.3%, and blood pressure in 91.7%. Pubertal status, albuminuria, eye examination, and screening of celiac disease and thyroiditis were underreported. From 2017 to 2021, average HbA1c levels decreased from 7.8 ± 1.2 to 7.6 ± 1.3%, while patients with LDL cholesterol > 100 mg/dl increased from 18.9 to 36.7%. Prevalence of patients with elevated blood pressure and BMI/SDS values also increased. In 2021, 44.7% of patients were treated with the newest basal insulins, while use of regular human insulin had dropped to 7.7%. Use of insulin pump remained stable (37.9%).

Conclusions

This report documents the feasibility of the ISPED CARD initiative and shows lights and shadows in the care provided. Improving care, increasing number of centers, and ameliorating data recording represent future challenges.