bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Stimuli‐Responsive Materials for Precision Medicine
Authors: Zheng Ruixuan , Yu Chang , Yao Dan , Cai Mengsi , Zhang Lexiang , Ye Fangfu , Huang Xiaoying
Published: October 2024

Over the past decade, precision medicine has garnered increasing attention, making significant strides in discovering new therapeutic drugs and mechanisms, resulting in notable achievements in symptom alleviation, pain reduction, and extended survival rates. However, the limited target specificity of primary drugs and inter‐individual differences have often necessitated high‐dosage strategies, leading to challenges such as restricted deep tissue penetration rates and systemic side effects. Material science advancements present a promising avenue for these issues. By leveraging the distinct internal features of diseased regions and the application of specific external stimuli, responsive materials can be tailored to achieve targeted delivery, controllable release, and specific biochemical reactions. This review aims to highlight the latest advancements in stimuli‐responsive materials and their potential in precision medicine. Initially, we introduce disease‐related internal stimuli and capable external stimuli, elucidating the reaction principles of responsive functional groups. Subsequently, we provide a detailed analysis of representative pre‐clinical achievements of stimuli responsive materials across various clinical applications, including enhancements in the treatment of cancers, injury diseases, inflammatory diseases, infection diseases, and high‐throughput microfluidic biosensors. Finally, we discuss some clinical challenges, such as off‐target effects, long‐term impacts of nano‐materials, potential ethical concerns, and offer insights into future perspectives of stimuli‐responsive materials.
Enrichment of Active Hydrogen at Amorphous CoO/Cu2O Heterojunction Interfaces Enhances Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Li Yufeng , Jia Xiaojie , Shen Jianhua , Zhu Yihua , Li Chunzhong
Published: October 2024

The reduction of nitrate into valuable ammonia via electrocatalysis offers a green and sustainable synthetic pathway for ammonia. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) encompasses two crucial reaction steps: nitrate deoxygenation and nitrite hydrogenation. Notably, the nitrite hydrogenation reaction is regarded as the rate‐determining step of the process. Herein, the amorphous CoO support introduced for the construction of the a‐CoO/Cu2O tandem catalyst provides sufficient active hydrogen and synergistically catalyzes the NO3RR. The a‐CoO/Cu2O catalyst showed excellent performance with a maximum NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 95.72% and a maximum yield rate of 0.96 mmol h−1 mgcat−1 at −0.4 V. In the flow cell, the maximum NH3 yield rate of 12.14 mmol h−1 mgcat−1 is achieved at −800 mA. The high NO3RR activity of a‐CoO/Cu2O is attributed to the synergistic cascade effect of amorphous CoO and Cu2O at the heterojunction interface, where Cu2O serves as the adsorption site for NO3−, while the accelerated active hydrogen generation of amorphous CoO promotes the nitrite hydrogenation reaction. This work provides a strategy for designing multi‐site cascade catalysts centered on amorphous structures to achieve efficient NO3RR.
Self‐Assembly Hybrid Manufacture of Nanoarrays for Metasurfaces
Authors: Yu Bowen , Ma Yuan , Wang Yujiao , Song Lele , Yu Guoxu , Zhang Xuanhe , Wang Qingyi , Pang Zuobo , Zhang Ye , Wang Qi , Wang Jiadao
Published: October 2024

The development of metasurfaces necessitates the rapid fabrication of nanoarrays on diverse substrates at large scales, the preparation of patterned nanoarrays on both planar and curved surfaces, and even the creation of nanoarrays on prefabricated structures to form multiscale metastructures. However, conventional fabrication methods fall short of these rigorous requirements. In this work, a novel self‐assembly hybrid manufacturing (SAHM) method is introduced for the rapid and scalable fabrication of shape‐controllable nanoarrays on various rigid and flexible substrates. This method can be easily integrated with other fabrication techniques, such as lithography and screen printing, to produce patterned nanoarrays on both planar and non‐developable surfaces. Utilizing the SAHM method, nanoarrays are fabricated on prefabricated micropillars to create multiscale pillar‐nanoarray metastructures. Measurements indicate that these multiscale metastructures can manipulate electromagnetic waves across a range of wavelengths. Therefore, the SAHM method demonstrates the potential of multiscale structures as a new paradigm for the design and fabrication of metasurfaces.
Extracting Fix Patterns for Static Analysis Violations Based on Collective Developer Knowledge
Authors: Karatzas Michael , Diamantopoulos Themistoklis , Symeonidis Andreas
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Much of the effort spent on software development is allocated on detecting and fixing bugs or, more generally, violations that lead to erroneous or inefficient code. Although static analysis tools aspire to automate bug detection, their usage is typically limited to code style rules and typical violations, while they only provide generic instructions for bug fixing. As a result, contemporary approaches focus on extracting bug‐fix patterns from source code revisions (commits).

Methodology

In this work, we build a methodology that extracts fix patterns for violations detected by the PMD static analysis tool. In contrast to current approaches, which employ specific data sources and focus on particular violations, our system extracts source code edits from multiple GitHub repositories and maps them into 36 different types of violations. By employing a detailed syntax tree representation and a tree edit distance technique, we build a similarity scheme for source code edits, which is used to group them into clusters. We employ two clustering algorithms, K‐medoids and DBSCAN, and further optimize them using a purity metric to produce clusters that correspond to specific fixes.

Results

Our evaluation indicates that DBSCAN extracts more cohesive clusters (purity more than 0.9), which effectively target specific PMD rules, while K‐medoids extracts generic clusters (purity around 0.7) that pinpoint common edits.

Conclusion

Finally, upon analyzing the diversity of the sources from which fixes are derived (commits and repositories), we conclude that they are generic enough to reflect how similar issues are dealt with by the developer community.
A large type Va dermoid sinus (true dermoid cyst) on the dorsal thoracic region in an English Springer Spaniel dog
Authors: Basinska Malwina , McCready Daniella
Published: October 2024

A 3.5‐year‐old, male, neutered English Springer Spaniel dog presented for a large subcutaneous mass on the dorsal thoracic region. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan confirmed a fluid‐filled subcutaneous lesion with no evidence of connection to the spinal cord. Complete surgical excision was performed. Histopathological examination was consistent with a dermoid sinus. A seroma developed post‐operatively and was successfully managed surgically. The patient made a full recovery. This is the first reported case of a type Va dermoid sinus on the dorsal thoracic region in an English Springer Spaniel dog.
Predictors of and outcomes related to perioperative myocardial injury post‐tracheotomy
Authors: Lesh Randy W. , Park Jino , Desiato Vincent M. , Matsumura Martin , Haugen Thorsen W.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) is associated with increased mortality. We describe risk factors for and outcomes of PMI in patients undergoing tracheotomy.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients undergoing tracheotomy from 2007 to 2016. PMI was defined by a postoperative cardiac troponin I (cTnI) > 99th percentile. Demographics and comorbidities were extracted from the electronic medical record and compared between patients with and without PMI. Significant univariate predictors were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to determine independent predictors of PMI. Thirty‐day and 1‐year mortality of patients with and without PMI were compared.

Results

Of 861 patients undergoing tracheotomy, 41 (4.76%) had PMI and 820 (95.24%) did not. PMI was associated with higher mortality at both 30 days (40.5% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001) and 1 year (73.2% vs. 44.1%, p < 0.001). Patients with PMI were older (median age 65 vs. 60, p = 0.002) and more likely to have prior myocardial infarction (MI) (36.6% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (31.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.024). Cancer diagnosis was associated with a lower risk of PMI (24.4% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.041). Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.033, p < 0.001) and prior MI (OR = 3.686, p < 0.001) were independently associated with PMI.

Conclusion

Patients with PMI following tracheotomy had increased short‐ and long‐term mortality. Increased age and history of prior MI were independent predictors of PMI, while cancer was associated with a lower risk of PMI following tracheotomy. ICU patients likely have more acute ailments contributing to a higher risk of PMI and poorer outcomes compared to cancer patients requiring tracheotomy. We propose routine screening for PMI with cTnI in the postoperative period in all tracheotomy patients.
Quality Assured: Rethinking Annotation Strategies in Imaging AI
Authors: Rädsch Tim , Reinke Annika , Weru Vivienn , Tizabi Minu D. , Heller Nicholas , Isensee Fabian , Kopp-Schneider Annette , Maier-Hein Lena
Published: October 2024

This paper does not describe a novel method. Instead, it studies an essential foundation for reliable benchmarking and ultimately real-world application of AI-based image analysis: generating high-quality reference annotations. Previous research has focused on crowdsourcing as a means of outsourcing annotations. However, little attention has so far been given to annotation companies, specifically regarding their internal quality assurance (QA) processes. Therefore, our aim is to evaluate the influence of QA employed by annotation companies on annotation quality and devise methodologies for maximizing data annotation efficacy. Based on a total of 57,648 instance segmented images obtained from a total of 924 annotators and 34 QA workers from four annotation companies and Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), we derived the following insights: (1) Annotation companies perform better both in terms of quantity and quality compared to the widely used platform MTurk. (2) Annotation companies’ internal QA only provides marginal improvements, if any. However, improving labeling instructions instead of investing in QA can substantially boost annotation performance. (3) The benefit of internal QA depends on specific image characteristics. Our work could enable researchers to derive substantially more value from a fixed annotation budget and change the way annotation companies conduct internal QA.
Diesseits des Sachenrechts
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Die bisherige Untersuchung hat gezeigt, dass das geltende schweizerische Recht Tiere auch im 21. Jahrhundert strukturell im Status eines Rechtsobjekts belässt. Tiere bleiben als «sachähnliche» Rechtsobjekte weiterhin dem Anwendungsbereich des Sachenrechts unterstellt: Sie bleiben insbesondere eigentumsfähig und damit mögliches Objekt weiterer dinglicher Rechte. Die nominelle «Ent-Sachlichung» entfaltet somit keine grundlegende Wirkung auf die Verortung der Tiere im Sachenrecht.
Ursprünge der Tierethikdebatte im 20. Jahrhundert
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Die tierverachtenden Zustände in der industrialisierten Landwirtschaft rückten im 20. Jahrhundert durch die Publikationen der Britin Ruth Harrison (1920–2000) in den Fokus der Öffentlichkeit. Sie publizierte im Jahr 1964 das Buch Animal Machines – The New Factory Farming Industry, das auch als Serie in einigen britischen Tageszeitungen erschien. Das Buch war mit einzelnen Fotografien versehen und informierte die breite Öffentlichkeit erstmals über die Zustände und Praktiken in der industrialisierten sog. Milch- und Fleischwirtschaft sowie in der Geflügelzucht.
Gibt es notwendige Eigenschaften von Rechtssubjekten?
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Rechtssubjekte sind definitionsgemäss rechtsfähig, das heisst, sie haben Rechte, welche ihnen als Individuen zustehen (sog. subjektive oder individuelle Rechte). Die Fähigkeit, Rechte zu haben, trennt Rechtssubjekte von Rechtsobjekten. Sie wird von Eugen Bucher als die «Fähigkeit, im Rechte Existenz zu haben», umschrieben. Eugen Bucher und Regina Aebi-Müller verstehen die Rechtsfähigkeit denn auch formal als Voraussetzung oder Vorbedingung für die Rechtsträgerschaft.
Wer hat Interessen?
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Geht man davon aus, dass ein interessentheoretischer Ansatz in der Lage sein sollte, den Kreis der Rechtsträger ohne Rekurs auf vortheoretische Kriterien zu bestimmen, ist der verwendete Interessenbegriff von fundamentaler Bedeutung. Er entscheidet letztlich darüber, wer überhaupt als potentieller Rechtsträger infrage kommt und wer nicht. Dies wurde bereits daran deutlich, dass verschiedene Interessentheoretiker wie Nelson, Feinberg oder Merkel unterschiedliche Entitäten als Rechtsträger anerkennen. Insofern haben interessenbasierte Ansätze nicht durchwegs eine «limitierende Stossrichtung» wie Kurt Seelmann befürchtet.
Schluss
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Menschen und Tiere teilen die körperliche Verfasstheit ihres Lebens. Damit geht eine besondere Verletzlichkeit einher. Menschen und mindestens diejenigen Tiere, die nach unserem Wissen empfindungsfähig sind, erleben Gutes und Schlechtes, das ihnen widerfährt als ihr eigenes.
Die Konsequenz aus der anthropologischen Differenz: Was folgt aus dem Fehlen der Vernunft bei Tieren?
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Ethik beschäftigt sich mit Handlungen. Zum Begriff der Handlung gehört in einem ethischen Kontext Wahlfreiheit: Eine Handlung setzt demnach voraus, dass der oder die Handelnde auch die Option hat, sie zu unterlassen oder eine alternative Handlung zu wählen. Handlungen bedingen folglich Handlungsfähigkeit. Nach derzeitigem Wissensstand sind nur Menschen in der Lage, ihre Handlungen bewusst zu reflektieren und nach übergeordneten normativen Kriterien auszurichten. Nur Menschen sind vernunftfähig und können autonom, d. h. frei, handeln. Diese Fähigkeit ist die Bedingung jeder ethischen Verpflichtung.
Unterschiede zwischen frühen Tierrechtstheorien und Tierschutzansatz
Authors: Michel Margot
Published: October 2024

Die ideengeschichtliche Beschäftigung mit der Diskussion um die anthropologische Differenz, mit der Geschichte des Tiers im Recht und vor allem mit den frühen Tierschutz- und Tierrechtsansätzen hat einige Erkenntnisse zutage gefördert, die für den weiteren Verlauf der Untersuchung wichtig sein werden: Erstens ist deutlich geworden, dass die Frage der rechtlichen Exklusion oder Inklusion der Tiere und die hierfür gewählte Rechtskonzeption massgeblich davon abhängt, welcher philosophisch-naturwissenschaftliche Bezugsrahmen das Verhältnis zwischen Menschen und Tieren dominiert.
Decomposition squared
Authors: Sharpe E. , Zhang H.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we test and extend a proposal of Gu, Pei, and Zhang for an application of decomposition to three-dimensional theories with one-form symmetries and to quantum K theory. The theories themselves do not decompose, but, OPEs of parallel one-dimensional objects (such as Wilson lines) and dimensional reductions to two dimensions do decompose, sometimes in two independent ways. We apply this to extend conjectures for quantum K theory rings of gerbes (realized by three-dimensional gauge theories with one-form symmetries) via both orbifold partition functions and gauged linear sigma models.
Dispersion relation from Lorentzian inversion in 1d CFT
Authors: Bonomi Davide , Forini Valentina
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Starting from the Lorentzian inversion formula, we derive a dispersion relation which computes a four-point function in 1d CFTs as an integral over its double discontinuity. The crossing symmetric kernel of the integral is given explicitly for the case of identical operators with integer or half-integer scaling dimension. This derivation complements the one that uses analytic functionals. We use the dispersion relation to evaluate holographic correlators defined on the half-BPS Wilson line of planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills, reproducing results up to fourth order in an expansion at large t’Hooft coupling.
Seasonal variations of vitamins A, E and carotenoids in eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) from a Danish fjord, in relation to reproductive cycle
Authors: Tairova Zhanna M. , Strand Jakob
Published: October 2024

Retinoids (vitamin A) and tocopherols (vitamin E) are essential for key biological functions in vertebrates, including cell growth, cell death and differentiation, embryonic development, reproduction and vision. In fish, however, much less is known about the retinoid functions, although retinoic acid has been shown to be involved in embryonic development. In this study, we quantified the levels of different retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E in various tissues of both adult and embryos of the viviparous fish eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). Our results demonstrate clear seasonal differences in the levels of these vitamins in the liver of the female fish as well as in its ovarian tissues, eggs and/or embryos. Overall, this study is a baseline assessment and describes the annual variations in the vitamin status by comparing the tissue distribution of retinoids, carotenoids and vitamin E. This baseline study investigates the natural background levels of these compounds and relates their seasonal fluctuations to the reproductive cycle in the viviparous eelpout. The results of this study strengthen the current evidence base necessary to understand retinoid pathways during fish development. This understanding is crucial for utilizing retinoid composition in fish as a biological response to exposure to environmental pollution with hazardous substances in the marine environment.
Linking sustainability reporting and energy use through global reporting initiative standards and sustainable development goals
Authors: Molnár Péter , Suta Alex , Lukács Bence , Tóth Árpád
Published: October 2024

This paper addresses the critical need for an integrated approach to sustainability reporting by examining the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles within the automotive industry. By focusing on the top 8 highest-revenue global automakers in 2022, the study utilizes the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to assess contributions to SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and other pertinent indicators. A comprehensive content analysis and logistic regression analysis are employed to explore the correlation between energy use and compliance with GRI standards from 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal significant trends in sustainability reporting, with a noted decrease in quality in the final year analyzed. Specifically, GRI 302-3 (energy intensity) shows a significant negative relationship with energy consumption, indicating higher energy usage correlates with lower compliance. The study reinforces the necessity for more transparent and effective sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance corporate practices and drive progress toward sustainability goals.

Graphical abstract
Seasonal Variation in Birth Rates: Physiology versus Family Planning
Authors: Tomkins Joseph L. , Black Robert , Hazel Wade N.
Published: October 2024

Seasonal variation in birth rates is a ubiquitous property of human populations. Although the general birth rate is dependent on relatively few parameters—sexual behavior, zygote survival, and the number of ova released—the quantitative influence of the effects of each is difficult to estimate. Research has been directed more towards seasonal variation in physiology and less towards behavioral effects such as preferences for birthing in particular seasons. This may be because alongside seasonal variation in birth rate there is also seasonal variation in the multiple birth rate, which necessarily depends on the same physiological factors as the birth rate, suggestive of a link. Here we use a simulation that follows females through their reproductive lives, replicating the incidence of singleton and twin births that arise from single and double ovulations. We use the simulation to quantify the impact of seasonal variation in the physiological variables that affect birth rate. We can generate the seasonal variation in twinning rates observed in European populations, but this does not generate the magnitude of the observed seasonal variation in birth rate. Our simulation shows that, despite correlations between twinning rate and general birth rate, seasonal changes in sexual behavior are necessary to explain the magnitude of the seasonal variation in the general birth rate in humans.
Are Fairness Perceptions Related to Moral Licensing Behavior? Evidence From Tax Compliance
Authors: Bobek Donna , Hageman Amy , Hausserman Cass
Published: October 2024

This study investigates how the presence, and subsequent repeal, of a tax incentive for a prosocial behavior influences fairness perceptions and tax compliance for those who are and are not eligible for the incentive. Results of a multi-round experiment with 309 U.S. taxpayers show that individuals who engage in the prosocial behavior of making a charitable donation do not exhibit moral licensing behavior. Instead, those who give, versus do not give, engage in higher levels of tax compliance. In fact, we even observe consistency for those with the most motivation to morally license—those who donate to charity but also perceive the tax system as unfair. In addition, tax system fairness perceptions only influence the compliance decisions of individuals who do not engage in the prosocial incentivized behavior. Finally, we also show that a tax incentive for charitable giving is effective. Those who are eligible for a charitable-giving related tax incentive are more likely to give to charity than individuals who are ineligible for such an incentive; additionally, these incentivized activities decrease by one-third when the incentive is repealed. The study results add to the literature on moral licensing, charitable giving, and tax fairness and have several policy implications. We confirm that tax incentives are, on the margin, effective at encouraging prosocial behavior and that perceiving the tax system as unfair can reduce the tax compliance for some individuals. In particular, our results suggest that focusing scarce audit resources on non-donators may be an efficient way to detect non-compliance.
Social-LCA providing new insights and learnings for social responsibility—case pulp and paper industry
Authors: Pihkola Hanna , Hylkilä Eveliina , Paronen Essi , Markkula Annu , Liirus Henna
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper presents the lessons learnt from testing the ORIENTING S-LCA methodology for a case product of Stora Enso, a globally operating forest industry company. The main purpose of the study was to explore what kind of additional insights and benefits the S-LCA method could provide compared to other existing social responsibility methods and approaches used by companies.

Methods

The paper briefly describes the applied ORIENTING S-LCA method and its application in the case study, focusing on main learnings gained and development needs identified. The S-LCA methodology proposed in ORIENTING builds upon the UNEP Guidelines for S-LCA (UNEP 2020) and the Handbook for Product Social Impact Assessment (Goedkoop et al. 2020). S-LCA methodology relies on the reference scale approach (RSA) and combines qualitative and quantitative evaluations for assessing social performance and social risk along the product’s life cycle. Social performance assessment approach was applied for company’s own processes covering several life cycle stages and the risk assessment for assessing the supply chain.

Results and discussion

Based on the case company’s experience, social assessments are currently conducted mainly on company or facility level. Moving towards product-based assessments could help gaining a more transparent view of products’ value chains and bring new possibilities for example to supplier specific sustainability audits. With the product-based S-LCA, the company could more easily identify, e.g., in which life cycle stage they would have most gaps on information and on which social matters, and take different stakeholders’ needs better into consideration in different life cycle stages. Areas that require further development concern especially data availability, assessment efficacy, and formulation of social topics.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that the S-LCA methodology offers several benefits when addressing social sustainability issues in the pulp and paper industry. Comprehensive view over different social topics, life cycle perspective, and stakeholder identification are key elements of S-LCA that may support identifying relevant sustainability topics for the purposes of corporate sustainability reporting. Additionally, they can support defining appropriate mitigation actions that will be required for complying with the requirements related to corporate sustainability due diligence.
Social life cycle assessment of calves in Mexico and identification of barriers in the use of a generic database
Authors: Rivera-Huerta Adriana , Padilla-Rivera Alejandro , Galindo Francisco , González-Rebeles Carlos , Güereca Leonor Patricia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Social impacts regarding animal-based food are on the global agenda for sustainability development, especially due to reoccurring problems related to human rights, labor rights, decent work, and indifference to farm animal welfare. Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) is considered an ideal tool for understanding social problems that may arise in the value chains of products and services. This study aims to (1) assess the social risks and opportunities associated with calf rearing using a generic database and (2) analyze the barriers of a generic database applied to S-LCA of animal-based food.

Methods

An S-LCA was carried out in the livestock sector, using midpoint indicators employing the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database, based on 49 indicators. The functional unit was defined as producing 0.39 kg of live-weight calf in Mexico, a quantity corresponding to 1 USD necessary to assess the impacts with the PSILCA database. OpenLCA software version 1.10, 2020 was used to model the product system, incorporating foreground and background processes from the PSILCA database v.2. The results were analyzed to identify the critical indicators missing in the study, and the relevance of their inclusion was discussed.

Results and discussion

The highest impacts found are related to “trade unionism,” “certified environmental management system,” “sanitation coverage,” “public sector corruption,” and “drinking water coverage,” impacts that coincide with other studies of S-LCA in the agricultural sector. From the analysis of results, some limitations were identified in using the PSILCA database in animal-based food, such as the required granularity to discern slight differences between production systems, which can reduce understanding of the social implications in a differentiated way. Furthermore, indicators of the ethical treatment of animals and farm crime can be crucial in the agricultural sector in Latin America; therefore, these must be included in the social sustainability analysis of animal-based food.

Conclusion

The use of the PSILCA database highlighted key social risks associated with calf rearing in Mexico, specifically in relation to “safe and healthy living conditions” for the local community and “health and safety” for workers. However, the limitations of the PSILCA database, particularly its lack of granularity for the agricultural sector in the Latin American region, suggest the need for further interdisciplinary research. By integrating more region-specific knowledge and enhancing the database’s granularity, the evaluation of non-intensive livestock systems can be significantly improved, allowing for a more accurate representation of social sustainability in this context.
A case of complete response to radiotherapy combined with durvalumab and tremelimumab in a patient with unknown primary hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the lumbar spine
Authors: Tanaka Aiko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Murakami Eisuke , Hayes Clair Nelson , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Oka Shiro
Published: October 2024

A 58-year-old man visited an orthopedic clinic complaining of pain in his right lower back and numbness in his lower limbs for one month. Imaging tests revealed a tumorous lesion from the left side of the second lumbar vertebra to the paraspinal muscles. CT-guided biopsy of the tumor was performed, and immunostaining results diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the liver showed signs of chronic liver damage, no primary tumor was found within the liver or in other organs. Blood tests showed negative hepatitis virus markers for both HBV and HCV. The tumor markers AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP were high. Because he developed spinal cord compression syndrome due to a lumbar tumor, radiation therapy and denosumab administration were performed. Subsequently, systemic therapy with durvalumab plus tremelimumab was started. In the year following the start of treatment, the tumor has shrunk, and no new lesions have been observed. Tumor markers have also decreased. We have experienced a case of HCC in the lumbar spine without a primary tumor in the liver. This is a very rare case, and the combination therapy with durvalumab and tremelimumab resulted in a complete response, which we consider to be a valuable case.
Assessing the Current Demography and Future Shape of a Minority Sub-Population: the Case of Liverpool UK Jewry
Authors: Sapiro Philip
Published: October 2024

The paper sets out how a small religion-based sub-population based in a UK city, Liverpool Jewry, underpinned its planning for the future in the light of its reducing size and the consequent strain on the community’s infrastructure and resources. This was achieved by carrying out a voluntary census to provide information on the community’s current size (about 1800 individuals living in 900 households) and its age profile, household types and other characteristics. The census questions were designed to provide data that allowed future population projections to be developed. The low number of births in the community necessitated the devising of a novel approach to the fertility assessment, though mortality rates were derived in a traditional way. In particular, the various elements of migration were investigated via historical information and stated preference responses. The analysis facilitated the estimation of levels of future demand for educational, youth, cultural, religious, welfare and burial services, and the community’s ability to continue to provide those services. Whilst the subject of this paper is the Jewish community in the city of Liverpool, the approach set out here could be adopted by other minority groups, whether shrinking, growing or stable, in other localities and in other countries.
Methods for separating the noise produced by the wheels and track during a train pass-by
Authors: Thompson David , Zhao Dong , Squicciarini Giacomo , Toward Martin , Cierco Ester , Jansen Erwin , Dittrich Michael
Published: October 2024

Rolling noise is produced by vibration of the wheels and track, induced by their combined surface roughness. It is important to know the relative contributions of the different sources, as this affects noise control strategies as well as acceptance testing of new rolling stock. Three different techniques are described that aim to use pass-by measurements to separate the wheel and track components of rolling noise. One is based on the TWINS model, which is tuned to measured track vibration. The second is based on the advanced transfer path analysis method, which provides an entirely experimental assessment. The third is based on the pass-by analysis method in combination with static vibroacoustic transfer functions which are obtained using a reciprocity method. The development of these methods is described and comparisons between them are presented using the results from three experimental measurement campaigns. These covered a metro train, a regional train and a high-speed train at a range of speeds. The various methods agree reasonably well in terms of overall trends, with moderate agreement in the mid-frequency region, and less consistent results at low and high frequency.
Communicative AI Agents in Mathematical Task Design: A Qualitative Study of GPT Network Acting as a Multi-professional Team
Authors: Schorcht Sebastian , Peters Franziska , Kriegel Julian
Published: October 2024

This study explores the application of communicative AI agents, specifically a network of customized generative pretrained transformer agents, in designing mathematical tasks. It focuses on how these AI agents, functioning as a multi-professional team, can perform mathematical task design (concerning a collection of task activities and not curriculum materials/textbooks) through collaborative and context-aware communication. Concentrating on four perspectives—mathematical depth, language sensitivity, natural differentiation, and competence orientation—four different AI agents were instructed to evaluate and modify six mathematical tasks based on individual research knowledge bases. In a consensus-seeking process, the AI agents were connected via a chat chain, prompting multiple iterations to modify the tasks. The output (six AI-modified tasks) was then evaluated by six in-service teachers as human experts by making them choose blindly between the original and the AI-modified tasks and by then analyzing the additional comments to their decisions in qualitative content analysis. Furthermore, the AI-modified tasks were rated on a multidimensional Likert scale. The results indicate that for the AI-modified tasks, achieving a balance between substantial text generation and precise task formulation is crucial and was not always found in the GPT network output. At the same time, the combination of the four AI agents was able to enrich the tasks with potential solution approaches and specific calls to action.
Problematic Social Media Use, Retaliation, and Moral Disengagement in Cyberbullying and Cybervictimization Among Italian Preadolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Colella Gianluca Mariano , Palermiti Anna Lisa , Bartolo Maria Giuseppina , Servidio Rocco Carmine , Costabile Angela
Published: October 2024

Despite existing research on the factors associated with problematic social media use (PSMU), cyberbullying (CB), and cybervictimization (CV) among youth, few studies have explored the relationships between these variables. Rooted in the Maladaptive Coping Theory, this study investigates the complex dynamics of digital behaviors among Italian preadolescents, exploring the interplay between PSMU, moral disengagement, retaliation, and their connections with cyberbullying and cybervictimization. A total of 489 participants (Mage = 11.90, SD = 0.783; 50.3% female) from schools in southern Italy completed an online self-report questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were conducted and correlations between variables were computed. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using PROCESS in SPSS 27.0. The results of the study indicated that PSMU positively predicted both CB and CV. Moral disengagement (MD) was identified as a mediator in this association, elucidating the role of justifications and cognitive restructuring in facilitating negative online behaviors. Most notably, retaliation emerged as a moderator that amplified the effects of PSMU on cyberbullying and cybervictimization. These findings underscore the pivotal role of PSMU in shaping digital landscapes for preadolescents and highlight the need for tailored interventions. In addition, they highlight MD as a maladaptive coping strategy in the online realm, revealing its instrumental role in perpetuating negative online behaviors. This study’s insights suggest the need for interventions to address the complexity of young people’s online interactions and promote a safer digital environment.
Germination process impact on proximate, minerals, and phytochemicals of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat
Authors: Kassegn Hagos Hailu , Hshe Brtukan Gidey , Meresa Birhanu Kahsay , Berhe Mihret Hadgu , Tadesse Haftay Abraha
Published: October 2024

In this study we aimed to determine germination time impact on the proximate, minerals and phytochemicals content of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat grow in Southern highland of Tigray. Germination evenly affected protein, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, zinc, and phenolic. It also inversely affected the fiber, fat, ash, tannin, and anthocyanin content of the colored cereals. The crude protein content of raw cereals, which ranged from 6.30 to 8.40% increased after germination to 6.60–8.90%. Mineral element of mature cereals varied across cultivars and their level increased (171.4–223.3 to 227.3–249.8 mg/100 g) after germination. After 72 h germination time, condensed tannin concentration decreased from 2.27 to 5.24 into 0.20–3.6 mg GAE per 100 g. The phenolic content tripled from 63.5 to 189.6 mg GAE per 100 g in germinated samples. Anthocyanin of raw whole purple colored-barley had highest value (303.0 mg GAE/100 g) and followed by raw purple colored wheat (266.0 mg GAE/ 100 g). Both purple colored-barley and -wheat showed decreased TAC after germination, along with changes in protein, mineral and tannin. When after germination, it drastically decreased into 207.2 and 137.4 mg GAE/100 g. Germinated cereal which had higher protein and mineral content showed very strong positive correlation. A germination process should be accounted for improved utilization of these purple-colored cereals might be best alternative sources of malt. While germination inversely influenced to anthocyanins. Thus, it is vulnerable molecules that require special stabilization treatments during food preparation and processing.
Bayesian Social Science Statistics
Authors: Gill Jeff , Bao Le
Published: October 2024

In this Element, the authors introduce Bayesian probability and inference for social science students and practitioners starting from the absolute beginning and walk readers steadily through the Element. No previous knowledge is required other than that in a basic statistics course. At the end of the process, readers will understand the core tenets of Bayesian theory and practice in a way that enables them to specify, implement, and understand models using practical social science data. Chapters will cover theoretical principles and real-world applications that provide motivation and intuition. Because Bayesian methods are intricately tied to software, code in both R and Python is provided throughout.
Hydropower Nation
Authors: Ding Xiangli
Published: October 2024

China has the largest electricity generation capacity in the world today. Its number of large dams is second to none. Xiangli Ding provides a historical understanding of China's ever-growing energy demands and how they have affected its rivers, wild species, and millions of residents. River management has been an essential state responsibility throughout Chinese history. In the industrial age, with the global proliferation of concrete dam technology, people started to demand more from rivers, particularly when required for electricity production. Yet hydropower projects are always more than a technological engineering enterprise, layered with political, social, and environmental meaning. Through an examination of specific hydroelectric power projects, the activities of engineers, and the experience of local communities and species, Ding offers a fresh perspective on twentieth-century China from environmental and technological perspectives.
Urothelial genotoxicity of environmental chemicals detected in the urine of healthy dogs and their owners
Authors: Peterson Hannah M. , Holler Jenna C. , Boswell Abby , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Major risk factors for urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) in people are smoking and occupational exposures. However, up to 30% of human UCC risk is still unexplained. Pet dogs develop UCC that models the clinical behavior of muscle-invasive human UCC. Dogs may therefore provide a useful model for non-tobacco, nonoccupational UCC risk. We previously found that nonsmoking human subjects and their pet dogs share exposures to the urothelial carcinogens acrolein and arsenic. We hypothesized that these urinary exposures would reach genotoxic concentrations in some individuals.

Methods:

We exposed immortal and primary human and canine urothelial cells in vitro to acrolein and inorganic arsenic and used the γ-H2AX and comet assays to measure DNA damage.

Results:

For acrolein, we found a genotoxic threshold of 1.1–4.4 μM in human cells and a threshold of 20.0–55.6 μM in canine cells. These findings are consistent with potentially genotoxic urinary acrolein exposures in 51% of healthy human subjects and 17% of pet dogs previously surveyed. For inorganic arsenic, we found a genotoxic threshold of ≥10 μM in canine and human cell lines. No healthy human or canine subject reached these urinary inorganic arsenic exposures when assayed at a single time point.

Conclusions:

Non-tobacco, nonoccupational acrolein exposures could increase the risk of early urothelial DNA damage in both people and pet dogs. Ongoing studies will assess these chemical exposures in the setting of UCC in both human and canine patients.
Humanitarian Surgery in 21st Century Armed Conflict
Authors: Wild Hannah
Published: October 2024

Modern 21st century armed conflict is characterized by a proliferation of nonstate armed groups, asymmetric warfare, and increased explosive threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), barrel bombs, and cluster munitions. Over the course of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, casualty data analysis of preventable deaths led to a radical restructuring of military trauma care through the Joint Trauma System. These changes increased survival among critically injured casualties in Afghanistan from 2.2 to 39.9% from 2001–2017. Many of these practices have been incorporated into civilian trauma systems in high-resource settings (e.g., bystander tourniquet application for hemorrhage control, damage control resuscitation and use of whole blood, trauma registries to benchmark outcomes and quality improvement). In contrast, the structure of humanitarian surgical care in conflict remains largely unchanged. This talk synthesizes gaps and opportunities to translate advances made in military and high-resource trauma systems to humanitarian care in low-resource settings to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality among civilians in conflict.

Learning Objectives

Provide an overview of the unique demographic populations and surgical conditions (including both trauma and non-traumatic emergencies) encompassed by humanitarian surgical care.

Synthesize the evidence base on (a) civilian conflict casualty epidemiology and (b) trauma intervention in low-resource settings to provide a framework for context-appropriate translation of trauma care advances in military and high-resource settings to low-resource conflict settings.

Highlight gaps and opportunities for targeted research and operational interventions to improve care for vulnerable subpopulations (e.g., pediatric patients, burn victims), leveraging enhanced coordination between the health and protection clusters.
Comparing International Military Response to COVID Utilizing Three Interoperability Frameworks
Authors: Davis Terri
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic created a public health crisis worldwide. Healthcare workers became sick at a time when hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, leaving critical staffing shortages. International governments instructed their military assets to fill gaps in care and to initiate projects to promote public health efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique international military response to a biologic disaster.

Objective

This literature review highlights the non-conflict assets allocated, abilities utilized, projects completed, overall effectiveness, and lessons learned by the military community worldwide to support their local populace. This collated information is then compared using three interoperability frameworks to assess government responses. This data is then extrapolated to give recommendations for future civil-military actions occurring after climate change related disruption of healthcare delivery systems.

Methods

Medline (PubMed), SCOPUS, and CINAHL were searched for English language articles from 2020 with terms focused on the military, COVID-19, and collaboration. After data collection, the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Program, Operational Interoperability Maturity Model, and Homeland Security Interoperability Continuum frameworks were utilized to evaluate collaboration and coordination between governments and military in response to the disaster.

Results and Conclusion

Data collection has been completed. Analysis and conclusion planned for completion by November 2023.
How Conflict Zone Trauma Stabilization Points Translate to the Resource Constrained MCI Response
Authors: Salio Flavio
Published: October 2024

Modern warfare has challenged the way in which far-forward medical assistance is provided in such settings. Since the existing approach and tools are insufficient for the changing landscape and humanitarian assistance, steps need to be taken to support an appropriate response. Of particular importance is the revision of a curriculum that fits the civilian medical system and facilitates its adaptation to the context and available resources.

Learning Objectives

Present the correlation between the asymmetry in warfare, the implementation of an integrated trauma system and its application in the management of civilian casualties.

Understand how lessons from the implementation of trauma care close to the frontlines contribute to generate a model for the provision of trauma care in asymmetric conflict.
Strike Insurance: The Labor Question and the Limits of Insurance
Authors: Kaminski Robert
Published: October 2024

Turn-of-the-century America witnessed many forgotten risk-making experiments that probed the limits of insurability by stepping beyond the familiar fields of life, fire, and marine insurance. One attempted to underwrite firms’ lost profits during strikes.

The ensuing debates on strike insurance’s practicability revealed scientistic expectations of never-ending actuarial progress that united an otherwise-divided business community. Yet attempting to realize strike insurance quickly meant grappling with the limits of insurability. Labor strife’s fuzzy causality involving human agency forestalled the homogenous classification that underlay actuaries’ averaging. Thus, strike underwriters sidestepped actuarial ratemaking to offer uniform premiums to those deemed acceptable risks. This solution not only left them susceptible to adverse selection and moral hazard but also highlighted the limits of insurers’ ability to transform uncertainty into commoditized risk, more broadly.

Recognizing these limits has important historiographical implications. Based largely on studies of life insurance—the gold standard of insurability—the rise of financial risk management has claimed a central place in the history of American capitalism. This literature thus threatens to obscure the ongoing significance of unclassifiable, unquantifiable uncertainty. Uncovering forgotten risk-making projects like attempts to establish strike insurance, where Americans grappled with the limits of insurability, is thus a crucial corrective.